By Daniel Abia, P/Harcourt

A frontline traditional ruler in Ogoni, Chief Anthony Waadah, the Gbenemene of Legbo Kingdom and President of the Ogoni Business owners Association in America, OBOA has promised a massive infrastructure in the oil-rich area of Rivers state to curb restiveness and promote job opportunities.

Chief Waadah disclosed that he is currently investing heavily in critical sectors such as entertainment, sports, education, health and agriculture to ensure economic independence and sustainable livelihoods for Ogoni people, assuring that his efforts are not politically motivated.

“I have no political ambition. What I do is born out of my desire to give back to society and to help rewrite the story of Ogoniland,” he stated.

Reflecting on the long years of hardship faced by the Ogoni people, the traditional ruler said sustained investment in human capital remains the most effective way to address marginalization and underdevelopment.

“Our people have suffered tremendously. Investing in Ogoniland and in our people is the surest path to transformation,” he said.

Speaking at an event of conferment of Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development, peace building and youth empowerment across Ogoniland, Chief Waadah said he would do all within his reach to give good life to Ogoni people.

National Coordinator of Bane community youth coalition, Egere Kpughinaneea Nwiluka. Who presented the award described Chief Waadah as a selfless leader whose personal sacrifices and investments have continued to positively impact the lives of youths and communities in Khana Local Government Area and the wider Ogoni nation.

“Chief Anthony Waadah has consistently given back to his people from his hard-earned resources. He has created platforms for job creation, empowerment and capacity building for Ogoni youths, and we believe such commitment deserves recognition,” Nwiluka said.

He added that the Coalition of Khana Youths is willing to partner with the monarch in programmes and initiatives aimed at accelerating development in the Local Government Area.

Receiving the award, Chief Waadah expressed deep appreciation to the youths for finding him worthy of the honour, describing it as a motivation to do even more for society.

“This award will spur me to give back more to my people,” he said. “My vision is to see every Ogoni youth, woman and man empowered with skills, education and businesses so that we can collectively drive poverty out of Ogoniland.”

Chief Waadah also used the occasion to advise youths to demand their rights legitimately, peacefully and nonviolently from those in positions of authority.

“Youths must not allow themselves to be used as tools for political thuggery or destruction,” he cautioned. “Instead, they should engage constructively in the democratic process by voting out corrupt and incompetent leaders who have nothing to offer the people.”