SOUTH-SOUTH NOT SIDELINED IN THE LAGOS- CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY PROJECT NIGER DELTA YOUTH NETWORK TELLS IYC

The Niger Delta Youth Network has assured that the South-South region will not be sidelined in the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, urging the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), led by Dr. Doubra Okotete, to adopt constructive engagement with the Federal Government rather than issue warnings over the project.

The group made its position known amid concerns over the region’s inclusion in the coastal highway project and suggestions that the South-South could withdraw its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the matter.

In a statement signed by Comr. Abodei Joseph, the Niger Delta Youth Network called for a balanced, constructive and statesmanlike approach to discussions surrounding the project, stressing that regional concerns should be addressed through dialogue, facts and sustained engagement.

The group commended President Tinubu for the progress recorded on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as a strategic infrastructure initiative capable of improving connectivity, stimulating trade, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities across Nigeria’s coastal communities.

According to the network, the South-South remains a vital component of the country’s coastal development vision and deserves to benefit meaningfully from the opportunities the project is expected to generate.

The group urged the IYC not to allow what it described as opposition-driven political narratives to undermine constructive engagement with the Federal Government.

It maintained that the present moment calls for strategic dialogue, sustained advocacy and responsible leadership in advancing the interests of the Ijaw people and the wider South-South region.

The statement further stressed that while the region has every right to demand fairness, inclusion and equitable development, such demands should strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government rather than create unnecessary political tension.

“We are confident that the South-South will not be sidelined in the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project. The region is an integral part of the coastal corridor, and its communities deserve to benefit meaningfully from the opportunities the project presents,” the statement said.

The Niger Delta Youth Network also encouraged the IYC and other regional stakeholders to closely monitor the project’s implementation and continue to advocate for the interests of their people through responsible dialogue and engagement.

Reaffirming its political position, the group declared its continued support for President Tinubu, saying its backing was anchored on expectations of sustained development, fairness, inclusion and tangible results for the region.

“Our position remains clear: the South-South stands 100 per cent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our support is strengthened by our expectation of continued development, fairness, inclusion and tangible results,” the statement added.

The group concluded that unity, mutual respect and responsible leadership would serve the South-South better than confrontation and political division, urging regional leaders and youth organisations to prioritise constructive engagement in pursuit of development.