In a moment that could reshape the political and social landscape of the Niger Delta, the Ambassador Igali-led Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) National Exco has earned praise from the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers. The royal endorsement came during a significant courtesy visit to the Bayelsa Traditional Council of Chiefs in Yenagoa, where PANDEF’s newly elected leaders sought the blessing of the region’s most esteemed monarchs.
HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, alongside other influential traditional rulers, hailed the high caliber of PANDEF’s National Exco members. The visit marked an important step in fostering unity and collaboration between PANDEF and the royal fathers, as well as solidifying the platform’s legitimacy and commitment to the Niger Delta people.
During the visit, Ambassador Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF, made a passionate address to the royal fathers. He emphasized that PANDEF is truly a movement of the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, a collective force that aims to speak with one voice for the benefit of the entire region. “We are here to deliver the voice of the people,” Igali declared, underscoring the responsibility his leadership carries in representing the aspirations of Niger Delta residents.
A key message that reverberated throughout the meeting was the pressing need for agricultural investment in the region. Igali drew a compelling analogy, likening the fertile lands of the Niger Delta to those of Vietnam, where agriculture—especially rice cultivation—has transformed the economy. He strongly believes that Niger Deltans are capable of feeding themselves and achieving self-sufficiency, a vision that could uplift the region from its historical reliance on oil and gas.
The National Chairman didn’t stop there. He also acknowledged the dignity and resilience of the Niger Delta people, calling them “non-troublemakers.” However, he was firm in stating that companies in the oil and gas sector must treat the people with respect. This strong stance reflects PANDEF’s commitment to holding corporate interests accountable for their environmental and social responsibilities.
On the subject of the environmental devastation caused by decades of oil exploration, Igali called for urgent action in the cleanup of the region’s polluted ecosystem. He cautioned that the process would be lengthy—potentially taking up to 30 years—but emphasized that it was a necessary step for the future of the Niger Delta.
As PANDEF continues to gain momentum and secure key endorsements like that from Bayelsa’s traditional rulers, the hope is that these actions will drive a much-needed transformation for the region. The road ahead is challenging, but with the collective strength of the people and the support of their royal leaders, the vision for a prosperous and self-sustaining Niger Delta could soon become a reality.
