August 13, (THEWILL) – The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council (NDENYC), has urged the Niger Delta Commission, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Federal Government, to ensure the completion of the East-West road without further delay.
The Council noted that the road, which is now a death trap, had been under construction for over 14 years and was yet to be completed.
The concerns of the group were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of the Niger Delta Youth Leaders Council, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, on Saturday.
The communiqué, which was signed by the President General of NDENYC, Comrade Terry Obieh and Secretary, Mr Henshaw Bassey, respectively, urged NDDC to focus on job creation for youths to stem restiveness in the region.
The youth council in the communiqué, also urged the commission to use creative means to tackle the scourge of water hyacinths along the waterways in the Niger Delta region.
They commended Dr Samuel Ogbuku for his innovative leadership and dedication to duty since his appointment as the Managing Director of the commission.
“Arising from our meeting designed to x-ray development issues about the Niger Delta region, vis-a-vis the NDDC’s critical role.
“We urge Dr Samuel Ogbuku to as a matter of urgency prioritise the completion of the East-West road that has been under construction for over 14 years and still counting in conjunction with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
“For we cannot anticipate the action of the youths in the nearest future as the road is becoming a death trap for commuters.
“In addition, in a bid to stem rising youth unemployment in the Niger Delta Region, NDDC is to focus more on job creation for the youths.
“This in our opinion will stem youth restiveness and help tackle and reduce crime in the region because empowerment programmes are the surest way to lure Niger Delta youths away from negative tendencies”, the communiqué stated.
The youth said they were committed to bringing a new beginning for the people of the region by establishing and defending a democratic system of government built on the foundations of social justice.
It added that the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council would ensure the promotion of a peaceful atmosphere for the smooth operation of companies, agencies, and other investors in the region.
“We are also committed to the promotion of good relations between traditional rulers and chiefs of the Niger Delta, the government, and other agencies responsible for the welfare of traditional rulers.
“In conclusion, the Niger Delta youths identify that the NDDC is the catalyst for the development of the region, and the commission should henceforth take the lead to show the pathway for sustainable development of the area, while we enjoin our people in Niger Delta to give the NDDC all the required supports to deliver on their mandate.”
