By Amos Odhe
As part of efforts to fasten the development of the Niger Delta Region, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has paid a visit to the senators representing the agency’s two catchment areas in Delta State.
The senators, Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central Senatorial District) and Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South), represent 18 local government areas of the Authority’s mandate area.
Prince Amgbare during the visit, which took place in Abuja solicited for support from the duo to actualise the mandate of the Authority, aimed at improving the living standard of people within its catchment areas.
“I am here to solicit your support, to improve the living standards of our people within the catchment area. We solicit your support, to help us actualise our mandate,” he said. .
During the discussions, which centered around the critical need to alleviate and elevate the livelihoods of the indigenes in the Niger Delta area, Prince Amgbare emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration between the NDBDA and the senators to address these concerns effectively.
He lamented that the Niger Delta, known for its vast natural resources and significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, faces numerous challenges, including environmental degradation, unemployment, and underdevelopment.
Highlighting several key areas where immediate intervention could significantly impact the lives of the indigenes, the NDBDA boss listed environmental restoration and protection, agricultural development, infrastructure improvement, youth empowerment and skill development, and community involvement in decision-making processes to ensure that projects are tailored to their specific needs and have long-term sustainability.
The Niger Delta, he said, has suffered extensive environmental damage due to oil exploration and other industrial activities, and proposed joint effort to clean up polluted areas, restore ecosystems and implement sustainable environmental practices.
He noted that with collaborative efforts on the above areas, “there is hope for a better future for the indigenes of Delta South and Central, ultimately leading to a more prosperous Niger Delta region.”
Responding , the two senators expressed their commitment to working closely with the NDBDA and other stakeholders to implement these initiatives.
They acknowledged the vital role of the Niger Delta in the national economy and the need to prioritize the welfare of its people.
