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Tag: Ekere

  • 2019: Akwa Ibom Christian youths endorse Buhari, Ekere

    Akwa Ibom Christian youths under the aegis of Christian Youths Leaders Assembly on Saturday endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Nsima Ekere, the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for the 2019 presidential and governorship elections.

    The duo was endorsed and presented with symbolic keys to State House, Abuja, and Government House, Uyo, during a solemn assembly held at Uyo Township Stadium and attended by members of the organization drawn from 329 wards and 2,273 villages in the state.

    Accepting the endorsement, President Buhari, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly (Senate) Matters, Senator Ita Enang, appreciated the Christian youths for his endorsement and that of Mr Ekere and urged them to take advantage of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill, which he recently signed into law, to participate more actively in politics.

    He said his government was addressing the security challenges in the country which have wrongly been given religious colouration, assuring that he will not do anything to make one religion look superior to the other.

    President Buhari said he was adopting all proper measures to free Leah Sharibu, the Christian girl still in captivity by Boko Haram terrorist group.

    In his speech, Mr Ekere commended the Christian youths for choosing a different path from some Christian leaders in the state who have been going round preaching hate.

    “Today, you have redeemed Christianity. Before I came here, I heard all sorts of stories about Christian leaders turning themselves into a political organization and going from church to church, preaching hate. Christianity teaches us that we should love one another. I think it is not Christianity for a father to choose a child over another. The Spirit of God will go with us and He will be our enabler, our strength,” he said.

  • Ekere promises to serve one term if elected Akwa Ibom governor

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, has promised to serve a single term of four years if elected governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2019.

    Ekere, who is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), gave the commitment yesterday at the grand solidarity/reception rally organized by the people of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) senatorial district for him and President Muhammadu Buhari at the QIC Primary School, Eket town.

    The NDDC boss is from Akwa Ibom South (Eket) senatorial district as Governor Udom Emmanuel.

    Speaking at the rally Ekere, who was encouraged to contest by party leaders across the three senatorial districts of the state, said he was going to run on the condition that he does a single term to make way for Uyo senatorial district in the spirit of power rotation among the three zones of the state.

    “I have been given this form. I was not ready to say whether or not I would run. Well I was part of the government in year 2011 to 2015 and

    I was part of the decision making that the governorship of Akwa Ibom state must rotate from senatorial district to senatorial district.

    “I was the arrow head of the fight that in 2015 the governorship  should come to Eket senatorial district and because of the agitation Senator Godswill Akpabio standing here who was the governor agreed and Akwa Ibom people agreed and the governorship came to Eket Senatorial district.

    “It therefore means that Eket senatorial district must have two terms till 2023. Today I have been given a form and I have been asked to run. I would run on one condition. The first condition and the only condition is that you must agree that I run for only one term.”

    Leaders of the party across the three senatorial districts of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket had bought and presented the nomination and expression of interest form to the NDDC boss yesterday at the rally.

    The rally which was attended by a mammoth crowd of APC supporters from the three federal constituencies of the senatorial district was graced by bigwigs of the party including Senator Godswill Akpabio, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, Chief Don Etiebet, the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority (OGFTZA), Mr. Umana O. Umana among others.

    Leader of the party in the state and national caucus member, Chief Don Etiebet, who presented the forms to Ekere, said leaders of the party across the state decided to purchase the forms for the NDDC boss because they wanted him to replicate his sterling performance in the commission when he becomes governor in 2019.

    Etiebet said that though the APC in the state was yet to agree on direct primary or consensus arrangement for picking its governorship candidate, the stakeholders and member of the party in the 3 senatorial districts have endorsed Ekere for governorship.

    Senator Akpabio promised to canvass for votes across the state for the APC, assuring that Akwa Ibom would give Buhari over one million votes to return him for a second term in office.

  • Ekere gets boost for Akwa Ibom governorship race

    The five local governments that make up the old Abak Division organised a grand reception to honour the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Nsima Ekere. At the occasion, the people invited Ekere to throw his hat in the ring and contest the 2019 governorship election. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI reports.

    IF current developments in Akwa Ibom State are anything to go by, the next governorship election in the state promises to be a stiff contest between the two major parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The above indication came to the fore recently at a grand reception organised by the Abak 5 Redemption Movement to honour the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Nsima Ekere.

    It was a day the people of the five local government areas that make up the former Abak Division invited Ekere to throw his hat in the ring and contest the 2019 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State. It was a call to service; the people of Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Oruk Anam and Ukanafun local government areas, popularly known has Abak 5, left no one in doubt that they had endorsed Ekere as their standard bearer for the 2019 governorship race.

    This was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State APC Caucus Chairman, Atuekong Don Etiebet, who chaired the occasion. He said the people of Abak 5 had resolved to purchase the party’s governorship nomination form for Ekere, because he has done well for them. Etiebet said: “He is not yet governor, but he has already intervened in the problems of Abak people. As you know, performance does not hide.”

    Former Minister of Women Affairs, Obong Rita Akpan said she was overwhelmed by the unprecedented gathering of the young and old people that that converged at the Government Technical College, Abak, Akwa Ibom State, to witness the event. She said: “People usually talk about sea of heads, but this is an ocean of heads. I have never seen this kind of crowd before. This must emanate from a wave of the burning desire of the people to bring change to their political and economic situation. These are people who say they can no longer continue to endure the pains and deprivations of living under tattered umbrellas that hardly shield them from the vicissitudes of life.

    “Looking at the faces of the crowd, one could easily discern that they were yearning for change and they already had their eyes set on a political beacon to chart the way forward. The diverse groups, some in colourful uniforms, were ceaselessly singing and dancing to all kinds of music, brass bands, local drums and blasting loud speakers.”

    Galvanised by the overwhelming acceptance of Ekere, Obongunwana Emmanuel Ukoete, a member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, moved a motion for the endorsement of the former deputy governor to contest the 2019 governorship election. The motion was seconded by the former member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo. At the end of the day, it was unanimously endorsed.

    An APC chieftain and Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Mr. Umana Umana, said long before the Abak 5 people took the plunge, the entire Akwa Ibom Northeast Senatorial District had resolved to purchase the APC governorship nomination form for Ekere because of his outstanding performance at the NDDC.

    Umana added: “We have come here to support and show solidarity with the people of Abak 5, who have taken the right decision to honour Obong Nsima Ekere for his outstanding performance as the Managing Director of the NDDC. We have come here to say that this honour is well-deserved.

    “I know his ideas about Akwa Ibom State. His programmes for Akwa Ibom State will not be about promises and ground breaking. There is nothing as traumatic as somebody will come and break your grounds and after two years the site will be overgrown with weeds. We are here to align with the people of Abak 5 that things cannot continue like this in Abak 5. And we have a capable hand that will make our party proud. Has he not made our party proud? We thank the President who found him worthy. Our brother, you have done well and the reward for hard work is more hard work. We are very happy with you.”

    Umana dismissed media reports of a rift between him and Ekere, saying, “Those who continue to write in newspapers that Nsima and Umana are fighting, tell them that there is no fight. We are one. Our party is one and united.”

    A former Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Electoral Matters, Chris Okorie, who chaired the event planning committee, explained that the reception was organised to appreciate Ekere for “standing by us to rebuild the bridge that has brought change to Abak 5 and indeed the entire state”.

    He enumerated NDDC projects facilitated by Ekere in the five local government areas to include construction of Hospital Road, Abak, and adjourning Obot Street, construction of Spring Road, Abak, and Mercantile Bank Road in Ekparakwa, Oruk Anam and renovation of school buildings in 20 schools, expressing delight that all the projects were executed by indigenous contractors.

    Okorie added: “Ekere epitomizes the saying that a good friend is better than a bad brother, son or son-in-law.”

    A former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Uwem Udoma, described Ekere as the real deal for Abak 5, assuring him of the support of the people of the area. He attributed the clement weather that characterised the day to divine intervention.

    Others who delivered goodwill messages at the event were a former State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otu Ita-Toyo; a former PDP State Women Leader, Lady Victoria Mel-Udoh; a former Deputy Majority Whip of the State House of Assembly, Obonganwan Mabel Udongwo; a former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Emem Wills; a representative of the APC in Diaspora, Dr. Abasiubong Udofia; and a computer mogul, Mr. Inibehe Otoho.

    At the occasion, Ekere was presented with a symbolic sword of authority and a native cow by the people of Abak 5. The NDDC boss expressed appreciation to the people for what he called their show of love and confidence and promised to react to their call at the appropriate time.

    Ekere said Akwa Ibom State deserved better governance. He said: “I want to respond by saying that this call by Abak 5 has been taken note of, and I will consider it very seriously. For, today, I am still the Managing Director of the NDDC. I have a job to do for the Niger Delta people. I have a job to do for Akwa Ibom people.

    “Mr. President showed confidence in our capabilities and gave us this appointment. We are committed to delivering on our mandate with everything that is in our fabric. We shall do it. When the time for politics comes, when the time for election comes, I will come back here and I will remind you of this resolution that you passed today.”

    The NDDC chief executive officer seized the opportunity to move a motion for the endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term, stressing that the President had demonstrated uncommon love for Akwa Ibom State, particularly in terms of appointments.

    He commended Buhari for the enormous support to the NDDC, especially his approval for the harmonisation of outstanding remittances from the Federal Ministry of Finance and release of outstanding funds due the commission for the development of the Niger Delta region.

    On a sad note, however, Ekere decried the disruption of NDDC projects by agents of the Akwa Ibom State Government, reasoning that it was counter-productive because “the money NDDC is using to develop Akwa Ibom State is our own share of money for the development of the Niger Delta”.

    Ekere said the commission was not competing with the Akwa Ibom State Government or any other state in the oil-rich Niger Delta region in the execution of its mandate. He said that the state government was antagonising the commission as evident in the disruption of its activities in the state by agents of the state government. The state Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, had told reporters that the state government chased out NDDC contractors because of poor execution of work.

    But Ekere said: “In the last several months, the NDDC had witnessed disruption in its project sites in Akwa Ibom while trying to intervene to make life more useful. NDDC is not in competition with Akwa Ibom or any other state. NDDC is here to make life meaningful.

    “The money NDDC is using to develop our state is our own share and if you stop us, that means you don’t love the people. The state should support development partners, rather than disrupting the work of the partners. We will engage all the state governments so that we can bring development to our people.”

    The NDDC boss promised that the commission will continue to seek ways of constructive engagement with all governments in the region “so that we can bring development to all nooks and crannies of the Niger Delta”.

    Ekere urged the people of Akwa Ibom State to vote for the APC to end “bad governance” in the state. He added: “President Muhammadu Buhari has shown uncommon love for the people of Nigeria. Never in the history of Nigeria has Akwa Ibom benefitted so much.”

     

  • Ekere gets boost for Akwa Ibom governorship race

    The five local governments that make up the old Abak Division organised a grand reception to honour the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Nsima Ekere. At the occasion, the people invited Ekere to throw his hat in the ring and contest the 2019 governorship election. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI reports.

    IF current developments in Akwa Ibom State are anything to go by, the next governorship election in the state promises to be a stiff contest between the two major parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The above indication came to the fore recently at the occasion was a grand reception organised by the Abak 5 Redemption Movement to honour the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Nsima Ekere.

    It was a day the people of the five local government areas that make up the former Abak Division invited Ekere to throw his hat in the ring and contest the 2019 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State. It was a call to service; the people of Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Oruk Anam and Ukanafun local government areas, popularly known has Abak 5, left no one in doubt that they had endorsed Ekere as their standard bearer for the 2019 governorship race.

    This was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State APC Caucus Chairman, Atuekong Don Etiebet, who chaired the occasion. He added that the people of Abak 5 had resolved to purchase the party’s governorship nomination form for Ekere, because he has done well for them. Etiebet said: “He is not yet governor, but he has already intervened in the problems of Abak people. As you know, performance does not hide.”

    Former Minister of Women Affairs, Obong Rita Akpan said she was overwhelmed by the unprecedented gathering of the young and old people that that converged at the Government Technical College, Abak, Akwa Ibom State, to witness the event. She said: “People usually talk about sea of heads, but this is an ocean of heads. I have never seen this kind of crowd before. This must emanate from a wave of the burning desire of the people to bring change to their political and economic situation. These are people who say they can no longer continue to endure the pains and deprivations of living under tattered umbrellas that hardly shield them from the vicissitudes of life.

    “Looking at the faces of the crowd, one could easily discern that they were yearning for change and they already had their eyes set on a political beacon to chart the way forward. The diverse groups, some in colourful uniforms, were ceaselessly singing and dancing to all kinds of music, brass bands, local drums and blasting loud speakers.”

    Galvanised by the overwhelming acceptance of Ekere, Obongunwana Emmanuel Ukoete, a member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, moved a motion for the endorsement of the former deputy governor to contest the 2019 governorship election. The motion was seconded by the former member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo. At the end of the day, it was unanimously endorsed.

    An APC chieftain and Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Mr. Umana Umana, said long before the Abak 5 people took the plunge, the entire Akwa Ibom Northeast Senatorial District had resolved to purchase the APC governorship nomination form for Ekere because of his outstanding performance at the NDDC.

    Umana added: “We have come here to support and show solidarity with the people of Abak 5, who have taken the right decision to honour Obong Nsima Ekere for his outstanding performance as the Managing Director of the NDDC. We have come here to say that this honour is well-deserved.

    “I know his ideas about Akwa Ibom State. His programmes for Akwa Ibom State will not be about promises and ground breaking. There is nothing as traumatic as somebody will come and break your grounds and after two years the site will be overgrown with weeds. We are here to align with the people of Abak 5 that things cannot continue like this in Abak 5. And we have a capable hand that will make our party proud. Has he not made our party proud? We thank the President who found him worthy. Our brother, you have done well and the reward for hard work is more hard work. We are very happy with you.”

    Umana dismissed media reports of a rift between him and Ekere, saying, “Those who continue to write in newspapers that Nsima and Umana are fighting, tell them that there is no fight. We are one. Our party is one and united.”

    A former Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Electoral Matters, Chris Okorie, who chaired the event planning committee, explained that the reception was organised to appreciate Ekere for “standing by us to rebuild the bridge that has brought change to Abak 5 and indeed the entire state”.

    He enumerated NDDC projects facilitated by Ekere in the five local government areas to include construction of Hospital Road, Abak, and adjourning Obot Street, construction of Spring Road, Abak, and Mercantile Bank Road in Ekparakwa, Oruk Anam and renovation of school buildings in 20 schools, expressing delight that all the projects were executed by indigenous contractors.

    Okorie added: “Ekere epitomizes the saying that a good friend is better than a bad brother, son or son-in-law.”

    A former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Uwem Udoma, described Ekere as the real deal for Abak 5, assuring him of the support of the people of the area. He attributed the clement weather that characterised the day to divine intervention.

    Others who delivered goodwill messages at the event were a former State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otu Ita-Toyo; a former PDP State Women Leader, Lady Victoria Mel-Udoh; a former Deputy Majority Whip of the State House of Assembly, Obonganwan Mabel Udongwo; a former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Emem Wills; a representative of the APC in Diaspora, Dr. Abasiubong Udofia; and a computer mogul, Mr. Inibehe Otoho.

    At the occasion, Ekere was presented with a symbolic sword of authority and a native cow by the people of Abak 5. The NDDC boss expressed appreciation to the people for what he called their show of love and confidence and promised to react to their call at the appropriate time.

    Ekere said Akwa Ibom State deserved better governance. He said: “I want to respond by saying that this call by Abak 5 has been taken note of, and I will consider it very seriously. For, today, I am still the Managing Director of the NDDC. I have a job to do for the Niger Delta people. I have a job to do for Akwa Ibom people.

    “Mr. President showed confidence in our capabilities and gave us this appointment. We are committed to delivering on our mandate with everything that is in our fabric. We shall do it. When the time for politics comes, when the time for election comes, I will come back here and I will remind you of this resolution that you passed today.”

    The NDDC chief executive officer seized the opportunity to move a motion for the endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term, stressing that the President had demonstrated uncommon love for Akwa Ibom State, particularly in terms of appointments.

    He commended Buhari for the enormous support to the NDDC, especially his approval for the harmonisation of outstanding remittances from the Federal Ministry of Finance and release of outstanding funds due the commission for the development of the Niger Delta region.

    On a sad note, however, Ekere decried the disruption of NDDC projects by agents of the Akwa Ibom State Government, reasoning that it was counter-productive because “the money NDDC is using to develop Akwa Ibom State is our own share of money for the development of the Niger Delta”.

    Ekere said the commission was not competing with the Akwa Ibom State Government or any other state in the oil-rich Niger Delta region in the execution of its mandate. He said that the state government was antagonising the commission as evident in the disruption of its activities in the state by agents of the state government. The state Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, had told reporters that the state government chased out NDDC contractors because of poor execution of work.

    But Ekere said: “In the last several months, the NDDC had witnessed disruption in its project sites in Akwa Ibom while trying to intervene to make life more useful. NDDC is not in competition with Akwa Ibom or any other state. NDDC is here to make life meaningful.

    “The money NDDC is using to develop our state is our own share and if you stop us, that means you don’t love the people. The state should support development partners, rather than disrupting the work of the partners. We will engage all the state governments so that we can bring development to our people.”

    The NDDC boss promised that the commission will continue to seek ways of constructive engagement with all governments in the region “so that we can bring development to all nooks and crannies of the Niger Delta”.

    Ekere urged the people of Akwa Ibom State to vote for the APC to end “bad governance” in the state. He added: “President Muhammadu Buhari has shown uncommon love for the people of Nigeria. Never in the history of Nigeria has Akwa Ibom benefitted so much.”

     

  • Akwa Ibom 2019: Kinsmen urge Ekere to run for governor

    Kinsmen of Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom  Emmanuel from Onna Local Government Area have urged  the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, to contest for governor in next year’s  election.

    The ward chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Onna said they were satisfied with with Ekere’s performance since he assumed office 13 months ago.

    In a letter of felicitation to him,  the ward chairmen said the NDDC boss has accomplished so much for the Niger Delta region and  Akwa Ibom State.

    They said: “All over the state, the name of Obong Nsima Ekere resonates with love and admiration and we congratulate you on this feat.”

    Urging Ekere to contest, they assured him of their unalloyed support as “major players in the change agenda of Mr. President and advocates of good governance.”

    They added: “As a visionary leader, we pray the Almighty God to give you more courage and grace to accept our appeal.”

    The ward chairmen also commended the NDDC Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Samuel Frank, and the Special Assistant to the NDDC Managing Director, Mr. Anietie Ufot,  for their contributions to the development of the state by the NDDC.

    The letter was signed by 11 of the 12 Onna APC ward chairmen, including Akwaowo Duff Peter (Awa 1), Isaac Peter Ebia (Nung Ndem 1), Akaninyene Akpan Evans (Oniong West 1), and Samuel Akpabio (Awa 4).

    Others are Ekong Sunday Uko (Oniong West 3), Ekong Harrison Afia (Awa 2), Nsikan Etuk Jack (Nung Ndem 2), Udeme Sunday Udo (Oniong East 2), Ifiok Ibanga Etukudo (Awa 3), Timothy Udo Enoch (Oniong West 2) and Rufus Udo (Oniong East 1).

  • Ekere hails Buhari for refineries, board appointments

    Ekere hails Buhari for refineries, board appointments

    The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for enabling the near take-off of the 10 modular refineries to be located in five of the nine states in Niger Delta.

    In a new year thank-you message to the President, Ekere said it was historic that privately-owned refineries were finally coming to the Niger Delta through an enabling environment created by the Buhari administration after nearly two decades of fruitless attempts.

    He said the establishment of the refineries was significant, as they would boost fuel supply with their capacity to refine 300,000 barrels of crude per day.

    Ekere said the refineries would create jobs and help ensure peace in Niger Delta.

    He noted that two of the 10 refineries, Amakpe Refinery meant to be located in Akwa Ibom State and OPAC Refinery to be based in Delta State, have their mini-refineries modules fabricated, assembled and containerised overseas, ready for shipment to Nigeria for installation.

    The NDDC boss, who participated in the recent meeting of the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo-led Niger Delta Inter-Ministerial Committee, in which the report of the modular refineries was received, praised the vice-president for his instrumental role in bringing investment, development and peace to Niger Delta.

    He promised that the NDDC would engage the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and other government agencies to promote positive investment in modular refineries.

    Ekere pledged the commitment of the NDDC to continue in the massive development of Niger Delta this year.

    He hailed President Buhari for the appointment of Niger Delta indigenes into federal boards and for his commitment to address the challenges of the region as contained in his new year address.

    Ekere congratulated the appointees, including a former Managing Director of NDDC, Mr. Timi Alaibe, who was named Board Chairman of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, and urged them to live up to the expectations of the President and Nigerians in the discharge of their duties.

    He prayed God to give Buhari good health to lead Nigeria to greater heights.

     

  • NDDC ‘ll focus on big projects, says Ekere

    NDDC ‘ll focus on big projects, says Ekere

    Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Nsima Ekere has said the Commission will pay more attention to big ticket projects to boost regional integration and development.

    Ekere, who spoke during a Good Morning Nigeria, a Programme on NTA International assured that NDDC would continue to focus on massive regional projects that would positively impact the Niger Delta region.

    He explained that NDDC had identified some of the key projects to be executed in collaboration with state governments. One of such projects, he said was the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road, meant to link the Maritime University at Okerenkoko and other coastal communities in the State.

    In a similar vein, he said: “We have signed a pact with the Ondo State Government for the construction of the 50-kilometre Akodo-Araromi/Ibeju-Lekki road. This strategic road will reduce the journey to Lagos from Ondo by forty- five minutes.”

    To strengthen collaboration with state governments, Ekere said that NDDC had revived the Partners for Sustainable Development, PSD, Forum, to serve as a clearing house for projects. He added that the Commission had set up budget committees in the states. “This is the first time this is happening in NDDC,” he observed.

    The NDDC Chief Executive Officer said that over the years, the Commission had done a lot in the area of infrastructural development.  He said that this was not enough because, according to him, “we also want to build human capital. We have signed collaboration agreements that will help us to achieve this.”

    Ekere stated that the Commission recently entered into a partnership with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, NEXIM, to set up a N5 billion development fund, where both parties would contribute N2.5 billion each. “This we will use to accelerate SMEs and Agricultural development in the region,” he said.

    “The partnership with NEXIM Bank is meant to develop the agricultural sector by boosting the entire value chain from training to planting, processing and provision of funds for setting up agricultural enterprises. We want to create an export initiative in the agricultural sector to create jobs and help the nation’s economy.”

    Ekere said that the NDDC was also partnering with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN to help provide employment for the youths, stating: “We want to turn the youths to entrepreneurs. That is the way we can reduce unemployment.”

     

  • Abia community honours NDDC chief Ekere

    Abia community honours NDDC chief Ekere

    Okahiuga Alike Ancient Kingdom in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has honoured the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, with the traditional title of “Ome Nke Ahuru Anya” (he whose great deeds are evident to all).

    The community’s traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Eze Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe, conferred Ekere with the title.

    Eze Nwaigwe said the honour was in recognition of “Ekere’s long-standing commitment towards uplifting of mankind and developing of society”.

    He added: “What you are doing to make your commission better prepared to serve the people of the Niger Delta region has reached us. We recognise them. We recognise and commend you. The people of the Niger Delta need a leader like you, someone who cares about their affairs, who cares about their development. I want to reassure you today that my people are behind you.

    “We will continue to support you to succeed because your success will bring more development to my people, your people in Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta.”

    Ekere said it was heart-warming for him “to see that one’s modest efforts are recognised. I believe there is so much more that awaits us, working as partners with a shared love for and commitment to impacting more positively on the well-being of the Niger Delta region and our people”.

  • Ekere: Buhari directed payment of NDDC funds

    President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning to work with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in reconciling outstanding statutory obligations due the commission and agree on a payment plan.

    NDDC’s Managing Director Nsima Ekere spoke when executive members of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) visited the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    Ekere, who commended the traditional rulers for their support, said President Buhari gave the directive before his trip to London.

    He stated: “I think TROMPCON should commend Mr. President for this remarkable decision. The Federal Government had been owing NDDC cumulatively since inception and for the first time this is being addressed.

    “The Federal Government had not met its contributions and we went to the President and drew his attention to that fact. I am happy to inform you that President Buhari directed the minister of Finance, Budget Office and National Planning Commission to meet with NDDC, compare figures and agree on a payment plan.”

    The chief executive officer asked the royal fathers to pray for the quick recovery of President Buhari, noting that they represented the traditional conscience of the region. He declared: “TROMPCON is the soul of Niger Delta region.”

    Ekere acknowledged the role played by the royal fathers in ensuring peace in the Niger Delta. “I recognise your role in fostering peace in the region. You are important stakeholders and I acknowledge your support for the NDDC,” he said.

    He urged them to continue to sensitise their subjects, especially the young ones, and “warn then against oil theft, vandalism, piracy and other acts that could cause a breach of peace and bring insecurity in the region.”

    “If there is no peace in the region, investors will be scared away. This is important, more so now with dwindling oil prices in the international market.”

    Ekere urged them to build a strong alliance and network with security agencies, as well as assist in monitoring NDDC projects in their various domains, pledging the commission’s support for TROMPCON.

    Chairman of TROMPCON Eze Akuwueze Ikegwuruka stated that the rulers and NDDC enjoyed a cordial relationship.

    He cited the role played by the rulers in the birth of the Partnership for Sustainable Development (PSD) Forum, which he noted encouraged stakeholders’ participation in developing the Niger Delta.

    Eze Ikeguruka said  TROMPCON had played critical roles in ensuring peace and security in the region.

  • NDDC ’ll develop Niger Delta, Ekere assures residents

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, has said the commission will establish the right institutions, partnerships and strategies to bring true development to the Niger Delta region.

    Ekere spoke yesterday at NDDC’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, while signing separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), led by Dr Dara Akala, and the Budgit Foundation, with Mr Oluseun Onigbinde as its lead partner.

    The NDDC chief said the Federal Government interventionist agency placed emphasis on Niger Delta region to fulfil the people’s expectations, reward aspirations and renew faith in government and other institutions of authority.

    He noted that PIND was a Chevron and United States of America (U.S.A) agency for International Development (USAID)-funded non-governmental organisation (NGO).

    Ekere said it operated exclusively in Niger Delta with the objective of building peace, resolving conflicts, building capacity and providing the enabling environment for sustainable living.

    He said: “In very clear and unambiguous terms, this commission is mandated to develop our people and the Niger Delta region.

    “In the execution of the challenging and unenviable task, management (of NDDC), in collaboration with the board, is at liberty to enable a pragmatic vision of regional development, roll out strategies and tactics for execution of the vision and harness internal and external metrics that would facilitate its optimal actualisation.

    “To build this great region (Niger Delta) is to build ourselves, our families, our communities and our people. To fulfil the letters and spirit of the mandate before this partnership and the commission is to actualise our collective dreams, long held.”

    Ekere added that when the governing board and management of NDDC took over on November 4, last year, there was the unveiling of the 4-R initiative, whose overarching objective was to deliver high impact social welfare programmes and physical infrastructure projects that would touch the people’s lives and change the prevalent narrative.

    The NDDC chairman said the initiative would restructure the agency’s balance sheet, reform the governance systems, restore its core mandate and reaffirm the agency’s commitment to doing what was right and proper at all times.

    Ekere noted that due to the enormity of the developmental and institutional challenges before the commission and its officials, it was imperative to have clearly-conceived and robustly-articulated partnerships, built on shared vision and responsibility.

    PIND’s Executive Director Dr Dara Akala said the foundation was promoting peace and development in the Niger Delta.