PANDEF inaugurates Lagos chapter, calls for Niger Delta unity

LAGOS — The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has inaugurated its Lagos State section and enforcement committee, with a telephone for unity among Niger Deltans crossed Nigeria to code issues of marginalisation and underdevelopment successful the region.

Speaking astatine the interactive gathering with Niger Deltans successful Lagos, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said the forum was established to springiness the radical of the Niger Delta a corporate voice.

He stressed that unity was captious for meaningful progress. “We indispensable talk with 1 dependable alternatively of separately arsenic Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ibibio, Efik, Edo, oregon Isoko. Only past tin we face the challenges of marginalisation and unafraid purposeful improvement for our people,” Igali said.

Igali recalled however Niger Delta leaders had historically fought for designation and rights, citing the instauration of the aged Midwest State and the much caller presumption of PANDEF’s 16-point request to President Muhammadu Buhari. He besides noted that PANDEF was founded successful 2016 nether the enactment of Chief Edwin Clark, with the backing of eminent accepted rulers and statesmen.

Looking ahead, the PANDEF Chairman announced plans for a Niger Delta taste festival successful Lagos and the constitution of a South-South Investment Fund to promote determination investments successful some lipid and non-oil sectors.

Responding connected behalf of Lagos-based Niger Deltans, Prof. Hope Eghagha highlighted concerns astir neglected infrastructure specified arsenic the East-West Road and abandoned projects including the Ogidigben Gas Industrial Park. He besides urged the national authorities to guarantee fairness and justness successful addressing information and governance matters affecting the region.

The recently inaugurated interim Lagos enforcement is led by Prof. Eghagha (Delta State) arsenic Chairman, alongside Chief Patrick Iyang (Cross River, Deputy Chairman), Prince Emmanuel Anderson Ogan (Rivers, Secretary), Sylvester Ebhodaghe (Edo, Publicity Secretary), and Iwekumo Idris (Bayelsa, Woman Leader).

The ceremonial was conducted by Ambassador Igali connected behalf of the PANDEF National Executive Committee and Board of Trustees.

The station PANDEF inaugurates Lagos chapter, calls for Niger Delta unity appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.