the federal Government has called on the Niger Delta militants to embrace peace and key into President Muhammadu Buhari’s developmental agenda for the country.Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, made the appeal yesterday at the 40th conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Ngige, who was represented by the state Coordinator of National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Nnamdi Asomogha, said the rise in militancy was a negative development for the region in particular, and the country in general.
He said activities of the militants were to disrupt the oil industry, stressing that Buhari’s administration will secure the country and secure lives and property.
The minister said the federal government is determined to promote economic growth and wealth creation through a sustained war against corruption.
“I am very excited about the theme of this conference aptly entitled: ‘Sustainable development goals… the place of Optometry’. The message conveyed by this theme clearly aligns with the policy direction of the federal government under the leadership of President Buhari.
The federal government has put in place a regime of prudent and transparent management of the national resources through the elimination of waste and leakages, as well as deliberate moves to diversify the economy to enhance a broader revenue base, away from over-dependence on oil.
“But, we must take cognisance of the fact that the general improvement in the affairs of the country requires the support of good people of the country, rather than destructive activities of some elements. In particular, the Niger Delta contributes significantly to the wealth of the country.”
He urged the militants to retrace their steps and embrace peace and called on the NOA to key into the national objectives by partnering with government.
Governor Nyesom Wike, who declared the conference open, commended NOA for choosing Rivers State to host for programme, stressing that it was an indication that the state was peaceful.
Wike, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Theophilus Odagme, disclosed that government had invested so much in security, adding that Rivers State was among the states in the country that recognised the germane services of optometrists in the health sector.
Earlier, National President of NOA, Dr. Damian Echendu said the theme of the conference was a reflective of “our conscious paradigm shift to align our association’s objectives with global and national economic policies such as the sustainable development goals.”
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