…HRM King Dakolo Commends PANDEF Leadership for High Performance

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — The National Executive Council of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Ambassador Godknows Igali (OON), has received royal blessings from the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers during a courtesy visit to the council in Yenagoa.

During the visit, Ambassador Igali highlighted PANDEF’s role as the apex socio-political body for the South-South geopolitical zone, emphasizing its mission to represent the region’s interests and foster unity. He noted that despite the region’s linguistic diversity, PANDEF has unified the voices of Niger Delta people.

Ambassador Igali urged the region to prioritize agricultural development, drawing a parallel with Vietnam’s successful rice cultivation industry. “We, Niger Deltans, can feed ourselves,” he said.

He also called for the oil and gas industry to show greater respect for the people of the Niger Delta, whether operating onshore or offshore. Igali reiterated the urgent need for environmental cleanup, warning that restoring the devastated ecosystem could take up to 30 years.

The PANDEF National Chairman firmly opposed merging the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under the Ministry of Regional Development, arguing that it should remain an independent interventionist agency.

He further demanded that the next Chief Executive of the NNPCL be appointed from the South-South region. Igali revealed that PANDEF had formally submitted a memo to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to sign the South-South Development Commission Bill into law without delay.

HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the PANDEF National Executive for their vision and leadership. Describing the new exco members as individuals with “high score cards,” he expressed confidence in their ability to attract development to the region.

The king advised PANDEF to adopt strategies that would prevent exploitation of Niger Deltans. He likened the region to a porcupine, which, though small, cannot be trampled by larger animals.

HRM Dakolo urged the federal government to establish a Riverine Marine Safety Corps for the region, similar to the Federal Road Safety Corps, to address the unique safety challenges faced by riverine communities.

As a symbolic gesture, King Dakolo presented Ambassador Igali with two of his published books, including an award-winning empowerment title, as tools for PANDEF’s advocacy efforts.

The visit underscores PANDEF’s commitment to fostering collaboration with traditional institutions and advancing the development agenda of the Niger Delta region.

The statement was signed by PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Olorogun (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini, Ph.D.