PANDEF-Launches-Global-Diplomatic-Offensive-to-Revitalize-Niger-Delta
PANDEF Launches Global Diplomatic Offensive to Revitalize Niger Delta
ABUJA – In a major move to reposition the South-South geopolitical zone on the global stage, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has intensified a strategic diplomatic campaign aimed at securing international backing for the region’s socio-economic development.
Led by National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, the forum is leveraging high-level engagements with foreign missions to advocate for environmental justice and sustainable investment in Nigeria’s oil-rich heartland.
A Veteran Diplomat at the Helm
The initiative marks a significant shift in regional advocacy. Ambassador Igali, a former Federal Permanent Secretary and envoy to the Scandinavian countries, is utilizing his extensive diplomatic background to bridge the gap between local grievances and international solutions.
Under his leadership, PANDEF is pivoting toward a "partnership for progress" model rather than a traditional plea for aid.
Key Pillars of the Outreach
The forum’s international agenda focuses on several critical areas intended to transform the regional landscape:
- Environmental Justice: Calling for a global response to decades of ecological degradation caused by oil exploration.
- Infrastructure & Logistics: Prioritizing the revitalization of the Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, and Warri ports to boost national economic integration.
- Economic Diversification: Seeking technical expertise and foreign direct investment in healthcare, education, and renewable energy.
- Investment Framework: Proposing a South-South Investment Fund to facilitate indigenous and foreign participation in both oil and non-oil sectors.
Promoting Regional Stability
Beyond economics, Igali has positioned PANDEF as a "stabilizing force" within the Nigerian federation. By championing non-partisan reconciliation and dialogue, the forum aims to create a secure environment for both local residents and international stakeholders.
Igali has consistently framed the Niger Delta’s challenges as a "Nigeria project," arguing that the prosperity of the entire federation is inextricably linked to the stability and equity of the South-South.
"The struggle for Niger Delta rights is a pursuit of justice, equity, and sustainable development." — Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali
Looking Ahead
As this diplomatic campaign gains momentum, PANDEF continues to push for a future where the region’s wealth translates into tangible improvements for its people. The international community is being urged to recognize the resilience of the Niger Delta as the primary engine of Nigeria’s economy and a vital partner in global energy and environmental goals.
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