The Association of Niger Delta Monarchs of Nigeria (ANDMON) has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government, multinational organisations, and other stakeholders to drive development in the Niger Delta region.
The monarchs, who gathered in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Friday, signed a statement calling for accelerated development in all towns and villages in the Niger Delta.
The statement, signed by six prominent monarchs from the Niger Delta region, including HRM Anthony Ogbogbo, HRM Felix Otuwariipo, HRM Eze Okwuodusah, HRM Ezenedani Nzeribe, HRM Agbabe Felix, and HRM Agolia Omoni, emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve regional development.
According to King Frank Okurakpo, Odhe II, Chairman of ANDMON, the region has been plagued by conflict and underdevelopment despite its rich oil reserves, noting that although the Federal Government has established agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to stimulate development, more needs to be done to address the region’s challenges.
He assured President Bola Tinubu of their support for his administration’s policies and programs aimed at fostering peace, security, and development in the region.
The call for collaboration comes as stakeholders gather for the Niger Delta Summit, which aims to promote sustainable development in the region through dialogue and constructive engagement.