Stakeholders seek tech-driven future for Niger Delta

The Niger Delta Digital Museum project was unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday, with renewed calls for the establishment of artificial intelligence laboratories, technology hubs and a permanent world-class history museum in the Niger Delta. Speaking at the event, the founder of Project-Delta and curator of the Niger Delta Digital Museum, Edward Brisibe, said the initiative […]

The Niger Delta Digital Museum project was unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday, with renewed calls for the establishment of artificial intelligence laboratories, technology hubs and a permanent world-class history museum in the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the event, the founder of Project-Delta and curator of the Niger Delta Digital Museum, Edward Brisibe, said the initiative was aimed at reconnecting the region with its history while preparing its people for a technology-driven global future.

Addressing dignitaries that included the Managing Director and Director of Finance and Supply of the Niger Delta Development Commission, diplomats, development partners and journalists, Brisibe said the Niger Delta’s relevance extended far beyond crude oil.

“The story of the Niger Delta did not begin with oil, and it will not end with oil,” he said.

Citing former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Brisibe stressed the importance of history in shaping the future, noting that before the discovery of petroleum, the region was globally recognised as the “Oil Rivers” because of its dominance in palm oil exports.

“At one point, the Niger Delta exported more palm oil than the rest of Africa combined. That truth alone tells us that our relevance predates crude oil and will outlive it,” he said.

Brisibe said as the world moves away from fossil fuels, the Niger Delta remains rich in opportunities, pointing to its gas reserves, long coastline, fertile land and youthful population.

According to him, the digital museum uses artificial intelligence and technology to preserve history while stimulating innovation among young people.

“This is about preparing a generation that will export not just raw materials, but refined intelligence, digital skills and global solutions,” he added.

He proposed the establishment of AI laboratories and technology hubs across Niger Delta states, as well as a permanent, world-class history museum to document the region’s struggles, innovations and achievements.

He said proceeds from book sales associated with the project would be used to support the development of the proposed tech hubs.

Also speaking, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria described the exhibition as a valuable platform for understanding the Niger Delta through culture, art and storytelling.

“I have not yet visited the Niger Delta, but this project gives me a starting point to understand its history and diversity,” he said, adding, “Nigeria is an incredibly diverse and fascinating country. This is part of my learning journey as ambassador.”

He noted that Switzerland maintains strong diplomatic, economic and humanitarian relations with Nigeria, including investments by Swiss companies and long-standing partnerships in migration and peace-building.

On Switzerland’s economic footprint in the Niger Delta, he cited port infrastructure investments by the Mediterranean Shipping Company and the presence of firms such as Nestlé.

Book reviewer and Artistic Director of Arojah Royal Theatre, Jere Adesewo, said the project highlighted the human cost of the Niger Delta crisis and captured the lived experiences of the people in an emotional and accessible manner.

“This project is a call to those in power to remember that there is a place called the Niger Delta that deserves sustained attention. A peaceful and developed Niger Delta is a gain for Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

While acknowledging interventions by the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Adesewo said further development efforts were justified, stressing the need for accountability at state and local government levels.

Also speaking, the Director of Tourism at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mrs Anne Nenadi, underscored the importance of tourism and culture in preserving community histories, promoting national unity and projecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage to the global audience.