The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged the people of the South-South geopolitical zone to embrace the year 2026 as a new dawn of peace, unity, and accelerated development across the Niger Delta.
In a New Year message issued on behalf of the group, PANDEF expressed gratitude to God for the successful transition into 2026 and commended the resilience of the people of the region throughout 2025. The forum also extended goodwill to political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, and development agencies, particularly the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), for their contributions to regional stability and progress.
PANDEF noted that the New Year presents renewed opportunities for the Niger Delta to consolidate its role as a zone of transformative progress within Nigeria. It stressed that such progress must translate into tangible improvements in the welfare of the people, especially in healthcare and education, women and youth empowerment, infrastructural development, and the remediation of the environment after decades of oil pollution.
Reflecting on the security situation, the forum observed that states across the region — from Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa to Cross River, Delta, and Edo — have continued to enjoy relative peace and improved security. It also noted that the period of emergency rule in Rivers State is now in the past, with the state recording renewed stability and progress.
According to PANDEF, sustaining peace remains critical to unlocking greater social and economic advancement in the Niger Delta. The group therefore called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively to prevent security breaches and promptly address emerging threats.
The forum further urged the people of the region to remain steadfast in faith, describing the Niger Delta as a long-standing pillar of Nigeria’s national economy. It encouraged citizens to draw strength from spiritual values as they work towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.
The statement was signed by Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman of PANDEF, who concluded by wishing the people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians at large a happy and fulfilling New Year.
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