NIGER DELTA WOMEN IN DIALOGUE PROTEST TO NDDC OFFICE IN WARRI: CEPEJ'S REPRESENTATIVE IN ATTENDANCE
The Niger Delta (Nigeria) Women in Dialogue (NDWID) today the 17th of August 2020 staged a peaceful protest to the NDDC Office in Warri demanding for accountability and transparency in the Commission.
Over 25 women participated in the protest led by Madam Mary Fuludu and Amb. Adia Florence with a CEPEJ representative in attendance as the Secretary of NDWID who also joined in addressing the Media and NDDC officials who came out to receive the protesters at the NDDC Warri Office.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Madam Mary Fuludu expressed sadness over the underdevelopment, unemployment and insecurity in the Niger Delta Region with only a small percentage of the people benefitting from the available resources. She said the NDDC was established to intervene and help in developing the region. She called on the Commission to prosecute corrupt officials whose actions have impoverished the region, and demanded that the stolen funds be returned.
Ambr. Adia Florence who also spoke said the NDDC was established to meet the needs of the people of the Niger Delta Region which contributes massively to the nation's economy. She placed much emphasis on the 13% derivation which is the right of the Niger Delta people.
She further stated that for over 10 years, women and youths did not benefit from any training, scholarship or bursary let alone employment. Amb. Adia also requested the NDDC to work with the Niger Delta Women in Dialogue to empower women in the region.
Ovuodo of CEPEJ who was granted interview by newsmen on behalf of the CEO, Comrade Sheriff Mulade expressed displeasure over NDDC's failure to empower the youth in the region. She urged the NDDC to come up with programmes that will benefit the women and girls in the region and not politicians as it had been doing.
The Deputy Director NDDC Warri Delta State Office, Engr. Stephen Oghenevwaire thanked the women for their peaceful disposition and advised that for the letter addressed to the Managing Director should be signed by representatives of the ethnic groups in Delta State including theirs.
She also thanked the women for expressing their concern promising that there would be a continuous dialogue between the NDDC and the Niger Delta Women in Dialogue.