He was speaking during his courtesy call on Governor Ikpeazu at the Government House,Umuahia.
He said that the concerns expressed by Abia at their first visit to the state which stems from poor budget approval and lack of attention on the state by the ministry and revealed that those complaints are receiving attention as the ministry has started tackling a major at Umnneochi and other attendant issues raised.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs praised the commitment of Abia State government to the improvement of the Nigerian economy through the revamping of SMEs in the state.
He explained that the policy framework of the Ministry guarantees its focus on its objectives and interventions in the Niger Delta region based on Public Private Partnership.
Usani revealed that Abia has been consistent in her representation at the NDDC meetings.
The theme “fostering synergy and institutional cordination for the Development of the Niger Delta”, according to him is aimed at helping to modify and improve the development of the state and to also quantify in moral and financial terms to enable the ministry spread information across board.
Responding,Governor Ikpeazu in said his government is determined to be part of the development of the Niger Delta region.
He commended the leadership of the Niger Delta Affairs led by the Minister for coming up with people oriented policies.
“As a major policy ministry for Niger Delta I want to also commend you for your roadmap on how the Niger Delta can improve it’s region”, he added.
Governor Ikpeazu suggested some steps to be taken improve the Niger Delta area including schooling people about environmental issues to enable them tackle their situationns, properly engaging youths through better internet access, improving the rail line in the region and providing education and health if the region must be evenly developed
He also commended the ministry for their skills acquisition programme aimed at engaging the youths, but lamented that Abia youths were not benefiting from the amnesty programme of the federal government and called on him to ensure their engagement.
The Governor noted that Abia is the only Niger Delta state without youth restiveness despite its neglect by the ministry and non presence of oil actors in any part of the state and noted that oil producing communities that are peaceful and nots abotaging governments efforts should be encouraged.
He drew the attention of the Ministry to Obehie and Aba Azumiri road that are yet to witness the promised Niger Delta touch which are critical to the economic development of the state and it’s neighbours and encourage inter state affairs and assured of the full support of Abia to whatever course the ministry is focused on.
