Edo, Ondo state govts receive Niger Delta master plan

SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

GOVERNMENTS of Ondo and Edo states in the Western Niger Delta have endorsed the Niger Delta Development Master Plan, pledging their full support in realization of the projects objectives.

Head of Corporate Affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr CON Atako, stated this in a statement that governors of the two states have expressed full commitment to work with all stakeholders in the implementation of the master plan.

According to him, the Edo State Governor, Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor, said at the presentation of the master plan in Benin that the development blueprint must be accepted by stakeholders as an article of faith.

The presentation of the master plan to the state government was led by NDDC’s Executive Director in charge of projects, Mr Benia Ojum.

Appraising the document, Osunbor said the NDDC’s ability to come up with a comprehensive master plan represents a new phase in its endeavour in redressing the problems of the region.

He said the implementation of the master plan has become more pertinent now as the people of the region want to see more development projects now that the plan is in place.

"It is a question of translating these ideas into reality, by seeing to the prompt and efficient implementation of the Master Plan, particularly in the areas of physical and tangible actions being taken on the ground," he said.

While noting that the Master Plan poses a great challenge to all stakeholders, Gov. Osunbor hinged its success on good governance and leadership, which he said have been lacking.

"That is really what it takes, and that is what has been lacking over the decades. Once we recognize that, and commit ourselves with diligence and sincerity to implementing this master plan in all the various sectors and ramifications, and with all hands on deck, I believe sooner, rather than later, we will begin to see positive results."