PANDEF Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Demands Urgent Infrastructure Upgrade in South-South

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, while calling for greater federal attention to infrastructure and environmental challenges confronting the South-South region.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Amb. Godknows B. Igali, PANDEF extended its felicitations to the Governors and people of the South-South, as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youths, commending the region’s leadership for sustaining peace, development and social welfare.

The group acknowledged the infrastructural and human development efforts of the six South-South states despite the region’s difficult terrain, noting that several areas are waterlogged and require significant investment to overcome their infrastructural challenges.

PANDEF also commended the contributions of intervention agencies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Niger Delta Basin Development Authority and Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), to development in the region.

However, the forum urged the Federal Government to urgently address the deteriorating road network across the Niger Delta, describing the situation as having reached a national emergency. It also called for renewed attention to environmental remediation following decades of oil pollution and gas flaring in the region.

PANDEF further appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for the peace, unity and progress of the country, stressing that sustainable national development requires collective commitment and divine guidance.

The forum wished Nigerians a peaceful Independence Anniversary and expressed hope for greater development and prosperity across the country.

— Amb. Godknows B. Igali
National Chairman, PANDEF