For the Niger Delta to achieve meaningful development, the region must elect capable leaders and move away from mediocrity, says Dr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Publisher and CEO of FirstNews.
Speaking ahead of FirstNews’ 4th Anniversary Public Lecture, Iworiso-Markson emphasized that poor leadership has hindered the region’s progress for too long.
The event, scheduled for October 4, 2024, at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, will feature prominent figures, including Governors Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, alongside former Bayelsa Governor Henry Seriake Dickson.
Renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi will deliver the keynote address on the theme, “Building The Niger Delta of Our Dream: With or Without Oil.”
Reflecting on the region’s squandered opportunities, Iworiso-Markson stated, “The Niger Delta has been left degraded by oil exploitation, and it’s time we move beyond oil and focus on sustainable development.”
He called for visionary leadership to address issues such as poverty, unemployment, and environmental damage.
The lecture aims to spark discussions on fast-tracking the region’s development and finding solutions to its longstanding challenges.
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