The Niger Delta must move away from its old focus on crude oil wealth and political talk to focusing on social growth and investing in its people, Seleake Tarilah Alamieyeseigha has said.

Reflecting on the unfairness of the past, Alamieyeseigha noted that the region has long been the main driver of Nigeria’s economy.

“Our land has powered industries, funded national development, and shaped the future of a nation blessed with extraordinary natural wealth,” he said, warning that deep social and economic gaps mean the region must immediately change focus from just drilling oil to bringing real progress to the people.

In his call to action, Alamieyeseigha challenged traditional and political leaders to look beyond short-term political gains and invest in the potential of the local people. He argued that global standards for leadership have changed.

“Across the world today, the most respected leaders, institutions, and businesses are no longer measured only by wealth or influence, but by the positive difference they make in the lives of ordinary people,” he said.

He said that despite keeping the nation’s economy alive for generations, oil-producing communities remain underdeveloped, facing high youth unemployment, broken infrastructure, and severe environmental damage.

“Despite this contribution, many communities across the region continue to battle unemployment, poor infrastructure, environmental challenges, and limited opportunities for young people.”

Alamieyeseigha noted, adding that these failures make a change of direction urgent.

Rejecting standard charity handouts, the statement emphasised that the Niger Delta’s youth, whom he argued make up one of the youngest and most energetic groups on the continent, need real access to technology, modern education, business training, and mentorship rather than gifts.

He stated that lasting regional growth can only happen when development directly brings tech skills, strong local business growth, and accountable leadership.

“If we intentionally invest in human capital, the region can become a hub for innovation, enterprise, agriculture, creativity, and sustainable development,” he stressed.

Alamieyeseigha, in his statement, also called for an end to the narrow global view that only sees the Niger Delta through conflict and oil dependence.

“For too long, conversations about the region have focused mainly on conflict, crisis, and dependency. But there is another story that deserves global attention – a story of resilience, creativity, enterprise, culture, and possibility.”

He noted that because the government alone cannot fix these developmental gaps, strong partnerships between private companies, civil society, international partners, and traditional leaders are critical.

In his charge to the youth, Alamieyeseigha said that true leadership is about helping the community, not just holding a political office. He urged young entrepreneurs, teachers, and innovators to step up and lead local change.

“Ultimately, the region’s history will be judged by how well its people live, not by the number of oil barrels extracted.

“History will remember regions not only for the resources beneath their soil, but for the values they chose to build above it,” Alamieyeseigha said.