The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has extended warm felicitations to the government and people of Nigeria on the celebration of the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. Speaking on behalf of the South-South region, PANDEF praised the resilience of the country and acknowledged the progress made despite years of daunting socio-economic and political challenges.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
In a goodwill message, the group expressed gratitude to Almighty God for preserving Africa’s largest democracy and used the occasion to commend national and regional leadership. PANDEF offered special salutations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognizing the weight of responsibility on his shoulders at a critical moment in the nation’s history, and acknowledged his administration’s efforts in tackling pressing national issues.
Similarly, the forum applauded the governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, and Rivers States for what it described as “sterling leadership” and an unwavering commitment to the development of both their states and the South-South region at large.
As Nigeria marks this milestone, PANDEF urged all tiers of government to demonstrate firmer resolve in deepening democratic values and upholding the rule of law. It called for meaningful economic reforms and intensified efforts to address insecurity, hunger, poverty, and the persistent challenge of youth unemployment that continues to weigh heavily on citizens.
A key highlight of PANDEF’s message was the renewed call for urgent action on the longstanding infrastructural decay in the Niger Delta—the region that sustains the national economy. The forum emphasized that critical projects such as the East-West Road, the Benin–Auchi Road, the Benin–Warri Road, and the rehabilitation of major southern ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, and Warri can no longer be ignored if Nigeria intends to unlock its full economic potential.
Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to partnership, PANDEF pledged to continue working collaboratively with the Federal Government and the leadership of Niger Delta states to ensure that the region plays its rightful role in national affairs.
As it reflected on six and a half decades of independence, the forum called for sober reflection, renewed dedication, and bold action to strengthen national unity and secure a prosperous future for coming generations.
— Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON
National Chairman, PANDEF
Kindly share
