The Association of Niger Delta Monarchs of Nigeria (ANDMON) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the South South Development Commission (SSDC).
This move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the region’s long-standing development challenges.
According to ANDMON, the establishment of the SSDC demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to rapidly developing the Niger Delta region.
The monarchs believe that this initiative will surpass previous efforts, which have failed to achieve meaningful human capital and infrastructural development in the oil-rich region.
The Niger Delta region has faced numerous challenges, including insecurity, environmental degradation, and the impact of oil exploration on farmlands and fishing activities.
Despite carrying the burden of the country’s oil production for over six decades, the region has little to show for it, with previous interventions often being hijacked by political elites and opportunists.
ANDMON has urged President Tinubu to appoint individuals of impeccable character to the SSDC to prevent it from becoming a conduit for corruption.
The Royal Fathers believe that a well-structured collaboration between the SSDC, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the states in the region can bring about a new era of development and prosperity for the people.
This development is consistent with President Tinubu’s earlier commitment to addressing the concerns of the Niger Delta region.
During a meeting with the South-South Monarchs Forum, the President assured the traditional rulers that his administration would work to strengthen the region’s economy, address environmental degradation, and improve security.
The establishment of the SSDC is a welcome move, and its success will depend on the effective collaboration between the commission, the NDDC, and the states in the region.
As ANDMON Executive Chairman King Frank Okurakpo Odhe II noted, proper management of the SSDC will bring succour and rapid prosperity to the people of the Niger Delta region.
