The Minister who was accompanied by his Minister of State, Mr. Sam Ode was received at the Akure Airport by the Ondo State Delegation led by Hon. Bekekhimi Idhiarhi, the special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Niger Delta Affairs. Other delegation include, Mr. Lebi Adepiti, commissioner for Environment, Chief Francis Ajih, commissioner in the Ondo State Civil Service commission, Hon Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, Chairman, Ese- Odo local government chief success Torhukerhijo, chieftain of the ruling Labour party.
In his address Elder Orubebe thanked the people of Arogbo for their hospitality and love for peace. He stated that the president of the federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was poised to developing the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. He also stressed that the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan needs the support of the people of the Niger Delta in order to carry out his good plans for the region that has suffered neglect in the past.
According to Orubebe the president was not poised to develop only the Niger Delta alone but the whole federation if given the needed support and encouragement.
The Niger Delta Minister also told the gathering that the government of Goodluck Jonathan was set to carry out the construction of the Niger Delta Coastal road which will start very soon.
On the Agadagba – Obon – Arogbo bridge, Elder Orubebe said it was true that the contract was initially awarded but the government will do something reasonable as soon as possible.
He advised the youths of Niger Delta especially the ex – militants to embrace peace according to him, “there can be development only where there is peace and harmony.”
In his speech, High Chief Bekewei, the Secretary of the Traditional council of Arogbo thanked the Niger Delta Affairs Minister for coming to Arogbo Ibe and the citing of the skill Acquisition centre in Arogbo kingdom.
High Chief Bekewei decried the neglect of the Arogbo Ijaw people of Ondo State by subsequent governments in Ondo State. The Ibepereatoru lamented lack of electricity connection to the national grid, lack of other infrastructures in the area and the abandonment of the Agadagba- Obon – Arogbo bridge which was purportedly awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He therefore appealed to the something reasonable about the bridge.
Also in his speech, High Chief Bibopiri Ajube said he has not come to say long things but that both the Federal and state governments should create jobs for the youths of the Niger Delta and when the youths are kept busy they won’t think of fomenting trouble.
He added no youths who has something reasonable doing will ever think of robbery.
