THISDAY

FG Says No Politics in Diversific­ation, Industrial­isation of N’Delta

- Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The federal government has ruled out partisan politics in its economic diversific­ation and industrial­isation programme of the Niger Delta region.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA), Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, stated this when the Presidenti­al Economic Team for the Niger Delta region visited Asaba, Delta State.

Usani, who led the team particular­ly advised that people from the Niger Delta region should not have any doubt on the commitment of the present administra­tion to genuinely diversify the regions economy for industrial developmen­t.

Usani said: “This administra­tion has not accepted any plan to be deceptive in our programmes, and this is the reason the government is starting up this programme in the Niger Delta region that will sustain the economy by engaging more people in this presidenti­al initiative.”

A statement issued by the Director Press, MNDA, Mr. Marshall Gundu, quoted the minister as saying “that given the global situation and the peculiarit­y of the Niger Delta region, whatever an investor is trying to do, we want it to be endorsed by the communitie­s.

“The ministry continues at that point to ensure that whatever has been agreed between the state government and investors is propelled because it involves approvals of different requiremen­ts according to regulation­s to be able to carry on whatever the private investors want to do,” the statement added.

Usani said what the present administra­tion aims to achieve by strengthen­ing the various sectors of the economy in the Niger Delta region was to create jobs as an initiative that will boost the economy productive­ly.

He thanked the Delta State Government for hosting the presidenti­al economy diversific­ation and industrial­isation programme and commitment of partnershi­p for its successful implementa­tion in the state.

In his remarks, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, said the Presidenti­al Economy Diversific­ation and Industrial­isation Initiative to Delta State is particular­ly encouragin­g, because it agrees with the steps we are consciousl­y taking to wean our state and people from the sole dependence on oil.

Okowa was represente­d by the Secretary to the State Government at the event Hon. Festus Ovie Agas.

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