Author Deacon Chris Iyovwaye Delivers Heartfelt Remarks at Launch of The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta
A cross-section of Nigeria’s most respected statesmen, national leaders, scholars, community figures, and family members gathered for the official unveiling of The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta, where the author, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, delivered an emotional and visionary address.
In his remarks, Deacon Iyovwaye expressed deep gratitude to His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR, who wrote the foreword to the book and was represented at the event by his former Chief of Staff, Dr Mike Oghiadomhe. He described Jonathan’s gesture as a testament to the former president’s enduring commitment to peace, justice, and development in the Niger Delta.
The author also appreciated the Chairman of the occasion, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), former Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose presence he said symbolised leadership and statesmanship of the highest order.
Deacon Iyovwaye further acknowledged his mentor and father figure, Professor Jerry Gana, among other distinguished dignitaries, community leaders, clerics, traditional rulers from the Rɔbbo people, political leaders, former ministers, friends, and family members who travelled from far and near to honour the occasion.
In a particularly emotional moment, he paid tribute to his wife, “the queen of my heart”, and thanked his children, family members, and close associates for their unwavering support.
Watch The Full Video Below
A Vision to Reframe the Niger Delta Narrative
During his remarks, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye stressed that The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta is not merely a personal literary work but the outcome of decades of lived experience, business engagement, and a deep reflection on the future of the region.
He highlighted that the Niger Delta has long been portrayed through the narrow lens of conflict and environmental degradation, insisting that this perspective conceals the region’s richness, resilience, creativity, and vast untapped potential.
“Beneath our creeks, mangroves, rivers, and communities lie treasures—human and natural—that remain largely unexplored,” he said.
He traced Nigeria’s economic transition from agriculture to oil exploration after the discovery of crude in 1956, noting that with global shifts away from hydrocarbons, the nation must prepare for a new economic future.
“Hydrocarbon has had its glory days, but its era is fading. Beyond oil and gas, I tell you for free, there are treasures waiting to be responsibly harvested in the Niger Delta,” he added, referencing the increasing global demand for resources like lithium.
Introducing the Dreway Foundation
A major highlight of his remarks was the introduction of the Dreway Foundation, an initiative tied to the mission of the book and aimed at addressing the region’s longstanding development challenges.
- Deacon Iyovwaye announced that proceeds from the book sales will be dedicated entirely to the foundation’s three core areas:
- Provision of clean drinking water to rural communities across the Niger Delta
- Training and empowerment of rural women in modern agricultural practices
- Leadership development and educational support for young people
He noted that many communities remain without access to clean water, despite being surrounded by abundant natural waterways. He called this gap “an anomaly that must be corrected.”
Hope for a Prosperous Region
Closing his remarks, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye reaffirmed his belief in the region’s potential and the noble purpose behind his book.
“I stand before you today with a heart filled with gratitude, humility, and profound hope for the future of our beloved Niger Delta and our great nation Nigeria.”
