Expectations Of ANOLGA Economic Summit

The story of Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Federal constituency in
Rivers State is a paradox. Its history is replete with stories of commerce,
trade and strong kingdoms. Located in the deep delta, opening up into the atlantic
ocean. Kingdoms here were noted for their fishing prowess and great wealth.
Being on the coastline, their early interaction with the colonialists gave them
the benefit of early education and exposure. But that was once upon a time.

Civilisation and development seemed to have left the people
of this area, several years behind. In fact, at a time, it was perhaps the only
Federal Constituency in Rivers State without motorable road, electricity,
portable water, amongst others. Its topography is a big challenge to
development initiatives especially building of infrastructure. The communities
are located in difficult to access islands, and the people, very vulnerable and
disadvantaged.

Today the tables seem to be turning. It’s like a new dawn
and the sun set to shine on Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro again. It all began with a
Federal Constituency stakeholders meeting convened on  December 20, 2011 by Hon. Dakuku Peterside,
the member of House of Representatives representing the area who is also the
Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). The
stakeholders meeting offered a unique platform for evaluation of the strength,
weaknesses, threats and opportunities in the area. Stakeholders at the
consultative meeting all agreed that Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro land has more
opportunities than threats. The thing to do was to build on those natural
potentials that made the region the numero uno for trade and commerce in the
past and reposition communities for discerning investors. With the large pool
of human resources, a strength of history and the enormous aquaculture and
tourism potentials of the region, all that was required to make a difference
was a combination of strong institutions and visionary leadership. Thus the
Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Economic Zone development foundation was started to help
fulfil the aspirations of the people. A tested technocrat and strategist with
track record of performance; Engr. Emiyarei Ikuru was appointed Chairman.

TheAndoni/Opobo/Nkoro Economic Zone Development Foundation
is manned by full time employed staff and volunteers with proven track records
in their various disciplines. Twenty- eight technical sub-committees were set
up to prepare a socio economic and cultural framework for the region, thus
laying the basis for the draft development status report and master plan.
Extensive consultation with all groups including traditional rulers, men,
women, youth, professionals, political elite from the area helped build a
consensus and galvanised opinions on critical needs.

To assist the process, the foundation sought expertise from
well known development agencies. Today, the project is receiving support from
United Nations Training and Research Agency (UNITAR), Rivers State Sustainable
Development Agency (RSSDA), Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) and Action Aid
Nigeria. The key role of these development agencies is to streamline the
foundation’s work and bring it in line with global best practices. With the
right concept in place, the group has received generous support from corporate
organizations, which share the passion that communities should set their
development agenda and drive it. Yet there is room for many more partners.
Government, development partners and corporate bodies need to support this
visionary initiative that could propel this once under-developed constituency
to one of the leading lights of our nation.

Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Economic Zone Development Summit 2012
holds the promise of an ultimate platform to showcase the economic potentials
of the area as well as its diverse investment opportunities.

Surely it will bring together stakeholders, policy- makers,
and usher a development path for the areas drawing on their historical,
geographical and resource advantages. In two days of intensive discussions,
sharing of ideas and networks we hope to see new principles for building the
next great era in sub regional economic growth and prosperity with
Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro development model emerging as a novel formula for
sustainable development in the troubled but resource-rich Niger Delta.