Chairman of Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Lauretta Onochie, has commended youth groups in the Niger Delta region for shunning violence in resolving issues affecting the oil-rich region.
Speaking when the Ogoni Youth Peace Movement paid her a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Onochie applauded the youths of the region for embracing non-violent approaches in conflict resolution and helping to tell a positive story of the region.
She said: “As long as the youths continue to keep the peace in the region, we, at the NDDC, will support you. It is gratifying to note that the youths of the Niger Delta are changing the narrative about the region.”
Onochie assured the NDDC governing board will fulfil the promises it made after its inauguration, noting: “We will ensure what belongs to the Niger Delta region is given to it. We will empower the women of the region.”
Earlier, President of Ogoni Youth Peace Movement, Nulai Tombari, said: “NDDC chairman was divinely appointed to bring succour to the youths and women of the Niger Delta region.”
He commended Onochie for her positive approach to issues affecting the region and called for closer ties between the NDDC and the youth movement to ensure greater impact.
The NDDC chairman also received a delegation from the Niger Delta Professional Forum (NDPF).
Onochie called on professionals in the region to educate the people about life outside crude oil and gas.
She said it was time that the people of the region shifted their focus from wealth derived from oil and gas to alternative sources such as electricity.
“Times have changed, oil is no longer the primary source of our wealth. There are alternative sources of energy today. We need your support as professionals to educate our young people about these changes.”
President of the Niger Delta Professionals Forum, Francis Obe-Mbieh, commended the NDDC chairman on her appointment and assured the NDDC of the group’s support for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.