Delta monarch calls for urgent development in Niger Delta

His Royal Majesty, King Monday Whiskey PhD, Udurhie 1, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom has made a passionate appeal for immediate development and attention in the Niger Delta region. His call comes amidst concerns over the current approach to the East-West Road project, where a single contractor is handling the entire stretch.

According to the king Whiskey "The state of the East-West Road is deplorable. A journey from Warri to Calabar now takes about two days. With the dry season approaching, I urge the government to reassess the contract and assign more contractors to the project. No single contractor should be responsible for more than 50 kilometers of this critical road."

The monarch emphasized the need for speedy attention to the Niger Delta region, citing the slow pace of development despite the area's significant contributions to the nation's economy. "We are cooperating with the government, and the oil is flowing. However, development is not flowing at the same pace. We need rapid attention to our infrastructure, employment, and industrial needs."

Furthermore, King Whiskey stressed the importance of involving Niger Delta indigenes in the crude oil and gas business. "We can no longer be relegated to menial jobs while others come to work in our territory. We want our people to be part of the technology transfer process and to own their own businesses."

The monarch's call to action echoes the sentiments of many Niger Delta communities, who continue to advocate for greater development and investment in the region.