By Anietie Udobit, Abuja
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has outlined key priorities for peace, security, and inclusive development in the South-South region as Nigeria enters the year 2026.
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In a New Year message signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, PANDEF expressed gratitude to God for the successful passage into the new year and commended the resilience of Niger Delta people throughout 2025.
The group extended warm felicitations to political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, development agencies—particularly the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the South-South Development Commission (SSDC)—as well as other stakeholders for their contributions to stability and progress in the region.
According to PANDEF, 2026 represents a critical opportunity for the Niger Delta to consolidate its role as a leading zone of transformative progress in Nigeria. The forum emphasized that such progress must translate into tangible improvements in the welfare of the people, especially in healthcare, education, women and youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and environmental remediation after decades of oil pollution.
PANDEF noted with optimism that relative peace and improved security have been recorded across the region, from Akwa Ibom to Bayelsa, including Cross River, Delta, and Edo States. It also highlighted the return of stability in Rivers State, stating that the period of emergency has ended and given way to what it described as unprecedented progress.
The forum stressed the need for collective vigilance and cooperation to sustain peace and promptly address any emerging security threats, noting that stronger collaboration would accelerate social and economic advancement in the region.
Reaffirming its faith in divine guidance, PANDEF reminded the people of the Niger Delta of the region’s long-standing contribution to Nigeria’s economy and urged them to remain steadfast and united. The statement cited Psalm 60:12, expressing confidence that continued faith would lead to victory over challenges.
PANDEF concluded by wishing the people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians at large a happy and prosperous New Year, while calling for renewed commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable development.