The Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Efiong Akwa, has charged youth leaders and stakeholders in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to embrace peace to create the environment for development in the area.
Akwa’s call was contained in a special message he addressed to aggrieved youth groups in the local government area through his Special Assistant on Youth Matters, Udengs Eradiri.
He expressed displeasure on the disputations and conflicts that led to the loss of lives as a result of community clash and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families.
Akwa remarked: “I am disheartened by the continuous crisis and desecration of our people in Mbo Local Government Area. These issues have lingered for too long and I call on the government, chiefs and youth leaders of the community to restore peace in the area. The NDDC is willing to work with the youth leaders of the communities to see how we can put an immediate end to the clashes as it doesn’t speak well of our people.”
The NDDC boss said he was hopeful that there would be an end to the crisis sooner than later, reminding the youths that conflicts and violence would only hinder development efforts for the affected communities.
Akwa advised the youths to support peace efforts for the continued growth and progress of the Niger Delta region, urging them to shun violence and communal feuds.
He stressed the importance of creating the right environment for development to flourish, adding that development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
According to him, the NDDC and other development agencies need peace and security to deliver on their mandates, emphasising the need for unity to ensure that everyone benefited from the development progammes and projects in the Niger Delta region.
