ATLANTA/USA: The Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, has called for a concerted effort to create a prosperous and sustainable future for the Niger Delta region. Speaking at the inaugural Niger Delta Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Akpowowo emphasized the critical need for environmental sustainability and social equity to achieve economic growth and development in the region.
In his keynote address titled “The Legislative Roles in Niger Delta Economic Growth and Sustainable Development,” Akpowowo stressed the necessity of a sincere commitment to secure a better future for the Niger Delta, noting the prolonged deprivation faced by its people. He highlighted that enhancing economic competitiveness, improving living standards, protecting natural resources, and promoting social justice are pivotal to changing the region’s narrative and accelerating its development.
Akpowowo outlined several key strategies to achieve these goals, including investing in infrastructure and human capital, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering international cooperation and trade, protecting the environment, mitigating climate change, and addressing poverty and inequality. He underscored the indispensable role of legislation in regional economic development, noting that government policies rely heavily on legislative backing.
“Legislation is vital in regional economic development. It creates an enabling environment, encourages investment, develops infrastructure, promotes innovation, fosters trade, ensures good governance, supports human capital, and encourages sustainable development,” Akpowowo stated.
The Deputy Speaker elaborated on the legislature’s crucial role in shaping economic development and fostering an environment conducive to growth and prosperity. He highlighted the importance of the legislature’s oversight function in monitoring the implementation of economic development projects and ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Responding to questions from participants, Akpowowo praised Delta State for having two seasoned lawmakers, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and immediate past Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. He noted that this leadership has fostered strong synergy between the executive and legislative branches of government, enhancing the legislative process in the state.
Representing Ethiope East in the State Legislature, Akpowowo emphasized the state government’s efforts to create an investor-friendly environment, particularly in agriculture. “The State Assembly enacted a Law against Open Grazing in 2021. As Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Legislative Compliance, we are determined to enforce this law to protect farm crops and alleviate farmers’ fears,” he explained.
He also referenced laws targeting “Deve” and other related issues, designed to facilitate business operations and promote socio-economic development in Delta State.
The Deputy Speaker commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his visionary leadership and encouraged investors to take advantage of the state’s favorable business climate.
