Renowned political economist and management expert, Professor Pat Utomi, has emphasised the critical role of leadership in the Niger Delta as the region navigates energy transition.
During a recent appearance on 'Canvas: The Niger Delta Roundtable' on Nigeria Info FM, Professor Utomi highlighted the erosion of traditional leadership structures in the Niger Delta, attributing it to "money and greed."
“As people began to see the dollar signs rather than community spirit, people failed to be leaders and it came to impact the community negatively, so what we need is a leadership rebuilding”, he asserted.
Professor Utomi stressed the urgent need for visionary leadership in the Niger Delta, emphasising the importance of planning for a future beyond crude oil dependence. He urged leaders to explore and capitalise on other opportunities within the hydrocarbon value chain.
The political economist and management expert acknowledged the undeniable impact of climate change on the environment, stating, "the pressures are real," and implying a necessary “move to other forms of energy”.
Watch here:
