Former President Goodluck Jonathan, human rights lawyer Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and 2023 SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo have jointly called for a comprehensive new blueprint to transform the Niger Delta from a mere oil-revenue zone into Nigeria’s primary engine of sustainable growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The advocacy came during the public presentation of the book The Hidden Treasures by Deacon Chris Iyowaye in Abuja, chaired by Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd). Speakers described the book as a practical “development blueprint” and “economic forecast” for the region.
Key Highlights and Quotes
| Speaker | Key Message | Notable Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Goodluck Jonathan (represented by Dr. Mike Ogiadomhe) | Urged national unity to address neglect, environmental degradation, and instability; emphasized youth opportunities, modern infrastructure, education, technology, and equitable integration into Nigeria’s agenda. | “The Niger Delta must not remain trapped in old challenges. We must work together—governments, investors and communities—to build a region that is stable, prosperous and fully integrated into Nigeria’s development agenda.” |
| Prince Adewole Adebayo (Chief Launcher) | Nigeria is “too blessed to be poor” with treasures in every inch of land; failure lies in lack of vision, not resources. | “Nigeria is too blessed to be poor… What we lack is not wealth but the vision to find and develop it.” |
| Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) (keynote, represented by Prof. Ezekiel Abalaba, VC FUPRE) | The book is a “literary goldmine” and “vision for national rejuvenation”; future depends on digital transformation, economic inclusion, environmental justice, and security reforms. | “This is more than a book; it is a movement—an economic vision, a moral song, and a call to rise to the height of our world-leading potential.” |
| Deacon Chris Iyowaye (Author) | Region’s value far exceeds oil—solid minerals, marine resources, agriculture, human capital; prepare for post-oil era as hydrocarbons become “dirty energy”; announced New Crete Oil Foundation for clean water, women’s agri-training, and youth leadership. | “Beyond oil and gas, there are treasures… waiting to be responsibly harnessed… If we do not invest in our people, we have no moral right to speak of transformation.” |
| Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.) (Chairman) | Criticized passive discussion of problems; nations rebuilt by active participants, not spectators. | “If everyone talking about the country’s problems refuses to get involved, who then is responsible for changing the system?” |
Core Recommendations from the Proposed Blueprint
- Shift focus from oil extraction to diversified economy (critical minerals, blue economy, agriculture, manufacturing, tech).
- Prioritize people-centered investments: Education, skills for youth/women, digital innovation.
- Address environmental justice and security for stability.
- View Niger Delta as strategic national asset for global competitiveness, not just revenue source.
- Launch initiatives like the New Crete Oil Foundation for community empowerment.
This fresh call aligns with ongoing debates on NDDC reforms and post-oil planning, emphasizing internal vision over external dependency.
