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Tag: Dr. Samuel Ogbuku

  • Why NDDC opened ultramodern naval base in Bayelsa, by Ogbuku

    Why NDDC opened ultramodern naval base in Bayelsa, by Ogbuku

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) yesterday inaugurated a modern naval base at Ayakoro in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    The commission’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, gave reasons for establishing the naval base in the area.

    The NDDC boss noted that the area is strategic because of its critical positioning as a gateway “for kidnappers and those involved in illegal oil bunkering and artisanal oil refining”.

    He added: “This particular location was chosen by the Navy because of its critical positioning. From this junction, there is a creek that takes you to Sangana in Southern Ijaw. If this point is not blocked, our safety will be challenged. In the past, kidnappers and those involved in illegal oil bunkering and artisanal oil refining carried their products from this place through Onuebum.

    “So, with this facility here, it puts a stop to criminality through this area.”.

    The ceremony attracted dignitaries, including Governor Douye Diri, the management team of the NDDC, as well as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas; the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Aliyu Gaya; the Commander of NNS Soroh, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, and leaders of traditional institutions.

    Ogbuku assured Niger Delta residents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s love, stressing his determination to develop the region.

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    He said: “I stand here to tell the people of this region that Mr. President is a believer and a lover of Niger Delta. He is doing everything to ensure the region is developed.”

    The NDDC boss said the partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies across the Niger Delta region was informed by the reasoning that security and development are intertwined.

    He praised the security agencies for their sacrifices and ensuring projects were completed on schedule.

    Ogbuku said: “They are the ones out there ensuring we sleep peacefully. It’s because they have done their jobs very well you see projects springing up across Niger Delta.”  The NDDC boss described the Niger Delta as the most peaceful region in Nigeria due to the efforts of security agencies.

    He recalled that in the past, many contractors were scared of working in many parts of the region due to insecurity.

    “But for their support, we will not be able to carry out these projects to conclusion. There was a time contractors were afraid of going to certain parts of Niger Delta due to the fear of militants and criminals. But today, I can tell you that Niger Delta is one of the most peaceful regions in Nigeria due to the performance of security agents in the region,” Ogbuku said.

    The NDDC boss praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for putting together “these officers and men that have worked tirelessly in the region to promote peace”.

    The naval base has an administrative block, an accommodation block, and a 40-man houseboat equipped with two units 100 kva hp generator, two gunboats with two units of 200 kva Yamaha generators, and a 60 kva solar inverter system installed at administrative and accommodation blocks as a back-up power supply.

    It also has a 30 kva solar inverter installed at the 40-man houseboat as a backup power supply, a full option Toyota Hilux for operational use, a newly built operational floating jetty, and a set of satellite radio receivers for proper and effective communication.

    Chief Clever Akpotu, a community leader, said the event was a testament to the determination of President Tinubu’s administration to enhance security on the waterways.

    He expressed gratitude about the appointment of Ogbuku, who hails from the community.

    The Commandant of the Joint Task Force, code-named Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, said the provision of the naval base was a demonstration of an understanding of the security needs of the coastal communities and the critical role the Navy played in protecting lives, livelihoods, and economic assets in the region.

    Diri, who was represented by an aide, Brig.-Gen. Eric Angaye (retd), said most of Nigeria’s maritime domain and international coastline outside Lagos were within the Gulf of Guinea in the coast of Niger Delta.

    He stressed the importance of Niger Delta to the country’s oil and gas economy, lauding the regional interventionist agency for the project, which he said would enhance economic activities.

  • Niger Delta ex-agitators applaud Tinubu for backing NDDC boss amid smear campaigns

    Niger Delta ex-agitators applaud Tinubu for backing NDDC boss amid smear campaigns

    Ex-agitators from the Niger Delta region have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for resisting alleged smear campaigns aimed at discrediting the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and for supporting his vision for regional development.

    Nature Dumale Kieghe, pioneer secretary of the first phase ex-agitators and former chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Communication Committee, praised the President for aligning with Ogbuku’s developmental agenda, which he said reflects the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Kieghe highlighted several achievements under Ogbuku’s leadership, including the Light-Up Niger Delta Project, which he said has brought electricity to rural communities and improved the lives of elderly residents.

    He also noted the commission’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Youth Internship Scheme, where 10,000 youths are currently receiving monthly stipends of N50,000.

    “Ogbuku is restoring hope to the region’s youth and reviving communities long neglected,” Kieghe said, adding that the NDDC had fast-tracked the completion of critical infrastructure projects such as the Ogbia-Nembe Road, schools, hospitals, and skill acquisition centres.

    He further lauded the commission’s efforts to reconnect displaced communities through road construction and applauded Ogbuku’s dedication to completing the iconic Bonny Ring Road and bridges.

    Kieghe also praised improvements in staff welfare, stating that Ogbuku had provided conducive office spaces and accommodations for NDDC staff and stakeholders in various states.

    READ ALSO: Six dead, three missing in Navy boat mishap

    He called on all Niger Deltans to continue supporting the current leadership of the NDDC to sustain the momentum of development and inclusiveness in the region.

    Kieghe said, “As critical stakeholders, we want to appreciate Mr President for not listening to the enemies of the Niger Delta region, who wanted to stop the vision of our leader and brother, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, the CEO of NDDC.

    “Today we have proved those Niger Delta people, who felt that he had no plan for the region wrong. We have proved those who felt that Ogbuku was not capable of delivering the vision of NDDC to the Niger Delta people wrong.

    Just take Ogbuku’s project to light up the Niger Delta for example. Nearly every community in the Niger Delta region today has a solar light in their area and this initiative has brought so much joy to the communities.

    “This is one project in the history of NDDC that has addressed the needs of our aged mothers, brothers and sisters in the rural areas that don’t even know where the NDDC office is located. This needs assessment has provided light for them, and today, they identify with what the NDDC is doing in the region.

    “Mr. President, we thank you for listening to us, not to allow anybody to convince you to stop the vision of Ogbuku. Through him, we have skill acquisition programmes. One of them, the Youth Internship Scheme, is paying stipends to 10,000 youths monthly.

    Through Ogbuku’s vision, many infrastructural projects such as the Ogbia-Nembe Road, schools, health, skill acquisition centre projects, among others, have been completed and inaugurated.  We have seen the MD inaugurating liaison offices. In the history of the Niger Delta several states have not had offices they could go to and lodge their complaints.

    “Today, nearly all the states have liaison offices. The MD and the board have achieved a lot in a record time. We thank the MD for bringing the renewed hope Agenda to the people of the Niger Delta. The MD has also given our youths scholarship opportunities to be trained in Nigeria and outside the country. This is an achievement that will further take young men out of the streets”.

    Kieghe called on all stakeholders of the Niger Delta to keep supporting Ogbuku and the board to enable them to deliver more credible and people-oriented projects.

    “If every other MD had performed the way Ogbuku had done, the Niger Delta would have experienced more development. As we celebrate this anniversary, we call on the youths and other critical stakeholders to give their support to this administration because we know that without peace there would be no development”, he said.

    While passing a vote of confidence in Ogbuku and the board, Kieghe warned enemies of the Niger delta to desist from trying to bring Ogbuku down.

    He said, “We passed a vote of confidence in Ogbuku and his team and prayed to God to grant them the needed wisdom to keep transforming the region. We advise those in the business of confusing crisis merchants and those planning to sabotage what he is doing to desist and embrace dialogue.”

  • NDDC boss highlights Tinubu’s commitment to Niger Delta Development

    NDDC boss highlights Tinubu’s commitment to Niger Delta Development

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, emphasizing its importance in advancing the crude oil and gas-rich area. 

    Dr. Ogbuku made this statement at Warrake, Owan East Local Government Area, Edo North Senatorial District, during the inaugural harvest of NDDC’s rice and cassava farm spanning 50 hectares under its farmers’ empowerment programme. 

    Represented by the commission’s Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Winifred Madume, Ogbuku described the event as a landmark moment in the history of agricultural initiatives in the Niger Delta. 

    He recalled the programme’s launch on June 5, 2024, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, where communities across the Niger Delta were onboarded to provide land for the initiative.

    The programme highlights the NDDC’s commitment to diversifying the region’s economy through agriculture. 

    “During the onboarding programme, we assured everyone that this programme will be successful. Today (November 25), this harvest serves as a milestone in a journey that is far from complete but has certainly taken off on a strong footing.

    “Work with farmers is also ongoing in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. As the flood waters recede, we will continue all season across all the states of the Niger Delta.

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    “The lessons learnt from this inaugural farm and others currently at various stages will support our efforts in continuous improvement.”

    Ogbuku also encouraged farmers, communities, and contractors/consultants to continue to work closely with NDDC, to replicate the success across all the project areas and improve on the accomplishments.

    He said: “I thank President Bola Timubu for his commitment to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta, and the special emphasis he has placed on food security in Nigeria. The NDDC will continue to work to accomplish his instructions.

    “I thank the leadership of the Warrake community for not only the land you made available but also the enabling environment you provided for the success of this project.

    “I am grateful to all the farmers here for your hard work, leading to the harvest we are celebrating. From the proceeds of this harvest, we will continue to sustain this programme, even as you benefit from your hard work.”

    The managing director also stated that in the select communities where the farms were yet to start, he assured that the project would not only come to their communities but when it would come, it would be sustained.

    Ogbuku noted that the programme was designed in such a way that it would not only be self-sustaining but would by force of success attract financial institutions and other partners to join in expanding to reach more communities and farmers.

    The consultant to the project, Von Dimieari, while also speaking, stated that NDDC was revitalising agric development in the Niger Delta and that the commission was very central to the development of agriculture in the region.

    One of the beneficiaries, Chief Gbadamosi Kadiri, hailed President Tinubu for the beneficial and timely initiative, which he said they would continue to support, but urged NDDC to help them fix the bad road to the farm.

  • ‘Tenure of NDDC MD guaranteed by Act establishing commission’

    ‘Tenure of NDDC MD guaranteed by Act establishing commission’

    A group, South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), has urged those behind the ongoing campaign for Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) interim management to desist, arguing the act establishing Commission was very clear on the tenure of its management team from the very day they took oath of office.

    The body in a statement by its Convener, Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, noted that anything contrary to Constitutional provisions in the tenure of office of its management team remains an aberration to the Act establishing the Commission and therefore not acceptable.

    The statement titled: “THE NDDC ACT:The case for Bayelsa State to complete its full tenure as should be applicable to any other states”, quoted Part 1 section 3 which deals specifically with tenure of the office of Board members-Section 3 (1) states subject to the provisions of section 4 of this Act stated; “A member of the Board, other than an ex-officio member, shall hold office for a term of 4 years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of 4 years and no more.

    It said: “Statutory appointments should be allowed to run its full course for continuity and accountability. The letters and provisions of the NDDC establishment Act 2000 as amended should be sacroscant and upheld by all”.

    “The NDDC establishment Act is the Bible that should be our guidance at all times and has to be respected. Therefore anything that is smuggled into this document to be implemented is alien and should be rejected by all”.

    “The beginning of the fresh start of the appointment of Samuel Ogbuku as made by President Bola Tinubu starts from August, 2023 and should terminate August, 2027, is without ambiguity.”

    “Therefore we urge those who are becoming restive to respect the letters and spirit as contained in the NDDC establishment Act and allow Bayelsa State to complete its tenure in the person of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku”.

    It noted added “When persons who ought to know begin to agitate negetively against what ordinarily should be the correct position then it becomes very clear to discerning minds that such agitation is purely for self serving purposes.”

    “We should not give an iota of thought to the interim management idea these persons are pushing, it will not be beneficial to the region and it’s people, but beneficial to only a few who have always seen the NDDC as their personal fiefdom”.

    “A better part of the life of the NDDC has been run on ad-hoc arrangement with nothing tangible to show within these period other than tales of woes of mismanagement and misapplication of resources which has become counterproductive to the overall development of the region”.

    The group added: “Peace and Stability in the region should be paramount at this time to aid and drive the much needed development we all clamour for in the region. There is never a time quietness and progress has been seen in the Commission than now”.

    “For a long time the people of the region are beginning to have a buy-in, into the affairs of the Commission once again due largely to the people centered policy direction and robust programs implementation of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku leadership”.

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    “Let us take a deep breath and shift our mindset to the overall development of the region as directed by President Bola Tinubu when he charged the Managing Director to focus more on legacy projects to turn the fortunes of the region around for good and the Managing Director has continued to build on the support of Mr President which has emboldened him to chat uncommon policies towards aggressively upscaling the infrastructural face of the Niger Delta region”.

    “The footprint of the Commission can be seen by even the blind, the people centered projects such as the Light – Up Niger Delta program harnessing the benefit of renewable energy resources derived from Solar energy,

    Project “HOPE” launched and executed with the second phase launched already and kicked-off, NDDC Chamber of Commerce collaborating with Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce to drive inclusivity in the region, and many youths empowerment centered driven programs amongest others on its remarkable growth trajectory.”

  • Ogbuku: NDDC embracing accountability, transparency to develop Niger Delta

    Ogbuku: NDDC embracing accountability, transparency to develop Niger Delta

    Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said the commission is restructured to embrace its quest to rapidly develop Niger Delta. 

    He spoke when the Deputy Group Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi, visited him at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    The NDDC boss in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said NDDC had moved away from the era of transactional leadership to that of transformational engagement.

    According to the NDDC boss, transiting from transaction to transformation means there must be transparency and accountability for a more efficient service delivery in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

    Ogbuku said in getting to the level of the financial discipline, which the commission strived to attain, NDDC had put in place solid building blocks culminating in the engagement of KPMG to design for it a corporate governance system, which would lay down the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the commission.

    He said SOPs would ensure that the activities of the commission were internally regulated to boost the confidence of stakeholders and development partners.

    The NDDC boss said the commission was already using verifiable database for the training of youths through the Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE) initiative, which had since engaged the youth in fields and training platforms.

    Read Also: Why development in Niger Delta is slow, by NDDC board

    “Building a comprehensive database for the youth in the region will give the commission the opportunity to plan, as well share the relevant data with other development agencies that may need them for planning,” he said.

    In the area of entrepreneurship, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC through Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce had streamlined engagement in giving support to farmers and verifiable entrepreneurs in the region.

    Expressing confidence that NDDC could do more, the managing director lamented that the commission was limited by the bureaucracy of the operation of the Treasury Single Account, (TSA) policy and canvassed for the removal of the commission from the TSA.

    Mr. Akinyemi said with the transformation ongoing  at NDDC, the bank was willing to do business with the interventionist agency.

    He said the involvement of KPMG in the design of a corporate governance structure for the comm ission will increase the believability of partners that work with the commission.

    He said after a review of the levels of engagement in the commission, they were more assured of going into partnership.