Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has said no indigene of the Niger Delta should live in poverty considering the region’s vast natural and human resources.
Adebayo stated this on Friday in Abuja during the public presentation of Hidden Treasures: An Exposition on the Rich Resources and Opportunities of the Niger Delta, a new book authored by Chris Iyovwaye.
Describing the Niger Delta as one of Nigeria’s richest yet most underutilised regions, he said decades of leadership failures have hindered its progress. He urged deliberate efforts to harness its potential, noting that “every treasure requires digging.”
Adebayo identified three key factors for unlocking the region’s wealth: individual initiative, community participation, and government intervention. According to him, the Niger Delta holds enough potential to significantly boost national development and could rival the economies of some developed countries if properly managed.
He warned against shallow management of national resources, stressing that the people remain the region’s greatest asset.
Chairman of the event, Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd), said Nigeria should not fear restructuring, insisting that every region has the resources to drive its own development.
He encouraged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces in their efforts to maintain peace across the country.
Also speaking, human-rights lawyer Prof. Mike Ozekhome, represented by Prof. Ezekiel Abalagba, described the book as a practical blueprint for revitalising key sectors in the region.
He called for transparent leadership, improved infrastructure, and deeper economic diversification into agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, petrochemicals, technology, and environmental restoration.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Mike Ogiadome, reaffirmed the Niger Delta’s position as the nation’s economic engine.
He stressed the need for long-term investments, including the establishment of a deep-sea port to attract global investors. Jonathan described the book as a valuable resource for policymakers and development partners.
Author Chris Iyovwaye said the publication seeks to dispel longstanding misconceptions by offering clear insights into the region’s wealth, challenges, and pathways to sustainable progress.
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