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  • British High Commission to partner NDDC on renewable energy

    British High Commission to partner NDDC on renewable energy

    The British High Commission has promised to explore partnerships with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)  on renewable, clean energy and green infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.

    The Second Secretary (Political), British High Commission, Abuja, Hamish Tye, unveiled the plan when he led a delegation that visited the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    Tye in a statement signed at the weekend  by NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, observed that the NDDC had shown commitment to realising sustainable development in the Niger Delta region through partnerships and collaborations with national and international development agencies.

    He said: “The attraction to the NDDC now is to explore the possibilities of collaboration. Given the work the NDDC is doing in the Niger Delta region, I believe a lot of partners would support its efforts more broadly. We would further explore partnerships with the NDDC, with a focus on renewable, clean energy and green infrastructure.”

    Ogbuku told the British delegation that the commission had made Public-Private Partnership (PPP) the core policy focus to drive the development of the Niger Delta region.

    Ogbuku said: “Since we assumed office, we have made partnerships our core policy focus. We have visited several embassies and met with development partners and donor agencies. 

    “Partnerships are one of the major ways to achieve sustainable development in the Niger Delta region and it is important that NDDC, as the driver of development in the region, stays at the forefront of ensuring that the right partnerships are made.

    “We had the Policy Dialogue with Development Partners in Abuja recently to deepen governance through transparency and value-added partnerships. It focused on how best NDDC, development partners, and the private sector could collaborate and promote greater synergy for enhanced results in the overall development of the region”.

    Read Also: British High Commission to partner NDDC on renewable energy

    The NDDC boss said that there had been positive fallouts from the conference in Abuja.

    “For delegates from the British High Commission in Nigeria to visit us, it shows that they believe in us and are interested in what we are doing. This means that we are making remarkable progress”, he said.

    Recently, the NDDC Executive Management visited the India High Commission in Abuja, as well as the French Development Agency (AFD) and the German Development Agency (GIZ) offices in Abuja to explore innovative funding mechanisms and secure technical expertise for impactful projects.

  • British High Commission to partner NDDC on renewable energy

    British High Commission to partner NDDC on renewable energy

    The British High Commission has promised to explore partnerships with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on renewable, clean energy and green infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.

    The Second Secretary (Political), British High Commission, Abuja, Mr. Hamish Tye, unveiled the plan when he led a delegation that visited the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    Tye in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, observed that the NDDC had shown commitment to realising sustainable development in the Niger Delta region through partnerships and collaborations with national and international development agencies.

    He said: “The attraction to the NDDC now is to explore the possibilities of collaboration. Given the work the NDDC is doing in the Niger Delta region, I believe a lot of partners would support its efforts more broadly. We would further explore partnerships with the NDDC, with a focus on renewable, clean energy and green infrastructure.”

    Ogbuku told the British delegation that the commission had made Public-Private Partnership (PPP) the core policy focus to drive the development of the Niger Delta region.

    Read Also: NDDC office in A’Ibom wasteful project, says Momoh

    Ogbuku said: “Since we assumed office, we have made partnerships our core policy focus. We have visited several embassies and met with development partners and donor agencies.”

    The NDDC boss said that there had been positive fallouts from the conference in Abuja.

    “For delegates from the British High Commission in Nigeria to visit us, it shows that they believe in us and are interested in what we are doing. This means that we are making remarkable progress,” he said.

    Recently, the NDDC Executive Management visited the India High Commission in Abuja, as well as the French Development Agency (AFD) and the German Development Agency (GIZ) offices in Abuja to explore innovative funding mechanisms and secure technical expertise for impactful projects.

  • NDDC office in A’Ibom wasteful project, says Momoh

    NDDC office in A’Ibom wasteful project, says Momoh

    The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh has raised concerns about the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) office in Akwa Ibom state, describing the project as a waste of resources.

    Momoh, who was in the state as part of his assessment tour of key projects in the Niger Delta, queried the allocation of funds to the project given the more pressing need for road infrastructure in the region.

    The Minister said the primary objective of his tour of project sites was to gain insights into the project statuses, identify any challenges, and determine if issues such as potential abandonment were linked to funding constraints.

    He stressed that all efforts were geared towards delivering on the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.

    While in Uyo, the Minister inspected key projects including the ongoing construction of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development’s Office and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) office.

    Furthermore, he examined a road project that had been awarded in 2019 and successfully completed the previous year.  He however noted that the contractor had not yet received full payment.

    On the issue of the East West road, the minister recognized that it no longer falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development but is now under the Ministry of Works.

    Momoh also expressed his intention to forge partnerships and invited the governors to collaborate with his ministry in bringing much-needed infrastructure to the region.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill PDP chieftain at wife’s shop in Osun

    He emphasized that the president’s eight-point agenda would guide their efforts in ensuring that the desired result is achieved. 

    He reiterated his readiness to work with the governors of other states to achieve developmental goals.

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, lauded the Minister of Niger Delta Development for conducting project inspections in the region, noting that he cannot recall when any Minister of the ministry last inspected projects.

    The governor, while advocating for regular meetings between the minister and state governors in the region, emphasized that such meetings would clarify roles, prevent project duplication, and promote collaboration.

    He acknowledged the longstanding efforts of the ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and expressed a shared commitment to the region’s progress, particularly in areas such as security, agriculture, education, and youth empowerment.

    Eno expressed gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for appointing a minister from the Niger Delta and underscored the significance of the East West Road project as a vital link for the region’s development.

  • NDDC vows to promote young entrepreneurs in Niger Delta

    NDDC vows to promote young entrepreneurs in Niger Delta

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has vowed to support young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta through targeted skill development initiatives, to promote sustainable development.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (COSSCCIMA), at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, stressed the importance of building a comprehensive database for youth empowerment.

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the commission’s Director Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the registration of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce being championed by the NDDC was not intended to challenge the efforts of COSSCCIMA, but to extend the reach of the NDDC’s programme of empowering the people of the Niger Delta through entrepreneurial schemes.

    He said: “I want to assure you that the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will not undermine your activities. It will rather complement your contributions. Ordinarily, we would have jumped into partnership with COSSCCIMA, but we felt that doing so will limit us to just six states, while our mandate covers nine states.”

    Read Also: NDDC: Ondo community kicks over petition against nominee

    “Whatever we are all doing will be promoting commerce and industry as well as entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta.”

    He noted that supporting the growth and development of young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta would ultimately lead to the creation of jobs for the teeming youth population of the region.

    Ogbuku said: “Here in NDDC, we are committed to improving economic prosperity in line with the commission’s mandate through entrepreneurship development. We shall support COSSCCIMA so that entrepreneurs will be encouraged in the Niger Delta.”

    The NDDC boss said the commission was developing an exhaustive digital repository comprising vital information about the youth of the Niger Delta region, including their qualifications, skills, interests, needs and current employment status.

    He said the database would serve as a plank for data-driven planning, enabling the formulation of impactful policies and programmes targeted at the youth.

    Speaking earlier, the President of COSSCCIMA, Dr Okon Emah, said the trade group was well positioned to collaborate with the NDDC as the members were spread across the six states of the Southsouth.

    He said: “COSSCCIMA is the umbrella body of the private sector and Chambers of Commerce in the six states of the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria. It enables the private sector in the region to articulate and have a common perspective on issues and policies that affect the economy of the region.

    “Our members offer services that will not only help in your development activities, but also assist in poverty alleviation, job creation and sustainable wealth creation.”

  • We won’t disappoint Tinubu, says NDDC boss Ogbuku

    We won’t disappoint Tinubu, says NDDC boss Ogbuku

    The managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has vowed to work hard with the support of members of staff to meet the expectations of President Bola Tinubu.

    Speaking during an interactive session with the employees of NDDC at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku commended President Tinubu for reposing confidence in him by reappointing him as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC.

    He stated: “The president has high expectations of us, especially to change the narrative of the NDDC and the Niger Delta region. I assure him that we will not fail. This reappointment gives me a renewed vigour to revamp the NDDC and develop the Niger Delta region.

    “I might have the ideas but I also need the input of directors and staff and to bring these ideas to fruition. We would work together to make Mr. President proud.”

    The NDDC boss in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said that he was ready to take on new challenges.

    Read Also: Adeola lauds Tinubu’s victory at tribunal, urges Atiku, Obi to support Renewed Hope

    He said:  “We need to record more successes in this new dispensation. I believe that by working together, we can get better results.

    “I want to be a servant leader and I need the feathers of NDDC staff to fly to greater heights. I, therefore urge the staff to support my vision for the Niger Delta region.”

    Ogbuku paid tribute to members of the dissolved NDDC board for “sacrificing their time and resources for the good of the Niger Delta region.”

    He expressed hope that members of the reconstituted board would be committed to serving the people of the region, appealing to NDDC staff to warmly receive the incoming board and ensure that there were no hiccups.

    He added: “I acknowledge and thank the recently retired Directors for their commitment and sacrifices to ensure that our ideas for development come to fruition. To the staff, I want to assure you that I remain indebted to you as you mean well to me. Thank you for reaching out to me at all times.”

    Ogbuku stressed the need for the various directorates in NDDC to work as a team saying:  “I do not want directorates to work in isolation or at cross purposes anymore.  Let us try and synchronize our programmes.”

    Reacting to a question on what he would like to be remembered for, he said: “I want to be remembered as a good brother, father and husband in the NDDC family. Transparency and accountability are very important to me.”

    Speaking on behalf of the staff, the chairman of the NDDC staff union, Comrade Anthony Gbendo, applauded the managing director for facilitating the approval of the staff conditions of service and urged him not to relent in his good works.

  • C/River hails Tinubu’s prompt response to NDDC slot agitation

    C/River hails Tinubu’s prompt response to NDDC slot agitation

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has commended President Bola Tinubu for acting decisively on the agitation over the state’s nominee for the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC).

    The governor gave the commendation in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche and made available to newsmen in Calabar on Saturday.

    The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by is Chairman, Mr Alphonsus Eba, had protested against the earlier nomination of Asu Okang as the representative of Cross River on the

    board of the NDDC.

    The chairman had alleged that the nominee was a member of the opposition party in the state, PDP.

    Alphonsus had threatened to occupy the Presidential Palace until the decision was reversed in favour of those who worked for the party during the general elections.

    However, Okang’s nomination was replaced in favour of Mr Orok Duke on Friday by the president.

    The Cross River governor said the president had shown he was a listening person with his prompt response over the agitation.

    Read Also: Tinubu wants visible NDDC projects, Omo-Agege tells chairman nominee

    “I wish to graciously thank Mr. President for acting timely and decisively in correcting what I believe was not a deliberate anomaly in the nomination of a non-member of our great party into the board.

    “The swiftness in which the matter that had agitated millions of our party faithful, not just in Cross River, but across the country, was addressed, demonstrates that we have a listening president.

    “He is indeed someone who is prepared to respond to the yearning and aspirations of not just APC members, but Nigerians in general,” he stated.

    Otu said that the president’s action showed that there was indeed renewed hope in the state and country at large.

    He urged Nigerians to continue to give their support to the president’s policies and programmes aimed at boosting the economic fortunes of all citizens.

    The governor also commended members of the party in the state for being steadfast.

    He called on them to be patient with his administration, as he remained committed to his People’s First Agenda of placing the state among those up in the development index.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu replaces Ondo, Cross River Reps on NDDC Board

    BREAKING: Tinubu replaces Ondo, Cross River Reps on NDDC Board

    President Bola Tinubu has amended the recently reconstituted Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), approving the replacement of the Ondo and Cross River representatives on the Board.

    This was contained in a statement on Friday evening by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

    Tinubu also said the reappointment of the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, would be in acting capacity until his confirmation by the Senate.

    Read Also: Speaker, deputy eulogise VP Shettima at 57

    “President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Ondo State Representative nominee, Mr. Victor Akinjo, with a new Ondo State Representative nominee, Hon. Otito Atikase.

    “The President has equally approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Cross River State Representative nominee, Mr. Asi Oku Okang, with a new Cross River State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Otuk Duke.

    “Furthermore, the immediate past Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is reappointed to a second term and will remain in acting capacity, pending the Senate’s confirmation of his reappointment,” the statement reads.

  • Female protesters reject Asu Okang in NDCC board

    Female protesters reject Asu Okang in NDCC board

    Opposition to the appointment of Asu Okang to the board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) continues to cut across the country as Cross River women in Abuja appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace him.

    The women, who went on a peaceful protest on the major streets of Abuja, vowed to sustain the protest until the nominee was replaced.

    According to the protesters, the Cross River nominee on the NDDC board is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and alleged that he worked against the interest of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state during the last general election.

    Addressing newsmen at Unity Fountain before proceeding on street protest, the leader of the women, Bukkie Okangbe, complained of neglect of APC members in the State.

    “We are here because we want to send a message to the ruling party that injustice is not good. This is the season for Cross River to be seen and we will not keep quiet. If it means we have to protest every day, we will continue to do it until we are heard. 

    Read Also: Niger Delta stakeholders back Tinubu’s decision to retain NDDC MD

    “The Cross River stakeholders have been on the ground since Wednesday. Our message is clear. They should not repeat this injustice to us. The NDDC slot given to one of our brothers is not a bad idea. But we believe in a reward system for those who work to deserve a reward. Somebody who fought against the system should not be the first person to benefit from it. 

    “Even if they say this is a unity government, let the people who work benefit the reward. We reject the slot of NDDC given to Asu Okang. We will continue to protest until the right thing is done. There are so many APC stalwarts in Cross River who are more qualified and should represent us in NDDC.

    “These are the people that should be appointed, not people brought from another party. We are therefore rejecting the NDDC slot for Cross River. We should be the ones to nominate him. It is wrong for people in one state to come and nominate for another state here. Leaders should learn to respect other leaders from another state.

    “If our leader, the governor of Cross River State has been asked to choose for us, nobody will be here today. We will be fine with it. But as long as the hand of the governor is not there, we will keep agitating until the right thing is done. Enough of injustice to Cross River State,” the protesters demanded.

    She added: “You are aware that we just protested being denied the APC Women Leader’s slot last week. That’s why I lamented that it is a season for Cross River State to receive injustice from the party. It is so sad because we worked so hard for this Renewed Hope. I don’t think this is from Mr. President.

    “That is because I know who he is. I have worked with him for three good years before his presidential election. I am sure Mr. President will listen to us and do the right thing for the APC camp in Cross River State. 

    “We have not even finished protesting the Women Leader’s slot Cross River people were denied before being bombarded with this NDDC thing.

    “The NDDC is a sensitive position for you to just give to somebody from the opposition. It is unfair and we are rejecting it. We are okay with whoever Cross River governor chooses to represent us.”

  • My plan for NDDC, by Managing Director Ogbuku

    My plan for NDDC, by Managing Director Ogbuku

    • Protests over commission’s board continue

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has promised to speed up the development of the region.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently appointed Ogbuku to head the regional intervention agency.

    A statement by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said Ogbuku expressed gratitude for his appointment and the trust the President reposed in him.

    He said: “I am humbled and honoured by the trust and confidence that Mr. President has placed in me by reappointing me as the MD/CEO of the NDDC. I thank him for this rare opportunity to continue to serve the people of the Niger Delta and contribute to the transformation of the region.

    “I also appreciate the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the governors, legislators, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, youth organisations, women groups, and the media, since we assumed office on January 4, 2023.

    “I look forward to working with them more closely to achieve our common vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable Niger Delta.”

    Read Also: UPDATED: APGA, ADP, NRM presidential candidates, others lobby Tinubu for inclusion

    Ogbuku said the NDDC was committed to all ongoing partnership talks with various local and international entities.

    He said: “The NDDC is open to collaboration and partnership with any organisation that shares our vision and mission of developing the Niger Delta.

    “We are currently in talks with various local and international entities to explore areas of synergy and cooperation that will benefit our people and our region. We are confident that these partnerships will yield positive results and impact on the lives of millions of Niger Deltans.”

    Also, aggrieved supporters and members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State yesterday continued their demonstration against the appointment of alleged Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Asu Okang, as the state representative on the NDDC board.

    The protesters had started their demonstration on Wednesday at the governor’s office, calling for his intervention in the matter.

    Addressing the protesters, Governor Bassey Otu, who was accompanied by Senator Florence Ita Giwa, fondly called Mma-ma Bakassi, said: “Cross River State has never been a conquered territory. We are not fighting anybody, but we want our right.

    “I’m here to assure you that the President is going to look into it. Mr. President loves Cross River State.”

    In Abuja, Cross River State’s women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday urged President Tinubu to replace Okang.

    The women, who staged a peaceful protest on the major streets of the nation’s capital yesterday, threatened to continue and sustain the protest until the nominee is replaced.

    They accused him of working against the interest of the ruling APC in the state during the last general election.

    Addressing reporters at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, the leader of the women protesters, Bukkie Okangbe, said: “We are here because we want to send a message to the ruling party that injustice is not good.

    “This is the season for Cross River to be seen and we will not keep quiet. If it means we have to protest every day, we will continue to do it until we are heard.”

    “The Cross River stakeholders have been on the ground since Wednesday. Our message is clear: they should not repeat this injustice to us. The NDDC slot given to one of our brothers is not a bad idea. But we believe in a reward system for those who work to deserve a reward. Somebody who fought against the system should not be the first person to benefit from it.”

  • NDDC: I will speed up development, says Ogbuku

    NDDC: I will speed up development, says Ogbuku

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has promised to speed up the development of the region following his reappointment by President Bola Tinubu.

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the NDDC director of corporate affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said he was honoured and humbled by the confidence and trust reposed in him by the president.

    He said: “I am humbled and honoured by the trust and confidence that Mr. President has placed in me by reappointing me as the MD/CEO of the NDDC. I thank him for this rare opportunity to continue to serve the people of the Niger Delta and contribute to the transformation of the region.

    Read Also: Protests in states over reconstituted NDDC board

    “I also appreciate the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the governors, legislators, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, youth organisations, women groups, and the media, since we assumed office on January 4, 2023. I look forward to working with them more closely to achieve our common vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable Niger Delta.”

    Ogbuku said that the NDDC was committed to all ongoing partnership talks with various local and international entities.

    He added: “The NDDC is open to collaboration and partnership with any organisation that shares our vision and mission of developing the Niger Delta.

    “We are currently in talks with various local and international entities to explore areas of synergy and cooperation that will benefit our people and our region. We are confident that these partnerships will yield positive results and impact on the lives of millions of Niger Deltans.”

    He assured that the NDDC would continue implementing its mandate of facilitating rapid, balanced, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta. He called upon all Nigerians to support and pray for the success of the NDDC and its new Board.