OFFICE OF THE NIGER-DELTA PROGRESSIVE YOUTHS LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (NDPYLF) Congratulates Senator Bassey Albert on His Appointment as Chairman, South-South Development Commission.

OFFICE OF THE NIGER-DELTA PROGRESSIVE YOUTHS LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (NDPYLF) Congratulates Senator Bassey Albert on His Appointment as Chairman, South-South Development Commission.

The National President of the Niger Delta Progressive Youths Leadership Foundation extends heartfelt congratulations to Senator Bassey Albert on his well-earned appointment as the Chairman of the South-South Development Commission. His appointment is a recognition of his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta region.

This appointment comes at a critical time when the Niger Delta people, especially those in the creeks and riverine communities, have been crying for development, justice, and fair representation. The South-South region has contributed immensely to the economic growth of Nigeria, particularly through oil and gas resources, yet it remains one of the most underdeveloped regions in the country. 

The people of the region have been abandoned for too long, with promises made but never fulfilled. However, with this newly established commission, hope is being rekindled for the long-awaited infrastructural and economic development of our communities.  

CALL FOR UNITY AND COLLECTIVE ACTION:

As Senator Bassey Albert takes over this crucial leadership position, we strongly urge him to prioritize unity and inclusiveness among all stakeholders in the South South Geo-political zone. Development in the Niger Delta should not be politicized or controlled by a few individuals for selfish gains. Rather, it should be a collective movement where all voices—whether from state governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organizations, or women’s groups—are heard and considered.  

The Niger Delta has suffered from decades of marginalization, environmental pollution, economic exploitation, and political manipulation, yet we remain resilient. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and take practical, aggressive action to transform the region into a true economic powerhouse.

URGENT AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH SOUTH REGION:

The South-South Development Commission must not become another bureaucratic body that exists only in name without making a tangible impact. The commission must actively drive sustainable development, focusing on the following key areas:  

1. Critical Infrastructure Development.

The Niger Delta, despite its vast contributions to the nation's economy, still lacks basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and electricity. Many communities remain cut off from civilization, with travel still dependent on wooden boats and canoes. The commission must prioritize the following projects:  

- Ojobo-Torugbene Road – a crucial project for economic connectivity in Burutu LGA.  

- Ogulagha-Burutu Road– an urgent need for oil-producing communities to boost local commerce.  

- Egbema Ofunama/Udu Road Project – to ease transportation and trade within Delta and Edo States such as Ofunama Town, Ogbinbiri Town Ogbudugbudu Town, Jamagie Town, Ajakurama Town, Abere Town, Gbeoba Town, Opuama/Polobubo Town 

- Electrification Projects– to ensure power supply reaches neglected riverine communities.  

- Bridge Construction – linking isolated communities for better access to trade and medical care.  

2. Job Creation and Economic Empowerment 

Unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing Niger Delta youths. Thousands of graduates roaming the streets without jobs, while multinational companies operating in the region offer few employment opportunities to indigenes.  

The commission must work towards:  

- Industrialization of the Region– establishing factories, oil refineries, and agro-processing plants to create jobs in Crossrivers State, Edo State, Delta State, Rivers State, Bayelsa State and Akwaibom State in the south south geopolitical zone in the Niger Delta Region.

- Support for Entrepreneurs – providing funding, training, and mentorship programs for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).  

- Vocational Training Centers – to equip young people with skills in oil servicing, marine engineering, ICT, and other high-demand industries.  

- Foreign & Local Job Placements– creating employment linkages to ensure qualified Niger Delta youths are prioritized in national job recruitment. 

3. Education and Human Capital Development.

Education is the foundation of any developed society. Unfortunately, many public schools in the South-South lack adequate teachers, modern facilities, and funding. The commission must address:  

- Scholarship Programs – to sponsor students in tertiary institutions, both locally and abroad.  

- Renovation of Schools – upgrading primary and secondary schools with modern infrastructure.  

- Teacher Training Programs – improving the quality of education through constant capacity building.

- ICT & Innovation Centers – equipping students with 21st-century skills in technology and entrepreneurship.

4. Environmental Restoration and Oil Spill Management.

The Niger Delta remains one of the most polluted regions in the world due to decades of oil spills, gas flaring, and industrial waste. This has destroyed farmlands, contaminated water sources, and caused serious health problems. The South South Development Commission must collaborate with the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to ensure Proper Cleanup of Polluted Lands & Rivers – working with international environmental Best expertise.

Strict Regulations for Oil Companies – ensuring they operate with environmental responsibility.

Alternative Livelihood Programs for Fishermen & Farmers – compensating those whose means of livelihood have been destroyed.

5. Health and Medical Facilities

Health care remains a disaster in the South-South, with many communities lacking functional hospitals and clinics. People die from preventable diseases like malaria, typhoid, and cholera due to poor medical care. We call on Senator Bassey Albert to push for:

Fully Equipped Hospitals – ensuring modern medical centers in every local government.

Employment of More Doctors & Nurses – improving healthcare service delivery.

Emergency Response & Ambulance Services – to help patients in remote areas access urgent medical attention.

Health Insurance Programs – to make healthcare affordable for the poor and vulnerable.

A Historic Opportunity for True Change

Senator Bassey Albert has been given a historic responsibility to lead the South-South Development Commission, a task that must not be taken lightly. The people of the creeks, towns, and cities of the Niger Delta have suffered enough, and we demand real change, not empty promises.

We, the Niger Delta youths, pledge our full support for his leadership, but we will also be watching closely. We will not tolerate any attempt to turn this commission into another failed bureaucracy that serves only the interests of a few political elites.

The time for action is now! We expect bold leadership, strategic policies, and grassroots engagement that will drastically improve the standard of living in the Niger Delta. The future of millions of people in the creeks depends on it.

Once again, congratulations, Senator Bassey Albert! May your tenure bring genuine transformation, unity, and prosperity to our beloved region.

Signed:

Chief Diplomat Adam E.O.O.Marbo,

National President, ND~PYLF,

Aka: the voice of the voiceless.