Group Calls For Urgent Development Of Niger Delta

…Inaugurates Rivers State Chapters

By Kelechi Esogwa-Amadi

A group known as the Niger Delta Youths for Practical Development Worldwide (NDYPD), Rivers State Chapter, has called the attention of the federal government to the deplorable state of the Niger Delta region occasioned by years of neglect.

Speaking during the inauguration of the new leadership of the Rivers State chapter of the NDYPD, which took place in Port Harcourt on Saturday, the National Leader and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the group, Amb. Prince Tonye Jeminimiema called on the government to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta Region as soon as possible, adding that the region and her people have suffered a lot.

He advised the new executives to understand the mission and vision of NDYPD and work in line with them.

He said: “ The Niger Delta Youths for Practical Development is a registered, recognized, articulate and distinguished youth organization for the overall aims of repositioning the youths of the region for peace and productive service and stimulating economic and sustainable practical development in the region through reasonable partnership and non-violence approach.”

He also advised them to restrict their operations within the confines of NDYPD constitution.

The National President of Nigeria Welder’s Association, Comrade Hauwa Salihu, congratulated them on behalf of the association and called for partnership and collaboration for a better Niger Delta.

Mrs. Stella Akanwa of the Port Harcourt Area Command, Nigeria Police Force, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Zaki Ahmed, called on the newly sworn-in officials of NDYPD, Rivers State Chapter and the Local Government Chairmen of the State to be united, focused and collaborate with major stakeholders of the state in accordance with the constitution of the organization to deliver on their mandate.

Administering the Oath of Office, Barr. Ego of the Rivers State Judiciary charged the new executive council members of NDYPD, Rivers State chapter, under the leadership of Comrade ThankGod B. Dumnamene, to be proactive in the discharge of their duties.

In his acceptance speech, State Chairman, Comrade ThankGod B. Dumnamene, thanked the Congress and the electorate and all Niger Delta indigenes for the confidence reposed in them to pilot the affairs of the group, assuring that his administration will give priority to job creation, security and ensure that elected representatives of government utilize their funds for the development of their Constituencies.

The new exco members of the Rivers State chapter of NDYPD are: Comrade ThankGod Dumnamene – State Chairman, Comrade Uranta Michael – Deputy Chairman, Comrade Uchechi Blessing Okabie- State Secretary, Comrade Barnabas Udofia – Assistant Secretary, Comrade Benstowe Princewill Prince- State Director of Finance, Comrade Godwill Uzobo- Director of Treasury, Comrade Amarachi J. Okere – Director of Women Affairs and Special Duties, Comrade Sotonye Victor Ekine – Director of Publicity, Comrade Abite Loveday – Director of Security and Public Order, Comrade Queen Udoma – Deputy Director of Women Affairs and Special Duties, and Comrade Erasmus Tamunoiyowuna- Deputy Director of Security and Public Order, the Local Government Chapter Chairmen are: Comrade Solomon Harry – Degema, Comrade Augustine Okere Sunday – Etche, Comrade Charles Uranta – Opobo/Nkoro, Comrade Sotonye Graham-Douglas – Akuku-Toru, Comrade Ibe Ejike Godwin – Ikwerre, Comrade Ekeme Samuel Chidinma – Oyigbo, Comrade Evelyn Ipah – Abua/Odual, others are Comrade Gift Thomas – Okrika, Comrade Chisom F. Chinwo – Port Harcourt.

The event, which was chaired by HRH King (Amb.) Suanu T. Y. Baridam, JP, was attended by community youth leaders, non-indigenous youth organizations, state chapters of NDYPD, captains of industry, companies, corporate bodies, security agencies, local government, multinationals, and the press.

The event ended with the cutting of NDYPD anniversary cake to mark the group’s 11 years of existence in the Niger Delta Region.