THIS DAWN — It was an illustrious assembly of national leaders, cultural icons, development advocates, and intellectuals as Deacon Chris Iyovwaye formally launched his groundbreaking new book, The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta, in Abuja.
The event blended scholarship, cultural heritage, and heartfelt tributes, underscoring the significance of the work and the deep respect the author commands across Nigeria.
The presentation drew eminent personalities, including former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, represented by his former Chief of Staff, Dr. Mike Oghiadomhe; Maj. Gen. Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu (rtd), who chaired the occasion; former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, and renowned constitutional lawyer and public intellectual, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who reviewed the book.
The ceremony also attracted community leaders, clergy, traditional institutions, and members of the Urhobo ethnic nationality.
Others are captains of industry, and political figures, including a former SDP presidential candidate and a former Minister of Sports.
A Ceremony of Gratitude and Intellectual Reflection
In his remarks, Deacon Iyovwaye expressed profound appreciation to all who supported the project.
He recalled receiving personal encouragement from former President Jonathan, who reviewed the manuscript and provided the foreword.
He praised Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu for his unwavering guidance and commended Professor Jerry Gana—whom he described as a mentor and father figure—for years of moral and intellectual support.
The author also acknowledged community elders, cultural custodians, clergy, his extended family, and especially his wife and children, whom he credited as pillars of strength throughout his research and writing journey.
A Book Rooted in Experience, Vision, and Urgency
Iyovwaye clarified the inspiration behind The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta.
He described the work as the culmination of decades of research and lived experience in a region that has given much to Nigeria yet remains deeply underdeveloped.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s economic future lies beyond hydrocarbons.
he also noted that petroleum “is barely 130 years old globally and is already being phased out.”
He highlighted the immense potential of the Niger Delta across agriculture, marine and blue economy, mineral resources such as lithium—now considered “the new gold”—and the region’s vast pool of human creativity and artisanal excellence.
“Much of the Niger Delta’s potential remains buried beneath our creeks, rivers, and mangrove forests.
“To secure Nigeria’s future, we must reposition the region for the next global economic shift,” he said.
Beyond the Book: A Development Agenda for the Region
Iyovwaye also outlined the core pillars of the Increase UI Foundation, which is linked to the book. The foundation focuses on three key areas:
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Clean drinking water provision in riverine communities
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Agricultural training for women to strengthen economic independence
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Leadership and educational development for young people
He described the lack of potable water in water-surrounded communities as “an anomaly that must urgently be corrected.”
A Wake-Up Call for National Transformation
Guests at the launch praised the book as a timely intervention.
Dr. Oghiadomhe, speaking for former President Jonathan, hailed it as a bold national contribution.
Chief Ozekhome described the work as a “call to responsible governance and strategic resource management”.
Meanwhile, women leaders, youth advocates, and cultural organisations said the book redefines the narrative of the Niger Delta beyond oil.
The event also featured conversations on restructuring, resource control, blue economy potentials, regional empowerment, and cultural preservation.
The Anioma Women Forum Worldwide presented beautifully woven fabrics as symbols of Niger Delta artistry and identity.
A Celebration of Hope and Purpose
Cultural displays, photographs, and warm exchanges capped the event, with attendees calling the ceremony “historic,” “visionary,” and “a powerful intervention at a critical time.”
In his closing remarks, Iyovwaye offered a message of optimism: “The Niger Delta is more than oil.
“It is people, culture, agriculture, minerals, and boundless potential.
“When history is written, we will be proud that today we gathered to celebrate a true vision.”
The book is expected to spark fresh conversations on regional development, national planning, and Nigeria’s economic future.
