The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, has called on the people of the Niger Delta region to prepare for a new era of peace and development.
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In a press statement titled “Let Us Prepare for a New Dawn of Peace and Development,” Ambassador Igali said that as the region steps into the year 2026, PANDEF joins the entire people of the South-South geopolitical zone in giving thanks to God Almighty for the grace of a New Year.
He noted that PANDEF also extends warm felicitations to political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, development agencies—particularly the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the South-South Development Commission (SSDC)—and indeed all the people of the region, for their steadfast faith in God and remarkable resilience throughout 2025, which has brought the Niger Delta thus far.
Ambassador Igali stated that the New Year marks another significant epoch for the Niger Delta, presenting renewed opportunities to consolidate and sustain its leading role as a zone of transformative progress within Nigeria. He emphasized that such progress must reflect in improved welfare for the people, especially in healthcare and education, the empowerment of women and youths, accelerated physical and infrastructural development, and the long-overdue remediation of the environment after decades of oil pollution.
He further observed that across the region—from Akwa Ibom to Bayelsa, and through Cross River, Delta, and Edo States—there has been relative peace and improved security. According to him, even the unfortunate period of a state of emergency in Rivers State has, thankfully, become a thing of the past, with the state now recording unprecedented progress.
Ambassador Igali stressed that it is imperative for all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to sustain the prevailing peace and collectively address, in a timely manner, any emerging threats or breaches. He noted that greater social and economic advancement would undoubtedly follow through closer collaboration in building and sustaining peace and security.
As the region moves forward, he urged the people to keep their faith in God Almighty resolute and strengthened, noting that divine benevolence has placed the Niger Delta as a leading contributor to the national economy for decades. He called on the people to continue drawing guidance from the Scriptures, quoting Psalms 60:12: “With God we shall gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.”
He concluded by wishing the people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians at large a happy and prosperous New Year.
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