President Bola Tinubu has assured citizens that his administration is committed to delivering lasting progress across all regions and defeating terrorism and other security threats across the country.
The President gave the assurance on Wednesday while hosting leaders of the Ogbia Kingdom in Bayelsa State at the State House, Abuja.
The Nigerian leader assured the delegation that his administration remains resolute in confronting terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity threatening parts of the country.
He said security forces are making steady progress despite the challenges.
“No matter how long, success is being achieved. We are prosecuting them, arresting them and neutralising some of them, and we will continue to do that. Men and women of the armed forces are fighting very hard to bring peace and stability to the country, and I can guarantee you we will win over terrorism,” President Tinubu said.
Niger-Delta Region Development
While acknowledging the historical marginalisation of the oil-producing area, the President stressed that dwelling on past grievances would do little to alter its future prospects.
President Tinubu called for a re-shifted focus of the Niger-Delta region to collaboration, determination and measurable progress, urging the leaders of the Niger Delta region to look beyond years of neglect and work constructively with his administration to fast-track development in the region.
“We cannot excuse the neglect of the past, but living in the past will do us no good, except wr take it and run with it now, carefully,” Tinubu said.
He assured the delegation that his administration would work closely with Niger Delta indigenes serving in government, particularly the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to deepen development efforts in the region.
Referring to the Niger Delta as “the goose that lays the golden egg,” the President admitted that past administrations had not sufficiently addressed the region’s challenges, but noted that a window of opportunity now exists to redress the shortcomings.
President Tinubu lauded Dr Ogbuku as “a transformative, committed and highly focused” public servant whose passion for national service has helped refocus attention on the development needs of the Niger Delta.
“Your son, Dr Ogbuku, the MD of the NDDC, is a transformative, committed, highly focused MD. His commitment to duty and love for the nation are noticed by all, including myself,” Tinubu said.
He assured the delegation that infrastructure projects across the region, including roads, street lighting and other community-level interventions, would be sustained.
“You mentioned the street lights, the roads, the infrastructure development. We will continue with that, and we won’t let you down,” he said, commending the people of the Niger Delta for their contributions to Nigeria’s development in both human and material resources, as well as their commitment to peace.
The President explained that his administration was already witnessing tangible impacts of ongoing Niger Delta programmes, particularly in expanding economic activities through solar lighting and other initiatives that have extended business hours and improved livelihoods in previously underserved communities.
“When we watch Niger Delta programmes, I see market women and traders enjoying solar light at night in places where before, communities went to sleep by 6:30 or 7pm. That has changed,” he said, stating that such interventions align with his broader goal of ensuring that ordinary Nigerians feel the benefits of economic recovery.
National Economy
Further speaking on the National Economy, the Nigerian Leader noted that the national economy, which, according to the President, was in a dire state when his administration took office, has now “turned the corner for good,” he emphasised that the priority is to translate macro-economic improvements into real gains for people at the grassroots.
Responding to specific requests from the Ogbia leaders, the President assured them that issues such as erosion control, bridge construction and other infrastructure critical to economic growth would be addressed.
He also pledged support for educational and historical initiatives, including plans to immortalise Oloibiri as the site of Nigeria’s first oil discovery through the establishment of a dedicated institute.
“We will look into the erosion and tame it. On the bridge, that is infrastructure that promotes economy and progress. We’ll see to that and other areas of collaboration,” he said.
The Nigerian leader said he would continue to work closely with Dr Ogbuku and relevant legislators to advance the region’s development agenda.
Tinubu also paid tribute to former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as “a good leader and a good son of Nigeria,” and pledged to continue honouring his commitment to democratic values, justice and fairness.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the concerns raised by the Ogbia leaders and expressed confidence that sustained cooperation would help unlock the Niger Delta’s full potential and strengthen national stability.
PIAK