Leaders in the Niger Delta Region of the country have been asked to use their derivation money to execute sustainable development projects in their states.

Governor Godswill Akpabio made the call yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit on the Executive Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, in his home town, Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Akpabio remarked: “Our leaders in the Niger Delta must use their derivation money for sustainable development in their states. In Akwa Ibom State, we have tried our best to use our derivation money to change the phase of the state through the uncommon transformation development in the state.”

Continuing, the governor said: “Akwa Ibom State and the entire Niger Delta states are proud of him and hope that the community also appreciates him. I applaud the Vice Chairman who is working in the multi-national company for coming down to interact with the grassroots level of his community. And I must thank him for what he has done for his community through education by giving scholarships to indigenes of the community and through the development of his home town, among others. So, our gathering today signifies Niger Deltans staying together in love and unity.”

Chief Akpabio called on the royal fathers of the community to pray for the Vice Chairman and other sons of the community so that he would continue to be useful to the community, and also called on the youths of the community to focus more on education, shun crime, kidnapping and drugs, among others.

Responding, Dr. Kachikwu commended Governor Akpabio for the development achievement in Akwa Ibom State, saying that the governor is determined to lead the state through development, noting that the state Governor has given Nigerians hope.

Royal fathers in the community who were also present during the visit commended Governor Akpabio for the developmental strides of his administration and for the love he has shown to their community and for identifying with their community.

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