THE HIDDEN TREASURES: Deacon Chris Iyovwaye Unveils Niger Delta’s Untapped Wealth in a Grand Ceremony
Abuja, Nigeria | Njenje Media News
It was a gathering of statesmen, scholars, cultural leaders, and captains of industry as Deacon Chris Iyovwaye formally unveiled his seminal new book, The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta, during a grand ceremony that blended intellectual reflection, cultural celebration, and heartfelt tributes.
It was a gathering of statesmen, scholars, cultural leaders, and captains of industry as Deacon Chris Iyovwaye formally unveiled his seminal new book, The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta, during a grand ceremony that blended intellectual reflection, cultural celebration, and heartfelt tributes.The event, held in Abuja, showcased the depth of Nigeria’s intellectual and political community, attracting distinguished guests from across the country, including:
- H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR – Special Guest of Honour, represented by his former Chief of Staff, Dr. Mike Oghiadomhe
- Maj. Gen. Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu (rtd), CFR – Chairman of the Occasion
- Professor Jerry Gana, CON – Former Minister and respected statesman
- Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN – Reviewer and leading public intellectual
Also present were community leaders, clergy, traditional representatives, the author’s family, and members of the Urhobo
ethnic community, friends who travelled from within and outside Nigeria, and numerous public figures, including a former SDP presidential candidate and a former Minister of Sports.
A Ceremony Marked by Gratitude and Statesmanship
In his opening remarks, Deacon Iyovwaye expressed profound gratitude to the dignitaries who graced the occasion. He spoke warmly of former President Jonathan’s encouragement, recalling how the former president personally reviewed the manuscript and wrote the foreword.
He praised Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu for his fatherly presence and leadership, and paid glowing tribute to Professor Jerry Gana, whom he described as a “mentor and father-figure” who has never hesitated to support him.
The author also thanked community leaders, cultural representatives, his pastor, his in-laws, and his wife, “the queen of my heart”, as well as his children for their unwavering support.
A Landmark Book Rooted in Decades of Research and Experience
Speaking on the essence of The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta, Iyovwaye described the book as the product of years of research, lived experience, community engagement, and a deep yearning to change the narrative of a region that has given so much yet received so little in return.
“Before oil was discovered in 1956, agriculture was the backbone of our economy,” he noted. “Hydrocarbon is barely 130 years old globally and is already being phased out. Alternative energy is the future. And the Niger Delta holds treasures—human, natural, agricultural and mineral—that can sustain this nation for the next hundred years.”
The author highlighted the region’s enormous potential across critical sectors:
Agriculture, including cassava for biofuel, and Alternative energy materials, such as lithium, are now regarded as “the new gold”. Marine and blue economy opportunities, Artisanal craftsmanship and cultural industries, Human capital, creativity, and innovation.
Iyovwaye emphasized that many of these resources remain largely unexplored or underdeveloped.
“Much of the Niger Delta’s potential is still hidden beneath our creeks, rivers, and mangroves. The world is moving away from hydrocarbons, and we must position the Niger Delta for the next global economic shift,” he said.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
Going beyond the book itself, Iyovwaye unveiled the mission of the Increase UI Foundation, noting that the publication is tied to a broader developmental agenda focused on three core pillars:
- Clean Drinking Water for rural communities
- Agricultural Training for Women across the Niger Delta
- Leadership and Education Development for young people
He lamented the lack of clean water in many riverine communities despite their proximity to water bodies, calling it “an anomaly that must be corrected.”
Guest Reactions: “A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria”
Reactions from guests reflected the significance of the book and its message.
Miracle, one of the attendees, described the launch as “history in the making,” stressing the importance of knowledge in shaping national progress.
Joy Gazuma of the Welfare and Women Forum added:
“This book unveils the talents and creativity of the Niger Delta. It shows that the region is more than oil and gas.”
Academic leaders, governance advocates, and cultural organisations echoed similar sentiments, viewing the book as both timely and transformational.
Chief Ozekhome, SAN, lauded the work as a call to responsible governance and strategic resource management. Dr Mike Oghiadomhe, representing former President Jonathan, praised the book as a bold contribution to national discourse.
Economic, Cultural, and Political Significance
The launch featured thoughtful discussions on:
The need for restructuring and resource control
The role of local governance in unlocking development
The importance of regional empowerment
The blue economy and diversification strategies
The preservation of cultural heritage
The Anioma Women Forum Worldwide presented beautifully woven fabrics symbolic of the richness of Niger Delta artistry, reinforcing the region’s cultural wealth.
A Celebration of Vision and Purpose
The ceremony concluded with cultural performances, photographs, and warm interactions among guests, who described the event as “fantastic,” “marvellous,” and “a relevant intervention at a critical time.”
Iyovwaye ended with a message of hope:
“The Niger Delta is more than oil. It is people, culture, agriculture, minerals, and boundless potential. When we look back, we will be proud that we gathered to celebrate a true vision.”
