The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has urged traditional rulers in the region to strengthen collaboration with the commission to drive sustainable development.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, made the appeal at the Annual Strategic Consultative Feedback Forum for Traditional Rulers in the Niger Delta, stressing that the guidance and support of traditional rulers were critical to sustainable development.
Speaking through the NDDC Executive Director of Corporate Governance, Ifedayo Abegunde, Ogbuku described monarchs as “essential partners” and said the forum provides a platform for traditional institutions to share community needs, helping the NDDC target critical areas for intervention.
“We cannot truly develop the Niger Delta without your guidance and input. You are the genuine voices of your people and the guardians of their hopes and dreams,” Ogbuku said.
He highlighted the role of monarchs in mediating conflicts, fostering dialogue, and ensuring grievances are addressed promptly, noting that peace is fundamental to development.
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King Felix Mujakperuo, National Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON), represented at the event by King Pere Luke Kalanama, reiterated that peace-building is essential for sustainable growth and called on monarchs to establish conflict management committees.
King Sergeant Awuse, Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, stressed the need for traditional rulers to be actively involved in project conception and execution to ensure meaningful community input.
Alfred Diette-Spiff, Amayanabo of Twon Brass, advocated for constitutional recognition of monarchs and suggested the Niger Delta could be developed into an industrial hub focusing on sectors such as marine, construction, agriculture, and fisheries.
The forum highlighted the consensus that peace, collaboration, and active engagement of traditional rulers are critical to achieving lasting development in the Niger Delta.