The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NDDC

  • Work to resume on abandoned 3.65-km Borokiri-Okrika Road project, says NDDC

    Work to resume on abandoned 3.65-km Borokiri-Okrika Road project, says NDDC

    Going by the words of Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Boma Iyaye, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to restart work on the 3.65-kilometre Borokiri-Okrika Road and three bridges.

    The projects have been abandoned since 2012.

    Iyaye dropped the hint during an interactive forum with some stakeholders of the project yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    He explained that the project would link Kolabi, Abatoru, Okpoka, and other coastal communities to the Port Harcourt metropolis.

    He said: “This 3.65-kilometre Borokiri-Okrika Road and three bridges project was initiated by previous NDDC administrations in 2012.

    “Mobilisation fees were paid, and work began, but regrettably, the project was stalled for many years.”

    The NDDC director identified the project as one of the priority projects earmarked for completion under the administration of President Bola Bola Tinubu.

    Iyaye said: “This project has been included in 2024 NDDC budget, and now is the time to restart it.

    Read Also: NDDC flags off project in Rivers community

    “Consequently, we organised this interactive session to inform the real owners of the project that contractors will soon return to site to resume work on the project.”

    He highlighted that, upon completion, the project would reduce travel time, enhance local trade, and significantly improve access to essential services for coastal communities.

    Iyaye assured stakeholders that the road and bridges would be completed within the planned timeframe and urged residents to corporate fully with the contractor handling the project.

    The Amayanabo of Kirike Kingdom, Okrika, King Tamuno-Omisiki Opuiyo, commended the NDDC management for its plan to recommence the project and assured the support of the Okrika people.

    “We must not let our political differences to hinder development. However, we appeal to the commission to engage a reliable and capable contractor to ensure the project’s timely completion,” the monarch counselled.

    Dr. Samson Parker, an indigene of Okrika and former Commissioner for Health in Rivers, expressed gratitude to Tinubu and the NDDC board and management for reviving the road and bridges project.

    Parker said: “This project embodies a vision that will serve as a catalyst for the socio-economic revitalization of the communities.

    “Let us support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which the NDDC, under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is actively working to implement.”

    At the meeting were royal fathers, representatives of women and youth groups, as well as members of Community Development Committees from Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and Port Harcourt.

  • NDDC flags off project in Rivers community

    NDDC flags off project in Rivers community

    • Assures the community of a quality job, timely completion

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has flagged off ultramodern market projects in Ibaa Community of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The Representative of the State in NDDC Governing Board, Tony Okocha, conducted the exercise on Saturday, on behalf of the Commission.

    Okocha assured the community that the project would be built with standard materials and completed within four months.

    Addressing the visibly excited community members, the NDDC State Representative said the Project was in fulfilment of a promise made to the people of the community earlier, and in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said, “Like I always say to the people wherever NDDC projects are sited, we will not only ensure the highest quality of standards in the execution, we will make sure, as usual, that the materials to be used are of top quality.

    “This project is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to add meaning to the life of all Nigerians in his reign as President.

    “I want to enjoin you to continue to support Mr President in his quest to turn around the fortunes of our beloved country. Continue to pray for him to succeed because his success is our collective success.”

    Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Enyesom Wike, for his role in his appointment as member of the Board of NDDC.

    “Permit me to also extend my regards and deep sense of appreciation to His Excellency, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Leader of the Renewed Hope Family in Rivers State, for the opportunity given me to be the Rivers State Representative in the NDDC.

    “I recall the charge he gave to me upon my appointment to ensure that every LGA in Rivers State is touched with people-centred projects in terms of infrastructure, and human capacity building and development.

    “He told me that l will only be remembered for the quality projects that l will deliver to the people.”

    Read Also: Nigeria, China $2bn currency swap renewal deal to strengthen bilateral trade – DG Tegbe

    According to him nine of the 23 council areas of the State have been touched with projects that have direct bearing on the residents. l, assuring that the gesture would go round the areas before he leaves office.

    He urged beneficiaries of the projects to take ownership and ensure protection of the project sites, materials and maintenance after completion.

    “So far, we have reached out to nine LGAs in line with that charge, and by the special grace of God, the 23 LGAs will not just be reached with quality and impactful project, but these projects will go round up to two times all over the 23 LGAs by the end of my time.

    “The contractor is here, and he has been briefed about the need to engage members of the community wherever their expertise falls to give them the much needed sense of belonging.

    “This project will be completed within four months counting from January 2025.

    “On your own part as a community, you’re to take ownership of this project by cooperating with the contractor, and by supporting him to succeed and complete the project on time.

    “Another important way of taking full ownership of this project which l must emphasize upon is by being very peaceful so the project is not disrupted,” he said.

  • NDYM urges NDDC to ensure fairness, transparency in resource distribution

    NDYM urges NDDC to ensure fairness, transparency in resource distribution

    The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to uphold its mandate of serving the interests of all ethnic groups in the region.

    The NDYM emphasized that fairness and transparency in the distribution of the NDDC’s resources and opportunities across all states and ethnic groups are essential for sustaining peace.

    This appeal was contained in a communiqué issued over the weekend, signed by the group’s National President, Major Frank Ekene, and Secretary, Comrade Ediagbonya Joshua Osamuyi.

    “While not accusing the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku of anything yet, we urge him to be transparent in the operations of the Commission.

    “The sustenance of peace is not to use the collective portfolio of the people entrusted to you by Mr President to suppress and oppress the same people.

    “Therefore, we strongly advocate that the benefits from the commission should not be majorly and consistently channelled to ONE ethnic group with apparent carelessness and total disregard to other members of the region with different ethnic coloration”, the group said.

    The NDYM said it was in total support of Tax Reform Bills of President Bola Tinubu, adding that when passed into law the bills will restore sanity to tax administration in the country.

    Read Also: Tell us now, what you want from 2025 budget, Abbas tells Nigerians

    The group also commended Tinubu for following up on the regional development process of his predecessor through the subsequent creation of subsequent (geopolitical) regional commissions across the country, saying, “this will bring speedy development closer to the people”.

    The communique states in parts, “While commending the NNPCL and it’s subsidiaries for injecting life into the Port Harcourt Refinery, we urge them to promptly act on complaints received.

    “We commend the nine state governors for the tenacity in developing their states, and urge that elective and appointive officers of government at all levels should see the development of the people as the real development of the region.

    “As we bask in the euphoria of the season we commend security agencies for the proactive security measures taken so far to curb crimes and other social vices across the region”.

  • NDDC partners Ondo traditional rulers on project monitoring, protection

    NDDC partners Ondo traditional rulers on project monitoring, protection

    Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has sought partnership with traditional rulers in riverine communities in Ondo state on project monitoring and protection.

    It urged the traditional rulers to lead by example and carry all stakeholders along as it continued to embark on infrastructural development and human capacity building.

    Addressing the traditional rulers at a workshop in Igbokoda, the headquarters of the Ilaje local government area, the NDDC urged the monarchs to encourage their subjects to protect all its projects in their domain.

    Resource Person for the NDDC, Eni Akinsola, solicited for more synergy between community stakeholders in the oil-rich region and the Commission.

    Akinsola assured that the NDDC would not leave any stone unturned in providing enabling environments for residents of affected communities through empowerment programmes and infrastructural projects.

    He urged the Monarchs to always identify pressing issues and needs in their communities for the attention of both the government and the NDDC.

    The monarchs said abandoned NDDC projects that dotted several communities made residents not to have confidence in the government and its agencies.

    They promised to collaborate with governments and their agencies to conduct, supervise, and monitor all projects of the NDDC.

    The Odogun of Igbekebo Kingdom, Oba Bamidele Dabo, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers said it was time to stop the abandonment of projects of general importance for the economic prosperity of residents.

    He said many projects of the NDDC in various communities have been abandoned by the contractors due to a lack of proper supervision.

    “We challenge the ministry of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to give more recognition to traditional rulers in oil-producing areas of the state for mutual relationships between the host communities and the agency.

    “There is a need for urgent completion of the long overdue Sabomi-Igbotu road and other abandoned projects in the region.

    “The NDDC should also embark on capacity building and infrastructural development

  • NDDC pledges completion of Rivers’ longest bridge

    NDDC pledges completion of Rivers’ longest bridge

    The managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the commission will soon complete the 2km double-lane Kaa-Ataba Road with two bridges in the Khana and Andoni local government areas of Rivers state.

    A statement signed by the commission’s director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thomson-Wakama, said Ogbuku, who was accompanied by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, and other directors of the commission, gave the assurance during an inspection of the bridge.

    He said:  “The project is about 70 percent done, and we are ready to complete it by the middle of next year. We have just finished discussing it with the on-site contractors and even assuring the traditional ruler that we are back already. The contractor is back on site and working to ensure we finish this project by mid-next year.

    “As you can see, this bridge is one of the longest bridges in this country, after the Third Mainland Bridge and the Second Niger Bridge. This is about 1.2 kilometres long, and you can see it is very long. So, it is an ambitious project by the NDDC. We want to complete it for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta because once this bridge is completed, it will be linked to Ataba and also the Bony Island too.

    “This bridge gives multiple gateways to Bony, apart from the Bony-Bodo expressway. You can also access Bony through this link, so I think we are very willing and prepared to complete this project; that is why we came here to meet with the contractor on site. They have already started casting the beams for the bridge.”

    The Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom in Andoni Local Government Area, King Benson Egwenre Uruk, said he was delighted to see the NDDC back on the project.

    He said: “We had almost lost hope on this project. We prayed for it to be completed. Seeing the NDDC here today has brought us joy.

    “We are joyful because this project is so dear to our hearts. Most of the communities in Andoni are motorable except the Ataba community. Completing this project would be a big relief for economic and social activities. It will improve the lives of the Ataba people.

    “We, the people of Ataba, are very peaceful and cooperative. We assure the NDDC that we will not disrupt the project as it goes on.”

    The NDDC team also inspected the 30km Nsasak Junction-Akon Road that links Akwa Ibom and Abia states.

    Ogbuku highlighted the project’s significance, saying that it would serve as an alternative route for commuters and reduce the cost of transportation.

    He expressed readiness to review the project’s scope and mobilise contractors to resume work as soon as possible.

    He said: “This is a vital project that links Akwa Ibom State and Abia State. Though awarded in 2012, we inspected and saw the project’s status. About 15km of this project is done, and we are already conversing with the contractor about when they will return to the site. We are committed to reviewing the scope of the road and completing it in no distance time.

    “It is a project awarded in 2012 and is one of the projects we want to complete now. We came to inspect it to see its status, and we are already in discussions with the contractors to see how they can return to the site.

    “We are determined to finish it because it will also reduce the cost of transportation between Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. Those going to Akwa Ibom can take the shorter route rather than go through the East-West Road on the Ogoni axis.

    “We want to finish this project. As you can see, it has already gone far. The beams for the bridge are all on the ground, and the bridge is meant to be 100 meters long. The contractors are eager to return to the site.

    “The total length of this road is 30 kilometres, but 15 Kilometres have already been done, so it’s just for us to cross the bridge and complete the remaining 15 Kilometres and another three Kilometres in front that will now link up to Azunmini.”

    The NDDC team also inspected the emergency reconstruction of the 5.5-kilometre Oyigbo road network, which traverses the Obunku, Umuosi, Obeakpu, Mgboji, and Ndoki communities in the Oyigbo Local Government Area.

  • Role of old students in societal development, by NDDC boss Ogbuku

    Role of old students in societal development, by NDDC boss Ogbuku

    •The Nation’s Omatseye bags Excellence award

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said old students’ associations play a vital role in the growth of their alma mater and the society.

    Ogbuku spoke at the weekend during this year’s edition of the annual luncheon/dinner of Government College Ughelli Old Boys’ Association (GCUOBA), Warri Branch, at Effurun in Uvwie Local Government of Delta State.

    The NDDC boss, who chaired the ceremony, noted that old students make financial contributions, among others, to sustain their schools, thereby passing the baton of responsibility to the coming generation of students.

    He said: “The highpoint of this event is that there is a history you are carrying on – giving back to a generation. You are not the first set of students of the school, but it was handed over to you and you are also giving back to a generation behind you. “One of the major reasons old student associations stand is also to let those in the school know they have a responsibility to the society.

    Read Also: Japa syndrome: Fleeing Nigeria is not the solution – Ajaero

    “Old students today are the ones sustaining most of the public schools because they have a lot of gap, in terms of what they lack – teaching aids, training of teachers, construction of buildings. I have seen old students renovating buildings, providing laboratory equipment, building IT centres.”

    Describing the college as having a “rich history,” Ogbuku expressed delight that he was associating with its old boys’ association.

    The BDDC boss promised that the commission would support the institution.

    The event featured presentation of Awards of Excellence to three alumni the college. They are the Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation, Mr. Sam Omatseye; Dr. Lucky Okparanyote and Dr. Dolamu Sokunbi.

    Omatseye, who received an Award of Excellence in Journalism, described it as the “biggest honour”.

    “I want to thank the Warri branch for the award. It’s one thing to do things, it’s another to be appreciated. I have received, obviously, a lot of awards, but there are some awards that are very close to the heart. No matter how big some awards are, some are even bigger than those bigger ones.

    “I can say that even though I have had international awards, I can say this one ranks up there with any award that I have ever had,” he said.

    Other dignitaries at the event included Delta State Commissioner for Works, Reuben Izeze; Commissioner for Secondary Education, Rose Ezewu, who was represented by an aide, Nath Umukoro; HRM A. Agoh, the Ibinawei of Egbema Kingdom in Bayelsa State; President-General Worldwide of GCUOBA, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN); Sir Elijah Temile, the Olujuwa of Warri Kingdom, Chief Miller Uloho, among others.

    A former President of GCUOBA Warri Branch, Paul Gbemre, urged the old students to continue to positively impact the college.

    He listed several projects, including the establishment of an alkaline water factory, embarked on by his executive.

    The induction of new Ancient Mariners and the swearing-in of new Executive Committee were other highlights of the ceremony.

  • NDDC signs MoU on implementation of Presidential CNG Initiative

    NDDC signs MoU on implementation of Presidential CNG Initiative

    Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the implementation of the CNG policy in the Niger Delta region.

    The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and the PCNGI, led by the Programme Director, Michael Oluwagbemi, signed the agreement at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    A statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thomson-Wakama, quoted Ogbuku as saying that the CNG initiative was critical for the country.

    Ogbuku observed that the Presidential CNG Initiative was a component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s intervention directed at providing succour to Nigerians following the harsh effects of the fuel subsidy removal policy.

    The NDDC boss noted that implementing the CNG policy would create jobs and local technology transfers for youths and women by supporting auto manufacturing, retrofitting, conversions, and developing critical gas distribution, processing, and production infrastructure and facilities.

    At the opening of a CNG conversion and training centre at Rumuokwuta community in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku said that the NDDC considered the CNG initiative a Presidential directive that deserved utmost attention.

    He said: “This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind in the Niger Delta region, is part of the efforts to set up training centres in all parts of the country.

    “The more we train our youths in energy conversion facilities, the more youths we train to make them gainfully employed and financially independent. We want to make the Niger Delta the hub of CNG technicians in the country.”

    Read Also: NDDC honours 227 staff with long service awards

    The NDDC boss said that the commission was making efforts to set up training facilities to train youths on the conversion to CNG in the Niger Delta region, noting that with the energy transition in the country, Niger Deltans would be allowed to take advantage of the transition to gas.

    Speaking at the facility operated by Lapomik Energies, the PCNGI Programme Director, Michael Oluwagbemi, highlighted the gains of embracing CNG.

    He noting that the initiative would stimulate investments in Nigeria’s abundant gas market and develop sustainable gas markets locally while growing the economy and expanding the government’s revenue base.

    He stressed the need for collaboration with relevant stakeholders to train technicians and enhance local capabilities in CNG conversion.

    Oluwagbemi said the Presidential Initiative on CNG fully manifested President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of leveraging Nigeria’s gas resources. He stated that Rivers State was the home of natural gas.

    He said: “The key objective is to drive down and manage transportation costs for Nigerians by utilizing the cheaper gas alternative that is abundant but currently underutilised in Nigeria.

    “Our pilot phase started with training 1,000 auto technicians, engineers, and support staff. By the end of 2024, we aim to have trained 2,500 individuals, and by 2027, our goal is to reach 10,000 trained professionals.

    The Traditional ruler of Rumuokuta, Eze Michael Chinda, thanked the firm operating the conversion and training centre in his domain for bringing development to his community. He observed that his community was friendly and peace-loving.

    The monarch appealed to the NDDC to assist the community in completing their civic centre and thanked the Commission for providing solar street lights in the area.

  • NDDC honours 227 staff with long service awards

    NDDC honours 227 staff with long service awards

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has honored 227 staff members with long service awards in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the commission’s growth and performance.

    During the award ceremony held at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of the awards in motivating employees, fostering career progression, and encouraging excellence through healthy competition for improved service delivery.

    Ogbuku highlighted the commission’s commitment to staff development and growth, adding that the awardees were celebrated for their long-term service and invaluable contributions to the progress of both the NDDC and the Niger Delta region.

    He congratulated the awardees on reaching remarkable milestones. 

    He said: “Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are genuinely inspiring. You have set a benchmark for all of us. We sincerely appreciate your years of service dedicated to the NDDC.”

    In his remarks, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, noted that working in the NDDC for 10, 20, and 30 years was a great feat, that could be achieved in a harmonious working environment.

    He said progress would not be made if staff did not work together.

    Iyaye urged the awardees to deploy their experiences to groom the younger staff and ensure that the mandate of the NDDC was actualised.

    He said: “Let us carry forward the spirit of dedication and service this event celebrates. Together, we can continue to make a difference in our communities.” 

    Responding on behalf of the awardees for 30 years, an Assistant Chief Confidential Secretary, Mr. Russel Ighere, advised staff to stay clean and upright to qualify for the long service award.

    He thanked the NDDC Management for recognising their contributions, sacrifices and efforts to the development of the Commission and Niger Delta region. 

    He assured management that the awardees would not rest on their oars but would ensure their knowledge would be passed down to other staff.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Obi visits Afe Babalola over Farotimi’s defamation case

    Another awardee for 20 years of service and the Director of Security, Mr. Edga Okpozo, noted that the long service award would motivate the recipients. 

    He thanked the NDDC Management for recognising staff for their resilience and hard work and assured him that the awardees would continue to give the Commission their best.

    The NDDC Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, thanked the Executive Management for their support and encouragement in granting the 2024 Long Service Award.

    He said the long service awards covered staff who served between 10 and 30 years. He gave the breakdown showing that those for 30 years were 55; staff for 20 years were 136; those for 15 years were 30; and 6 were honoured for 10 years of service.

    The NDDC boss was joined in presenting the awards by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye and the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde.

  • NDDC boss emphasises developmental role of old students to society

    NDDC boss emphasises developmental role of old students to society

    …as Nation’s Sam Omatseye bags Excellence award

    The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has emphasised the developmental role of old students associations to the growth of their alma maters and the society at large.

    The NDDC boss spoke at the 2024 Annual Luncheon/Dinner of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA) Warri Branch, held on Sunday, at Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Ogbuku, who chaired the ceremony, noted that Old Students make financial among other contributions, to sustain their schools, thereby passing the baton of responsibility to coming generations of students.

    According to him, “The high point of this event is that there is a history you are carrying on, give back to generation, to generation. You are not the first sets of students of the school, but it was handed over to you and you are also giving back to a generation behind you.

    “One of the major reasons old students associations stand is also to let those in school know they have a responsibility to society. Old Students today are the ones sustaining most of the public schools because they have a lot of gap, in terms of what they lack – teaching aids, training of teachers, in terms of buildings; I have seen old students renovating buildings, providing laboratory equipments, building IT centres.

    “That shows you are responsible to society and giving back is where it lies. That is also lesson to those behind all of us to know that as they are in school, they must be responsible and when they leave they must also be responsible to society. And for you to be responsible to society, you must also work towards being successful because if you are not successful you will become a liability to society. 

    “However, the society is balance. Everybody cannot grow at the same level. Even in this hall, all of you were schoolmates, and are not growing at the same level. But the reason too for this organisation is to support each other because as friends that grew up as children, you have to support each other. Supporting each other is not alien to society.

    “While you were in school, you were visiting your friend’s house and probably, learning from his family. That also contributed to your growth. So whatever you are today, the society made you who you are because society has contributed to your growth. You must also give back to society by first supporting those who were your friends in school”.

    Read Also: NDDC reaffirms commitment to even development of Niger Delta

    Describing the Government College, Ughelli as a school with “rich history,” he expressed delight associating with the Old Boys and assured that the NDDC would readily support the institution.

    The event featured presentaion of Awards of Excellence to three alumni of the Government College, Ughelli (GCU) – the Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation newspaper, Mr Sam Omatseye; Dr. Lucky Okparanyote and Dr. Dolamu Sokunbi.

    Presenting a keynote address on the topic, “Thoughts on New Direction for Secondary Education in Nigeria in the New World Order”, Professor Sunny Ahwefeada, of the Delta State University, Abraka, called for “futuristic thinking” to tackle population, urbanisation, transportation among other global changes which may lead to job loss, food insecurity among other societal challenges.

    Raising posers on the readiness of Nigeria for advancement in science, technology, medicine, nanotechnology and so on, he stressed on the need for deliberate approach to developing school curriculum to be problem-based.

    “We need to go back to the drawing board so that we can then have the Nigeria of our dream, not just for us, but the generation yet unborn,” the Professor and Dean of Post-Graduate School, added. 

    In his remarks, Mr. Omatseye who received an Award of Excellence in Journalism, described it as the “biggest honour”. 

    “I want to thank the Warri branch for the award. It is one thing to do things. It is another to be appreciated. I have received, obviously, a lot of awards, but there are some awards that are very close to your hearts. No matter how big some awards are, some are even bigger than those bigger ones. I can say that, even though I have had international awards, I can say that this one ranks up there with any award that I have ever had. 

    “Having heard of this award when I got a call from my classmate, Omatsola Vincent, he told me that Gbemre had something to tell me. He called me and told me about this award and I am very happy to be considered to be given award. I live in Lagos, although I was the President of Lagos branch, it is Warri that has come to give me the biggest honour”.

    He further thanked the NDDC boss, and the class of ’73 September for attending the event.

    Other dignitaries at the occasion were the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Reuben Izeze; Commissioner for Secondary Education, Rose Ezewu, represented by an aide, Nath Umukoro; HRM Engr. A. Agoh, the Ibinawei of Egbema Kingdom, Bayelsa state; President-General Worldwide GCUOBA, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje SAN; Sir Chief Elijah Temile, the Olujuwa of Warri Kingdom, Chief Miller Uloho among others.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Outgone President of GCUOBA Warri Branch, Paul Gbemre, encouraged all to continue to make positive impact in the College, just as he listed several projects, including the establishment of an alkaline water factory, embarked on by his Executive.

    The induction of new Ancient Mariners and the swearing-in of new Executive Committee, were other highlights of the ceremony.

  • NDDC reaffirms commitment to even development of Niger Delta

    NDDC reaffirms commitment to even development of Niger Delta

    The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to executing impactful projects and fast-tracking development for the benefit of all the ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region.

    Ogbuku gave the assurance when he hosted a delegation led by the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Dr Godspower Onuekwa, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    He said that the commission was open to all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region, noting that its mandate was to serve the people and ensure sustainable development of all communities in the region.

    Ogbuku said the NDDC was executing life-changing projects in the Niger Delta region to give meaning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thomson-Wakama, explained that the commission was giving opportunities to Niger Delta youths through an innovative programme called Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement, Project HOPE.

    He noted that Project HOPE had helped the commission to develop a comprehensive digital repository comprising important information about the youths of the Niger Delta region, including their qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and current employment status.

    The NDDC boss charged the Ogbakor Ikwerre delegation to always promote peace, as development could only occur in a peaceful and safe environment.

    He said: “I urge you to support the policies of President Tinubu’s administration. Let us ensure peace in our communities.”

    Ogbuku assured the Ikwerre group that the NDDC was committed to accelerating the development of the Niger Delta region.

    He said: “We are going to undertake more legacy and regional projects. Currently, we have embarked on an elaborate project to light up the Niger Delta with solar-powered street lights as part of the measures to reduce criminality in our communities.”

    Read Also: NDDC boss highlights Tinubu’s commitment to Niger Delta Development

    Earlier, the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Eze Godspower Onuekwa, appealed to the NDDC to extend more development projects to Ikwerre land to enhance the people’s living conditions.

    Addressing the NDDC boss, he said: “We have observed you as the Managing Director of NDDC with inspiration that your achievements and milestones are well entrenched all over the Niger Delta States. For that reason, we say Congratulations on a well-deserved appointment.”

    He regretted that the goodwill and the intentions of NDDC were being thwarted by unscrupulous contractors, who abandoned the contracts awarded to them.

     He advised the NDDC to incorporate the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization in monitoring projects for effectiveness and efficiency.