Niger Delta :  Minister Abubakar Momoh Marks One Year In Office, Showcases Infrastructure And Youth Empowerment Achievements

Niger Delta :  Minister Abubakar Momoh Marks One Year In Office, Showcases Infrastructure And Youth Empowerment Achievements

The Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, has marked his first year in office with a significant review of the accomplishments and strides made under his leadership. Addressing members of the press, the Minister outlined the numerous infrastructure projects and youth empowerment initiatives that have been launched and completed across the Niger Delta region, emphasizing his commitment to sustainable development and economic growth.

Reflecting on his tenure, Minister Momoh noted that upon assuming office, he undertook a comprehensive tour of the Niger Delta, inspecting key projects and engaging with stakeholders to ensure that the Ministry’s efforts aligned with the needs of the region. This proactive approach has led to the completion and commissioning of several critical infrastructure projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta.

Among the notable achievements highlighted by the Minister are the construction of vital road networks that have connected previously isolated communities. These include the 18.7km Gberegolor-Ogriagbene Road in Delta State, the 17.545km Okpuala-Iguruta Road Phase I in Imo State, the 2.5km Ntigha Umuopara Amuzu Akanu Ohanze Isiahia Road in Abia State, and the 3km Etinan Market Road/John Kirk Square Access Road in Akwa Ibom State. Additionally, the recently commissioned Nembe-Ogbia Road in Bayelsa State, a 27km stretch connecting more than 14 communities, represents a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. These projects, completed in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other stakeholders, are part of the Ministry’s broader goal of providing essential infrastructure to foster regional development.

In the realm of electricity and power initiatives, the Ministry has made remarkable progress in enhancing energy access across the region. Key initiatives include the installation of a 300kva transformer in Eteo Community, Eleme LGA, Rivers State, the provision of solar street lights in various communities across Delta, Cross River, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Edo States, and the commissioning of the Ode Erinje Power Substation in Ondo State, which ended a 15-year blackout in five local government areas. These projects are designed to promote industrial growth and improve the living conditions of the people in the Niger Delta.

The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to human capital development, focusing on youth and women’s empowerment. Over the past year, the Ministry launched skill acquisition programs in Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States, benefiting participants across the Niger Delta. These initiatives provided essential skills in agriculture, ICT, and various vocations. The Ministry also established youth skill acquisition centers in Delta State and supported the construction of health centers and primary school classrooms in Imo, Cross River, and Ondo States.

“The true wealth of any region lies in its people,” the Minister stated, highlighting the distribution of essential equipment to farmers and entrepreneurs, financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity and women’s economic empowerment. The Ministry has also provided ICT skill development and CBT centers with modern equipment for communities like Eket in Akwa Ibom State.

Environmental preservation has also been a top priority for the Ministry. Significant interventions have been made in critical areas to combat pollution, soil erosion, and flooding. Noteworthy projects include land reclamation and shoreline protection works in Bayelsa and Abia States, erosion control at Amogudu in Cross River State, and river bank protection in Itigidi, Cross River State. The Ministry has also embarked on land reclamation and erosion control projects at Ogudu Asa in Abia State and Nkwoagu-Isuochi in Abia State.

The Minister also touched on other significant milestones, such as the operationalization of the Electronic Content Management System (ECM) to promote transparency in government processes, and the successful coordination of the Niger Delta Business and Investment Summit, which aims to attract over $30 billion in foreign investments to the region.

As the Niger Delta continues to evolve, Minister Momoh reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Ministry’s mandates, ensuring that the region’s development remains on a progressive trajectory. He concluded by calling for the collective effort of all stakeholders to realize the vision of a prosperous and peaceful Niger Delta that significantly contributes to Nigeria’s overall development.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah serves as the Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister.