Lagos — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Godswill Akpabio, has assured that the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta would drastically reduce militant activities in the region.

Akpabio gave the assurance while speaking with State House Correspondents in Abuja.

He maintained that the creation of the Ministry, would provide youths the opportunity to join hands with government in transforming the area.

"We are very happy with Mr President for the creation of the Niger Delta Ministry, and it clearly shows that the Niger Delta is now becoming a key developmental point for this administration.

"No government in Nigeria had ever done this kind of thing, this action is unprecedented," he said.

He observed that for the first time, the Niger Delta would have a federal budget meant for speedy development of the region.

"If we had done this since 1960 the story would have been different today," he said.

He therefore, challenged youths in the region to ensure the smooth take-off of the ministry, adding that security reports had indicated that even the militants were happy with the creation of the ministry.

"Many youths are going to denounce militancy and come out of the creeks because the Federal Government is not only serious but has taken pragmatic steps that will ensure even development in the Niger Delta," he said.

He warned that any attempt by people of the area to ignore this opportunity offered by the Yar'Adua's administration would spell doom.

"If we continue the way we are going, in the next 10 years, a lot of dilapidation will occur

in the Niger Delta and there will be no meaningful development in the region," he warned.