UNDP a valuable Partner –Orubebe

Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Peter Orubebe has described the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria as a valuable Partner in progress for its unflinching supports for the entrenchment of peace, progress and sustainable infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region. 

Elder Godsday made this remark when Representatives of UNDP led by the outgoing Country Director, Ade Mamonyane Lekoetse accompanied by the incoming Country Director, Bernado Cocco paid him a courtesy visit, August 23, 3013 in his office, Abuja. 

The Minister said that UNDP was greatly instrumental to the design and development of the Niger Delta action plan, the success which was achieved through the focus and purposeful leadership of the outgoing country Director, Mamonyane Lekoetje. 

Orubebe reiterated Mr. President’s commitments and determination to keep Nigeria one. “God has a purpose for bringing all Nigerians together; our culture, language, people and diversity are very important. Nigeria as a country will not disintegrate. Mr President is determined to support the electoral institutions. 2015 elections will be free and fair. President Goodluck Jonathan’s election slogan of one man, one vote will be upheld”, he said.

 While welcoming the new Country Director, Bernado Cocco and pledging the Ministry’s willingness and support to work with him, Orubebe wished the outgoing Country Director well and success in her new appointment as UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for the Republic of Gambia. 

Speaking earlier, the outgoing Country Director, Ade Mamonyane Lekoetje expressed satisfaction with the Ministry for acknowledging the immense roles played and contributions of UNDP in the design and development of the Niger Delta action plan which validation was highly accepted and successful. She stated that Niger Delta region being the ‘Goose that lays the golden egg’ of Nigeria economy deserved attention in terms of holistic and sustainable infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region. She further said that UNDP was in the region for its assistance in pollution control which in most cases has led to the contaminations of means of livelihood of the people stressing that its control cannot be over-emphasize.

 She urged the incoming Country Director, Bernado Cocco to recognise that the Ministry of Niger Delta projects are UNDP flagship projects in Nigeria. She encouraged him to ensure that they are properly co-ordinated and attended to promptly. Also, stressing that all issues regarding to the Niger Delta action plan which require approval from relevant authorities are well articulated and vigorously pursued to its logical conclusion.