A former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the Niger Delta as one of Nigeria’s most valuable but underutilised assets, noting that decades of leadership challenges have limited the region’s potential.
Adebayo made the remark on Friday in Abuja during the public presentation of the book, The Hidden Treasures: An Exposition on the Rich Resources and Opportunities of the Niger Delta, authored by Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Chairman of the Wellmann Group of Companies.
He stated that the region is endowed with vast human and natural resources that require deliberate and sustained effort to unlock.
According to him, “every treasure requires digging,” stressing that no indigene of the Niger Delta should consider themselves poor.
Adebayo identified individual initiative, community participation, and government intervention as the three critical pathways for fully harnessing the region’s opportunities. He added that the Niger Delta possesses a level of wealth capable of driving national development, saying its potential “far exceeds that of many developed nations.”
He cautioned leaders against superficial management of national assets or policies that weaken local economic control, and emphasised that the people remain the Niger Delta’s most important resource—creative, intelligent and culturally rich. He also noted the region’s strategic relevance to national politics and economic stability.
Chairman of the event, Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), said the country has no reason to fear restructuring, as all regions possess resources that can support sustainable development. He called on Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces in confronting security challenges, noting their commitment to safeguarding the nation.
In his remarks, human rights lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, represented by Prof. Ezekiel Abalagba, described the book as a practical guide for repositioning critical sectors in the Niger Delta. He called for transparent governance, improved infrastructure, and economic diversification into agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, petrochemicals and technology. He also emphasised environmental restoration and human capital development.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Mike Ogiadome, reiterated that the Niger Delta remains Nigeria’s economic hub and should receive long-term investment, including the development of a deep-sea port to attract international investors. He recommended the book as a strategic resource for policymakers and development partners.
Author of the book, Dr Chris Iyovwaye, said the work seeks to correct long-standing misconceptions about the region by providing insights into its wealth, development challenges and pathways toward a sustainable and prosperous future.
