UNIFYING THE SOUTH-SOUTH REGION OF NIGERIA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Preambles:

“Can two walk together, except they have agreed? Amos 3:3.

The South-South Region of Nigeria, which comprises of the following States- Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River is a region that has the highest number of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. Unlike the other sub regions, which have a common language that unites them together, the South-South Region does not have a common language that is widely spoken. Hence, the people are not fully united. However, it is important to state that this barrier of language is not sufficient enough to hinder the unity of the region. There are, other common ground by which the South-South Region can work together in agreement for a sustainable development.

What are the common grounds by which the South-South Region can work together in agreement?

This includes the following:

1.The huge oil and gas deposits.

2.The similarity of culture and tradition in the region.

3.The vast rivers that links the communities together.

4.The wide spread and acceptance of Christianity by almost all the communities of the region apart from the worship of some local deities.

5.The favourable climatic condition.

6.The good fertile nature of the soil.

7.The common needs and aspirations of the people of the region.

What are the major constraints that are hindering the smooth development of the South-South Region?

1.Lack of a strong political vision and platform.

2.Poor mentality of the people.

3.Selfishness of the very few wealthy people and those holding political power.

4.Pride and Arrogance of most of the people of the region.

5.Preference for people of other sub region over those from the South-South region in business and other areas.

6.The small population of the South-South Region with regard to politics.

7.High level of unemployment of the people from the South-South Region.

What are the remedies?

1.There must be a well-focussed and pragmatic approach to politics, business and government. The South-South Region should put the interest of the region above other considerations.

2.A single organisation or body that will involve all the ethnic nationalities in the South-South Region should be established to give a clear cut direction on the way forward. BREDAC FOUNDATION is geared towards accomplishing this goal.

3.There must be a positive change of mentality by the people.

4.The teachings of the word of God in the Bible should be fully accepted and practised by every individual person of the South-South Region, so as to ensure that godly counsel is embraced by all the people of the South-South Region.

5.There must be good governance in all the States of the South-South Region.

6.Both the public and private sectors in the region should work together for the benefit of the people. This will help to guarantee employment of all university graduates as well as provide skilled manpower for all secondary school leavers.

7.Selfishness, pride and arrogance must be discouraged in every aspect of life of the people. Rather, love, peace, justice and the establishment of an egalitarian society should be promoted.

Conclusion: The South-South Region is blessed with so many natural resources. Efforts must be made to make good use of these resources to improve the quality of life of the people of the South-South Region. Moreover every person from the South-South Region should be carried along in the development of the region, in line with proper plans and policies that will move the region to a greater height. Thank you.

BY WING COMMANDER OYINPREBI SOROH (RTD).