Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to prioritize the region’s development in its advocacy efforts, focusing on addressing key socio-economic challenges rather than political distractions. During a visit by a PANDEF delegation led by Ambassador Godknows Igali to the Government House in Yenagoa, Diri reiterated his administration’s willingness to collaborate with the forum.
He emphasized the importance of PANDEF working closely with regional governors and agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the proposed South-South Development Commission to drive progress. Diri stated that the region should take responsibility for its own development, pointing to Bayelsa as an example.
As the newly appointed chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, Diri announced plans to create a desk and designate an official to liaise with PANDEF. He also discussed efforts to establish a power project for the region to attract investments and highlighted his administration’s initiatives, including the procurement of an independent power plant and ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the central senatorial road to Oporoma and a bridge across River Nun to Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Ambassador Igali expressed PANDEF’s support for the South-South Governors Forum, which aims to strengthen the region’s position in national discussions. He also shared plans to establish working groups to study strategic issues and present findings to the BRACED Commission. Igali congratulated Diri on his new role and called for continued political backing for PANDEF.
