Ondo most peaceful Niger Delta state, says Akeredolu

Ondo State Government is to host the second meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta (NCND) between August 7 and 12.

The first meeting was hosted by Akwa Ibom State Government in Uyo, the state capital, in 2013.

Inaugurating the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to organise successful meeting coming up in Akure, the state capital, at the weekend, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described Ondo as the most peaceful among the nine Niger Delta states.

He expressed optimism that the sunshine state will be the best host of the meeting among its counterparts.

Members of the committee include the Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Gbenga Edema, who will serve as its chairman, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor on Oil and Gas, Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, Kele Bolodeoku, Boye Oyewunmi, Mrs. Oyelade Olanrewaju, Oluranti  Netufo, Goke Ijatuase, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engineer Aminu and OSOPADEC Secretary, Dr. Victor Koledoye, who will also serve as LOC Secretary, among others.

Akeredolu said the National Council is a high level consultative body for the Niger Delta region and comprises representation from all states of the Federation, federal government, Ministries, Department and Agencies.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, said the government decided to inaugurate the LOC which is saddled with responsibility of delivering successful hosting.

The theme of the summit titled” Fast Tracking the Development and Peace of the Niger Delta  Region” is apt in the national history and development, considering many cries of marginalisation and anti-social behaviours, including rampant kidnapping in the country.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Gbenga Edema, assured of the readiness of the committee to give its best for the success of the forthcoming council meeting and do what will benefit the region in the future.

The event had in attendance, the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Ifedayo Abegunde, and Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Governor, Chief Gbenga Ale.