The Ministry of Niger Delta has announced the conclusion of a single project in almost a decade of existence.
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Uguru Usani
The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has announced the successful completion of its first governmental project within its 8-years of existence after being created by the late President Musa Umaru Yar'dua in the heydays of intense Niger Delta militancy to bring government closer to the people.
The humble announcement was made on Monday by the honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Uguru Usani in Abuja while addressing the News Agency of Nigeria.
It has two ministers previously – Ufot Ekaette and Godsday Orubebe – both of who are from the oil-rich region as the incumbent.
Mr. Usani said it was regrettable that no project had been commissioned or completed since the establishment of the ministry in 2008, except a cassava processing plant in Ondo State by the present administration.
He decried the destruction of oil facilities by Niger Delta Avengers, arguing that no matter the provocation, it was wrong for the group to destroy the environment that bore the people`s heritage.
He said the region was everybody’s business and that no personal or collective interest was worth the destruction of oil pipelines in the region.
“Let’s come together as one to protect our communities; let’s preach love, peace, tolerance, patience and dialogue with one another,” Mr. Usani said.
“Let’s convince ourselves that it is our region and that we have nowhere to go to, if we destroy it.”
The minister urged the people of the region to support the President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that they had benefitted more from it him than any other Nigerian president.