Tag: NDDC

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has completed and inaugurated five abandoned mega-regional projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The managing director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the agenda mandated the commission to complete and inaugurate all abandoned ongoing projects designed to link states and communities in the region.

Speaking at the NDDC’s media engagement in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku said that the recent inauguration of five mega projects in Abia, Edo, Ondo, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states was a testimony of the new passion of the commission to deliver on the mandate.

He emphasised that the board would continue to adhere to President Tinubu’s directive that it should complete and inaugurate signature projects that would impact the lives of Niger Delta people

Ogbuku said the commission had so far inaugurated the 132/33kv electricity sub-station at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, to light up five local government areas in the state, as well as the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, which was executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

He said that the NDDC also inaugurated the 600-meter Ibeno Bridge and the 6.87km Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-IwuoAchang Road, in Ibeno Local Government Area, of Akwa Ibom State, as well as the 9km Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

In his presentation, the Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antia, said that the commission had constructed and rehabilitated 5,141.3km of roads through swamps and virgin forests.

He said that the commission had also built 42 bridges, thousands of hydraulic structures, and 87 jetties across the Niger Delta region.

Read Also: NNPCL, JV partners NDDC commission N24.5b Ogbia-Nembe road

He said that the NDDC resumed its Free Healthcare Programme to cater to the needs of rural communities, as part of its commitment to enhance healthcare delivery to the people of the Niger Delta region.

“In the ongoing free medical outreach across the nine Niger Delta states, 20,000 surgeries have been performed, while 45,000 patients have been attended to and 27,000 eyeglasses distributed,” he said.

In the education sector, he highlighted the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme of the Commission, noting that 2,323 students in the region had so far benefited from it. 

“We have commenced the process for the 2024/2025 scholarship programme”, he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the NDDC Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde, acknowledged the contributions of the media to the growth of democracy and public accountability.

He said: “Today, NDDC is setting a landmark precedent in its engagement with the Press. This strategic engagement is in line with the new management’s mantra of Transition from Transactions to Transformation (TTT). Consequently, the management of NDDC has decided to transition from sectional engagement with the Press to a more elaborate and strategic engagement to solidify our partnership and strengthen our bond with the press.

“The current governing board and management under the able leadership of Chiedu Ebie and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as Chairman and Managing Director, respectively, is poised to establish a sustainable partnership with the press through periodic region-wide media engagement while promoting good journalism within the remit of our mandate as an interventionist agency”.

…agency to inaugurate four emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta

A former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ndutimi Alaibe, has appealed to the federal government to remove the commission from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework.

Alaibe spoke during the inauguration of the N24.4bn road constructed with seven bridges, 53 culverts, and 4 spurs, linking 14 communities.

A statement signed by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said Alaibe spoke while advocating more robust funding for the NDDC.

He said the TSA framework was a drawback to the expected rapid development of the Niger Delta region arguing that the policy policy posed unnecessary limitations for the interventionist agency.

He said removing the commission from the TSA framework would facilitate its mandate to speed up the development of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

Read Also: Tinubu kicks off inauguration of Lagos-Calabar highway, others today

Alaibe also described the completion and inauguration of the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road as a demonstration of the transformative power of partnership.

He said it was a good example of what could be achieved through the collaboration of development agencies.

He said: The partnership between NDDC and Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, has yielded tremendous results, showcasing the splendid synergy between the two organisations.”

Also speaking at the occasion, a former Governor of Bayelsa state and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Henry Seriake Dickson, commended the NDDC, SPDC, and other partners, including the government of Bayelsa State on the successful completion of the Ogbia-Nembe Road and bridges.

He said: “This achievement is a significant milestone for the Niger Delta region and a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved.

“I am delighted to witness the inauguration of this vital infrastructure today. The Ogbia-Nembe Road and Bridges serve as a crucial link in the eastern part of Bayelsa State, benefiting 14 communities and enhancing connectivity in the region.

“It brings me great satisfaction to see this project come to fruition, especially considering the support it received during my tenure as the Governor of Bayelsa state.”

In his speech, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Duoye Diri, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewrujakpor, noted the contributions of the state to the realization of the project.

He recalled that at some point, the project was stalled due to compensation issues, insecurity, and lack of funds.

But he said: “The Bayelsa State government donated N3bn for this project, which was instrumental in its continuation and completion. I want to thank the Nembe and other communities for their cooperation. I thank Shell, NDDC, and others.

“We are open to more collaborations with the NDDC for future projects. If we collaborate, the journey will be swift. While competition is healthy, collaboration, as demonstrated by the Bayelsa State government, is better.”

Top-ranking senators, led by Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, graced the occasion and the leader of the delegation emphasized the need for continuity in administration, citing Lagos State as an example of sustained development initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said: “If the NDDC continues from where they left off, they will lead the region and align with the 10th Senate. As you continue in the spirit of continuity, you will rise in the annals of time. I urge the IOCs to continue partnering with the NDDC to develop the region.

“I give kudos to the board and management of NDDC and also commend the SPDC while calling on other IOCs to partner with this development commission and make the Niger Delta great again.”

In a separate statement, Ughakpoteni quoted the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as saying that four multi-purpose emergency shelters currently under construction in Bayelsa and Delta states for Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) would be completed and inaugurated soon.

Ogbuku spoke during an inspection of one of the emergency shelters at Otuokpoti community in Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State.

He was accompanied by the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde, and other directors of the commission.

The NDDC chief executive officer observed that the project was conceived as a response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans.

He noted that the emergency shelter, which could accommodate over 1,000 persons, was designed to serve as a temporary place of refuge during flood emergencies.

According to him, the facility included essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre, which would provide comprehensive support to the communities in times of distress.

He said: “We have four of these facilities currently under construction in Otuokpoti and Odi, in Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro.”

“When completed, the emergency shelters will provide temporary accommodation and necessary services to the communities in the event of emergencies. We realised that during flood periods, displaced people take shelter in school buildings and this comes at a great cost because the schools are forced to suspend academic activities.”

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has donated  food items valued at several millions of Naira to Soku, a riverine community in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, to cushion the effect of cholera outbreak, it suffered months ago.

The donation is in fulfillment of the promise made to the community by the State Representative on the Board of the NDDC, Sir. Tony Okocha, when he visited the community during the outbreak.

At least 11 persons reportedly died in the  community following the influenzer which was traced to consumption of dirty, contaminated underground well water.

Soku although an oil-producing community, lacks access to clean and potable drinking water, residents of the community depend on  water from shallow wells for their drinking water and their daily chaos.

The community during the cholera outbreak sent a Save-Our-Souls (SOS),.appeal to the NDDC  through the office of the State Representative.

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The commission, in aswift response embarked on a five-day medical outreach to the area, providing full medical exercise with several medical doctors, trained nurses and medical professionals to stop the spread and its consequential rising death toll.

Okochaa led the team for the medical exercise. It was during the event he had first hand knowledge of the difficulties being faced by the people and promised a comeback to put real smiles on their face.

It was in the fulfillment of the promise that he embarked on the trip yesterday, to present to them among others, 400 bags of 12kg rice, bags of beans (400), cartons of indomie  (200) tubers of yam (198) Cartons of bottle water (200) Tooth Paste (20) cartons 0f Maggi cubes (20) cartons of Groundnut oil (20) Slippers (13) packs Mosquitoe net (5) dozens , bags of Salt(20), 20 bags of grinded sugar and 159 bags of garri.

Presenting the items to them, Okocha said, the essence of the relieve materials is to cushion the harsh effects of the cholera outbreak in the communities months ago.

He reiterated  that NDDC’s core mandate is to prioritize the well-being and welfare of the people of Niger Delta.

The State Rep. commended the people for their peaceful disposition and supports to the medical team during the cholera outbreak medical outreach to their community and urged  them to ensure that they share the Palliative items equitably.

He appealed to them to always support the government of President Ahmed Tinubu, as a way to reciprocate the President’s kind gesture through the NDDC.

He disclosed the NDDC plans to construction a Mega Solar-powered Water facility in the community this week to address their drinking water need .

The Rivers Rep thanked the Board and Management of NDDC, ably headed by the Chairman, Chiedu Ebie and the MD/CEO NDDC, Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for repositioning the Commission into an active and feasible Interventionist Agency.

Receiving the items on behalf of the communities, the Chairman of Soku Council of Chiefs, Opuda Orumo expressed the community’s gratitude to NDDC  for always coming to their rescue in their time of need, and Okocha for acting swiftly to save the lives of the  people during the cholera outbreak as well as gitting the community food items and the proposed water project.

 He reaffirmed the loyalty and support of the Soku people to the government of President Bola Tinubu.

Niger Delta women leaders have warned detractors to steer clear of the new board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), saying they will resist the attempt to pull down the commission’s managing director, Samuel Ogbuku, and the board.

The leader of the women and foremost activist, Lady Ann Kio Briggs, expressed their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for heeding the calls for the re-appointment of Samuel Ogbuku and the NDDC Board.

The women made their position known in Port Harcourt, Rivers state when they visited Ogbuku and other members of the board.

While appreciating the developmental approach of Ogbuku, the women called for their inclusion in every phase of development being planned and initiated by the commission.

They further appealed that adequate time be given to the board to implement their people-oriented projects and to correct the wrongs of the past.

Lady Ann commended Ogbuku’s developmental roadmap-themed, Transition from Transaction to Transformation approach.

She lauded the board for embarking on novel initiatives such as Project Hope, the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, the Nigeria Delta Investment Ltd. and for setting communal and infrastructural schemes targeted at introducing and completing abandoned and uncompleted projects

She said: “We warned detractors and agents of mischief to put a stop to such acts as they will hinder the progress of the region. We urge President Bola Tinubu to release all funds owed to the commission to enable them to work assiduously for the growth and development of the region.”

In his response, Ogbuku expressed his appreciation to the woman leaders and vowed that the board would work with the people of the region as they strived to improve on the successes of past administrations.

Read Also: NDDC inaugurates Abia-Akwa Ibom link road

He assured the women leaders that President Tinubu would ensure that the NDDC got the needed funds to achieve the set objectives of the commission.

He emphasised the need by all stakeholders in the region to maintain peace, which he described as the panacea for development.

He to the team that NDDC had restarted the free medical care programme for vulnerable people and families in the Niger Delta and assured them that the NDDC would continue to light up the Niger Delta with solar in communities.

The NDDC boss also introduced the Internship Scheme to the women describing it as a programme targeted at empowering the youths and women in the Niger Delta.    

The Abia state governor, Alex Otti, has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for constructing the 9km Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during the inauguration of the road linking Abia and Akwa Ibom states, the governor observed that it was almost impassable before the intervention of the NDDC.

A statement signed by the NDDC Director Corporate Affairs Pius Ughakpoteni said Otti immediately kicked off the reconstruction of Oke-Ikpe-Akwete-Ohambele Road, phase II, also to be undertaken by the NDDC.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, said that the NDDC had demonstrated commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He said: “I want to say a huge thank you to the Niger Delta Development Commission because whenever I pass this road, I usually ask myself when a change will take place here.

” I never knew that NDDC will be able to do what we are witnessing today. For me, it means that the management of NDDC has a human face and is working to complete ongoing projects.”

The governor assured that the state government was ready to partner with the NDDC in advancing the cause of development, promising to provide adequate security in the state.

He said: “As a government, we want to have this handshake with NDDC in making sure that abandoned projects are revisited and completed in the state.”

In his speech, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr  Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission was resolved to fully comply with Mr. President’s directive to ensure that all ongoing projects were completed and inaugurated.

He enjoined the people of the state to shun acts of vandalism, which according to him would retard development, lamenting that the132KVA Line 2/30 Power Transmission Sub-station in Ukwa West LGA, was vandalised when the contractor left the site.

He said: “We are commissioning the first phase of this regional project. After this, we shall flag off the construction of the second phase which links Abia State and Akwa Ibom State so that people can have the full benefits of the road.”

“We are committed to making a difference not just in infrastructural development but also, in the lives of our people by improving their living standards.”

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The Executive Director Projects, Sir. Victor Antai noted that the contract which was awarded in April 2022 at over N3bn, had the scope of overlaying of 4km of alignment; reconstruction of about 3km failed sections and additional construction of 2jm.

He added that the road shoulders were later introduced into the project and work on that aspect was almost completed.

He said: “This is a major interstate road, connecting Akwa Ibom State and Abia State and will bring about socio-economic development in these states. The completion of this project has reduced travel time and has improved security surveillance within and beyond the benefiting communities.”

Antai commended the indigenous contractor for doing a good job and executing the project according to specifications.

Earlier, the Abia State Representative on the NDDC board, Chief Eruba Dimgba, described the road as a legacy project and gave kudos to the NDDC Governing Board, led by Mr. Chiedu Ebie and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

He observed that the road had been in deplorable condition for many years, leading to loss of several man-hours, with the resultant negative effects on the socio-economic activities in the area.

The Chairman, Ukwa West Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chinyere Dike, thanked the NDDC for intervening to address the long-standing issue of the unmotorable road in the area.

He said: “This road is crucial for enabling people to transport goods from other communities and farms for sale previously, people suffered due to the poor road conditions, which slowed down economic activities. I am here to commend the NDDC for their efforts and I believe they will continue to work towards dualizing the road”.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will over the next two weeks inaugurate 92 infrastructures executed at the cost of N84bn across the nine- states in the region.

The Commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, in a statement in Port Harcourt, said the projects were a testament of the impact the Commission was making in changing the development narratives of the region.

He named the projects as the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, which he said created a road link to the ancient city of Nembe, for the first time in living memory and the 9.15km of prefabricated vertical drains on the swamp and seven bridges.

He said the Ogbia-Nembe road was executed at N24bn and cuts the travel time to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital from three hours on dangerous water routes to a mere 45 minutes adding that it opened up 14 communities for development.

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Ughakpoteni said the project was executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and hailed as a model in NDDC’s partnership approach to tackling the development challenges of the region.

Also scheduled for inauguration is the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV Substation electrification project, executed at l N8.3bn to optimise power supply to local government areas in the southern part of Ondo State.

The project covered the construction of 45km double circuit 33KV feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station (Hook-up point) to Okitipupa and two 30MVA, 132/33KV Injection Substations with breakers, gantry and substation automation.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) will over the next two weeks inaugurate 92 infrastructures executed at the the cost of N84bn  across the nine- states in the region.

The Commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, in a statement in Port Harcourt, said the projects were a testament of the impact the Commission was making in changing the development narratives of the region.

He named the projects as the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, which he said created a road link to the ancient city of Nembe, for the first time in living memory and the 9.15km of pre-fabricated vertical drains on the swamp and seven bridges.

He said the Ogbia-Nembe road was executed at N24bn and cuts the travel time to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital from three hours on dangerous water routes to a mere 45 minutes adding that it opened up 14 communities for development.

Ughakpoteni  said the project was executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and hailed as a model in NDDC’s partnership approach to tacking the development challenges of the region.

Also scheduled for inauguration is  the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV Substation electrification project, executed at l N8.3bn to optimise power supply to local government areas in the southern part of Ondo State.

The project covered the construction of 45km double circuit 33KV feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station (Hook-up point) to Okitipupa and two 30MVA, 132/33KV Injection Substations with breakers, gantry and substation automatio

He said  it also included the construction of a three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow as service quarters.

Ughakpoteni said: “The capacity of this power station isoptimized withthe provision of 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV transformer and other ancillary works at Okitipupa Injection Substation, rehabilitation of 35km 33/11KV transmission from Okitipupa-Igbokoda-Ugbonla and environs and the construction of 1km rigid pavement.

*The electricity project will complement the Federal Government’s effort in the power sector by improving power supply to Okitipupa, Igbokoda and other neighbouring communities in Ondo South Senatorial District with direct value chain in small and medium scale industries, job creation and consequently engender growth and development in Ondo State”.

He said in Akwa Ibom State, NDDC would inaugurate the 6.87km Iko-Iwuochang road in the southern part of the state.

He said: “The road project consists of two-lane single carriage way, a 600-metre bridge and side drains. The e N10bn virgin road project links 20 communities, hitherto separated by the Qua Iboe river.

*In Abia State, NDDC will commission the Obehie to Oke Ikpe-road reconstructed at a cost of N3.5 billion. The nine-kilometre road restores the road link between Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, through Abia (Ukwa East/West).

“It involved the reconstruction of seven kilometres of failed section of the road and the construction of three kilometres and 8 kilometres of drainage. Other projects include roads, electrification, a police station, health centres and school blocks”.

…as Momoh flags off outreach, hails huge turnout

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has successfully treated over 3,200 individuals through its Free Medical Health Care Mission outreach programme in Edo State.

Launched by the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, on Sunday, May 12, the programme witnessed a massive turnout, with thousands of residents receiving consultations, treatments, and surgeries.

A statement issued on Friday, May 17, by special assistant to the minister of Niger Delta Development on media, Osigwe Omo-Ikiordah, said the outreach was a display of commitment to improving healthcare in the Niger Delta region by the NDDC.

The outreach, which will conclude on Saturday, May 18, has already surpassed expectations, with over 720 individuals receiving treatment and free eyeglasses, and 18 successful hernia surgeries.

Read Also: Stop activities of economic saboteurs, NDDC tells security agencies

Minister Momoh expressed his delight at the overwhelming response, stating that the target of 5,000 beneficiaries would not only be met but surpassed.

He urged the NDDC to extend its reach even further, emphasizing the importance of health as the foundation of wealth and productivity.

The outreach programme has been hailed as a significant step towards uplifting the lives of residents in the Niger Delta region.

The Vice Chancellor of Edo State University Uzairue, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, praised the NDDC, the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, and the administration of President Bola Tinubu for their commitment to improving the lives of thousands of people in the region.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, traditional rulers from across Edo North, representatives from the Edo State government, and various organizations.

With the success of this outreach program, the NDDC has demonstrated its dedication to improving healthcare in the Niger Delta region and its commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of its residents.