As Nigeria approaches its 64th Independence Day celebration, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, has made a passionate appeal to the people of the Niger Delta to steer clear of any planned protests on October 1. Speaking at a stakeholders' interactive session, Otuaro emphasized that the region must not allow itself to be used for ulterior motives, stressing the need for sustained peace to attract investment and development.
Otuaro's call comes amid rumors of protests circulating in the region. He urged the people to focus on partnership and progress, rather than protests that may drive away investors. According to him, the protests of the past have only brought negative consequences, including scaring away investors and stalling economic development in the region. Those times that we have been protesting, all the investors ran away, he said.
He emphasized the need for peace, noting that the Niger Delta has much to gain by fostering a conducive environment for growth. Otuaro highlighted that the region is a key player in Nigeria’s economic landscape and that ensuring peace is a crucial step in continuing to attract investments under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Acknowledging the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, especially in the Niger Delta, Otuaro assured the people that these challenges will soon fizzle out. He admitted that the changes being implemented by the federal government have affected people's pockets but urged patience, as these reforms are necessary for long term development.
Nobody will argue the fact that the changes or the reforms that are going on are not affecting our pockets, but these are things that will fizzle out, he explained. Otuaro reassured the people that the present administration is committed to resolving economic challenges while urging them to resist the temptation to engage in protests, which could derail progress.
Otuaro also provided an update on the 2025 budget, stating that efforts are underway to review the budget upward to accommodate more beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme. He reiterated the importance of continuous engagement and dialogue to address issues affecting the Niger Delta, such as the inclusion of more stakeholders and the expansion of opportunities for women and youth.
In the 2025 budgetary year, our budget will be reviewed upward to accommodate more people, accommodate more women, and accommodate more stakeholders who were not carried along, he said.
Otuaro assured the region that the federal government remains committed to their welfare, particularly in education, vocational training, and employment. He noted that the educational programme is being expanded to ensure that more youths from the region receive scholarships and vocational training opportunities.
The session saw stakeholders from various parts of the Niger Delta pledging to mobilize their communities against any form of protest. They echoed Otuaro's call for unity, peace, and development, agreeing that the region must remain a partner in the growth of Nigeria rather than a source of disruption.
Otuaro concluded by emphasizing that the ongoing peace in the Niger Delta is essential for both regional and national development. He urged the people to continue working with the government to ensure that the region thrives under the current administration. It is this peace that will bring more growth and more commitment to the development of the region, he said.
The Niger Delta, a region with a rich history of activism and protests, now faces a critical choice. Deputy Governor Otuaro's message is clear: the time for protests is over, and the time for peace, progress, and partnership is here. By rejecting the call for protests on October 1 and embracing dialogue and development, the Niger Delta is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s future under President Tinubu's administration.