ASABA—GOVERNOR lfeanyi Okowa of Delta State has challenged governments of Niger Delta states to harness the region’s natural resources for sustainable growth and development. Speaking in Asaba during a 2-day Niger Delta Development Forum, NDDF, Okowa stressed the need for collaborative efforts towards speedy growth of the region.

He said: “The principal objective of policy making should be to design strategies and programmes that will engender inclusive growth and sustainable development.

This is the focus of our administration. This forum is an important platform for the various states in the region to focus on challenges and issues of common interest, foster more dynamic and equitable arrangement for regional prosperity and deepen our collaboration for using the region’s natural resources for inclusive growth and sustainable development.”

He appealed to the participants at the forum to identify areas of co- operation among states and suggest ways to achieve economic diversification, inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Dan Abia, said collaborative efforts were necessary for the growth of the Niger Delta.

Osinbajo said: “This is the time for all cadres of public, political, communal and private sector leadership to show a sincere desire and uncanny ability to design and protect the integrity of the developmental process in the Niger Delta region.”

Mr. Micheal Harvey of the United States Agency For International Development, USAID and Deputy Governor, Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, called on all stakeholders in the region to focus on the provision of infrastructure development, peace and security to encourage investors to come to the region.

Source: Vanguard