Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has called on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Usani Uguru, to speed up development in the region.
He also called on the residents of the region to continue to work for the actualisation of the change mantra of the present administration.
The governor made the call in a thanksgiving reception in Calabar, assuring the residents that his state would continue to support the region.
He urged the residents of the region to cooperate with the minister by giving him all the necessary support and ideas on how to develop the region.
A statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Mr Soji Bamidele, Media Consultant to the office of the Secretary to the Government of Niger (SSG), said the SSG, Alhaji Ibrahim Ladan, represented the governor at the event.
“In Niger, we will continue to join you in prayers to enable you to succeed in piloting the affairs of the Ministry of Niger Delta.
“Having followed his political careers, Uguru has always impressed us with his clear vision and ability to get the job done, most especially at the crucial moment of our country Nigeria.
“As it clearly stated in his profile, Uguru is one of us in Niger, having served in the state during his National Youth Service Scheme; this has made the friendship with the state to wax stronger.
“You can as well see the evidence in him today as a bridge builder worthy of celebration, making him to fit into the rank of prominent Nigerians that has history with our state.
“It is our hope that he will continue to work for the success of the current administration in the areas of the development of the people and infrastructure of Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general,’’ he said.
Dignitaries at the event were representative of the former Head of States, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, more than 10 past military administrators, Gov. Benedict Ayade of Cross River, Gov. Owelle Okorocha of Imo, Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo and former Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso, among others.