1 month ago
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The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, has called on Nigerian youth to utilize the government initiatives set aside for the progress of the country. This was stated in a recent address with the state house correspondents.
In his address, Momoh urged young people to refrain from protests and instead take advantage of the various youth initiatives launched by the government. He emphasized that while the right to protest is recognized, it should not lead to chaos or destruction.
Momoh encouraged the youth to engage with programs aimed at alleviating their challenges and contributing positively to the nation’s development. He expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to improving the lives of young people, stating, “The country is yours, and the future is yours. Let us build together rather than destroy.”
He highlighted the numerous projects and welfare programs initiated in the Niger Delta and across the country, asserting that these initiatives provide valuable opportunities for empowerment and growth.
He further continued, “We are very fortunate to have President Ahmed Tinubu, who is deeply committed to the overall development of the country, regardless of the region.
We know that numerous projects are underway across the country, projects that were never attempted by previous administrations, despite the current government’s limited resources. I am surprised, and I wonder if you see what is happening under this administration.
What we have observed is that it appears the majority of Nigerians, particularly the youth, are not very familiar with the various programs implemented to alleviate their suffering in this country.
Starting with my region, the Niger Delta, I think the President has done a lot. I don’t think anyone from the Niger Delta area would find it necessary to protest against bad governance.
The number of projects executed in the South-South region, particularly the Niger Delta, within this one year cannot be compared to what has happened in the past four years. For instance, you recently watched us on the screen commissioning projects in the Niger Delta area.
The Okitipupa electricity project, which I recently commissioned, is a project that had been stalled for a very long time. For 15 years, about seven local governments were never connected to the national grid. This administration, with Mr. President’s intervention and necessary directives, ensured that all such abandoned projects were completed. The Managing Director of the NDDC was instructed to complete these projects, and now, those local governments are connected.
Additionally, the Ogbia/Nembe road, which includes seven bridges and 25 culverts in the heart of the Niger Delta, was recently commissioned despite the region’s flooding issues. A 600-meter bridge across the river in Akwa Ibom State was also commissioned.
Apart from these projects, numerous welfare programs are ongoing. The Ministry has embarked on empowerment and welfare programs, and for the first time in the history of the Niger Delta Ministry, all empowerment programs were held in the various states of the Niger Delta.
Today, many women and youths have benefitted significantly. Furthermore, Mr. President has graciously approved the release of funds to address the flooded areas of the Niger Delta and provide palliatives to the people. In addition to what he has done for the state governments, a number of relief materials have been sent through various state governors to the people of Nigeria.
Unfortunately, only a few governors report this accordingly, while some may even claim the credit themselves.
Mr. President has taken far-reaching decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, which is a tremendous boost for the people of this country.
Regarding the Ogoni Kingdom cleanup, you may have heard doubts about its progress. However, I wish you could see the massive infrastructure currently being undertaken by this administration in the Ogoni area. The Ogoni Centers of Excellence and their facilities are unmatched by any university in Nigeria.”
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“I don’t think there is anybody, including the President of this country, who would consider protesting a sin. However, what we are emphasizing is that in the name of protest, do not cause mayhem or destroy the properties of innocent citizens. The freedom to protest has its limits; you do not have the freedom to protest and cause extensive destruction.
To the youth: the country is yours, and the future is yours. If you destroy what you will depend on in the future, it becomes a serious problem.
I appeal to the youth of this country to take advantage of the numerous youth programs initiated by this government. Even the Federal Government has introduced a scheme whereby graduates who have completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and are not employed will receive a specific amount of money until they find employment. This has never happened under any previous administration.”
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