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Tag: Ogbuku

  • Pulling down Ogbuku will push Niger Delta backwards, ex-agitators, others  warn

    Pulling down Ogbuku will push Niger Delta backwards, ex-agitators, others  warn

    Niger Delta ex-agitators and other critical stakeholders have warned the ongoing pull-down campaign against the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, will only take the region backwards. 

    Rising from their emergency meeting in Port Harcourt at the weekend, they called on traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the region to rally round Ogbuku and protect him from what they described as an orchestrated conspiracy to bring him down.

    Speaking after the meeting, the Pioneer National Secretary of First Phase Ex-Agitators, and the Spokesman of the critical Ex-agitators Stakeholders Coalition in the Niger Delta (CESCND), Nature Dumale Kiegha, said it was high time the region stopped waging a war against itself insisting that a house divided against itself, can never stand. 

    Nature said Ogbuku remained the only NDDC Managing Director in the history of the commission that had established the culture of undertaking a need assessment process before executing projects in the region.

    He named the project light up Niger Delta as one of the products of the Ogbuku’s developmental revolution, which he said for the first time benefited people at the grassroots.

    He said such project had given people in rural communities a sense of belonging and had helped in tackling cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.

    Nature said: “We cannot continue to live our lives with the pulling down syndrome. We cannot continue to fight ourselves and expect meaningful development. These stones that are thrown against the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku are uncalled for.

    “This is the time for all the traditional rulers, political leaders and critical stakeholders to rally round him and support him with all the encouragement he needs to be able to keep executing laudable projects in the Niger Delta region. 

    “Dr Samuel Ogbuku is the only MD that has instituted the culture of carrying out needs assessment before embarking on projects and that is why the project light-up Niger Delta became a landmark project in the history of the NDDC. That project has given people at the grassroots a sense of belonging. It is the first time the Niger Delta people in the rural areas are benefiting from the interventionist projects of NDDC.

    “Besides, in today’s NDDC under the leadership of Samuel Ogbuku people are getting their payments as at when due. The M.D is making very good use of the resources he is receiving. 

    So, we should stop this habit of pulling down ourselves. some are envious that during their time they couldn’t do what the current MD is doing. The only thing we owe Ogbuku is to encourage him”.

    Nature called on the Niger Delta stakeholders to support others in leadership because tomorrow might be their turn and commended Ogbuku for remaining focused amidst unprovoked attacks from detractors.

    “Ogbuku has refused to be distracted that is why strategic stakeholders of the Niger Delta region need to put our voices in this matter. Why are we accusing him for things he didn’t do; what do we intend to achieve?” He queried.

    Nature recalled that in the third quarter of 2024 alone, the NDDC under Ogbuku completed a total of 311 projects across the nine states in the region including roads and bridges, renewable energy, housing facilities, water supply, electricity among others.

    He said under Ogbuku, the commission had engaged more youths in meaningful ventures through Project Hope; reactivated and expanded the scholarship scheme of the commission; kick-started massive agricultural revolution to make the region a food hub of the nation among other initiatives.

    He said: “This is the first time in the history of NDDC where almost every state in the the Niger Delta region has a beautiful  NDDC office for faster and more effective representation of the Niger Delta people, It has never happened before in the history of NDDC. So, why won’t we rally round this man and support him? 

    “At what point are we going to know that the enemy of this region always want to divide and rule us. But when we resist the enemy and remain united, we become stronger and achieve greater things”.

    Nature appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore mischief makers known for their penchant in causing division and instigating crisis in the region for their selfish interest.

    He said: “Mr President thank you for the support you have given to our brother, our leader, Dr Samuel Ogbuku. He has done very well and we appeal to you to continue to give him all the support he needs because he has changed the narrative and dynamics of the NDDC”.

  • NDDC boss urges stakeholders to sustain peace for regional development

    NDDC boss urges stakeholders to sustain peace for regional development

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has appealed to stakeholders in the region to continue sustaining peace, stressing that the commission cannot operate effectively in an atmosphere of violence.

    Speaking in Port Harcourt at the opening of a three-day Capacity Building Programme for Niger Delta stakeholders on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Inclusive Peace and Sustainable Development, Ogbuku said the prevailing peace had enabled the commission to execute and inaugurate projects across states in the region.

    The event, themed “Fostering Lasting Peace Through ADR: Lessons from the Past, Building Future Opportunities to Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda”, was organised by the NDDC’s Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution (DCR).

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev. Julius Oworibo, Ogbuku emphasised that sustainable development in the Niger Delta could only be achieved in an environment of peace. 

    He urged communities to embrace dialogue instead of violence, noting that peace would allow development to spread across the region.

    Ogbuku said, “Without peace, development will not come our way. Recently NDDC has been commissioning projects in different states of the religion.

    “And that could be possible because of the peace that is being observed by the different people, different youth groups, women, elders in their communities.

    “Without peace, things will not go forward. Today we are here to reinforce the saying that peace must be present, development will move forward.”

    He said the days when people of the region insisted on protest were over, noting it was time to seek peace through dialogue and Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.

    He said: “This peace that has come to us, how do we sustain it? The days are over when we say “we no go agree”, at times, we have to agree. So, how do we resolve issues without taking eyes from others and without our eyes being removed by other people?

    “When you think that you are strong, there could be someone who is stronger than you somewhere to say okay come, let’s see how it is like at times the people who you think are so quiet they are not strong enough can surprise you.

    “So the best thing to do is to see how we can resolve issues peacefully. We argue over things, we dialogue here in NDDC. We now prefer people who can talk to us than threaten us. When people say they want to come and threaten us, we say let them come. We don’t have problems, people threaten us. But we rather talk to people who will come peacefully.”

    The Acting Director, DCR, Godwin Ogedemgbe, noted that development could not thrive in a conflict environment, adding that the agenda of President Bola Tinubu on Renewed Hope was in line with the commission’s commitment to sustainable peace.

    Ogedemgbe said the seminar provided opportunity for the participants to reflect on what had worked in bringing peace to the region and sustain same.

    He said, “The theme calls us to reflect deeply on what has worked, what must be reinforced and how we can leverage ADR to translate policy intentions into tangible, peaceful and prosperous outcomes for communities that have borne the brunt of conflict for far too long.”

  • HOSTCON youth council applauds Tinubu for appointing Ogbuku-led NDDC

    HOSTCON youth council applauds Tinubu for appointing Ogbuku-led NDDC

    The national leadership of the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas, and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCON Youth Council), alongside its Board of Trustees (BoT), has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing the Samuel Ogbuku-led board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The Council noted that the NDDC board had reshaped, repositioned, and transformed the region since its formation by Mr. President.

    The group also commended the leadership of the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for selfless service and project delivery across the Niger Delta states.

    “We commend President Tinubu for the appointment of Ogbuku as the commission’s Managing Director — a vibrant, foresighted, visionary leader — that has reshaped, repositioned, and transformed the Niger Delta region,” a statement released yesterday by the National President of HOSTCON, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, said.

    The Council also publicly praised Dr. Week Doodei for his exemplary conduct as the Director of Procurement at the NDDC.

    Pathfinder highlighted Dr. Doodei’s professionalism, transparency, and unwavering commitment, which they credited as instrumental to the positive transformation within the Niger Delta region under the direction of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

    Read Also: ‘Ogbuku’s leadership has repositioned N’Delta for devt’

    He said Doodie’s adherence to the Procurement Act is noted as a benchmark for the commissioning of contracts, aligning with the principles of meritocracy.

    The group emphasised that Doodei’s effective resource management and straightforward procurement strategies had led to contract awards based on competence and regulatory compliance, fostering an environment of transparency and accountability.

    The Council said this approach had facilitated the timely delivery of projects, reinforcing trust in the Commission’s processes.

    Furthermore, the Council asserted that the ongoing reforms at the NDDC had bolstered the organisation’s credibility, resulting in contractors meeting project deadlines.

    The group said the progress had brought significant improvements to the host communities across the nine Niger Delta states.

    The Council also lamented previous inefficiencies, where a lack of adherence to the Procurement Act obstructed growth and development in the area and recognised Dr. Doodei’s leadership as a pivotal shift towards more effective service delivery within the commission.

    The group said that through his initiatives, the NDDC had reportedly made substantial contributions to the rural economy, encompassing projects in education, healthcare, electrification, agriculture, road infrastructure, and various empowerment programmes.

    It also noted that traditional rulers in the region had publicly acknowledged the positive changes resulting from Doodei’s initiatives, reinforcing the impact of his work on their communities.

    Highlighting his role during the 2022 flood crisis, HOSTCON noted that Doodei coordinated the distribution of palliatives to affected communities in Bayelsa State, working closely with local representatives to ensure relief materials reached those most in need.

    The Council stressed that under Doodei’s stewardship as Director of Procurement, in line with the laudable transformational programme and reforms of the MD/CEO of the commission, Chief Dr Samuel Ogbuku’s watch had regained its reputation as a credible intervention agency of the federal government.

  • ‘Ogbuku’s leadership has repositioned N’Delta for devt’

    ‘Ogbuku’s leadership has repositioned N’Delta for devt’

    The innovative and inclusive leadership style of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has repositioned the agency for sustainable development in the oil-rich region.

    A former All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Warri South Constituency 1, Prince Stanley Oritsemolebi Emiko, said this in a goodwill message to felicitate with Dr. Ogbuku on the occasion of his birthday on Tuesday.

    Prince Emiko noted that the NDDC boss has distinguished himself through purposeful leadership and a clear developmental vision, which has repositioned the Commission as a beacon of hope for the people of the Niger Delta.

    Read Also: Sam Ogbuku and a birthday of intellectual festivity

    “Your leadership and vision for NDDC have been truly inspiring. Your dedication to the development of the Niger Delta is commendable, and your passion for the region’s progress is contagious,” Emiko stated.

    He added that Dr. Ogbuku’s impact has created renewed confidence in the NDDC’s mandate and left a lasting legacy that will inspire generations.

    “May this special day inspire new ideas and energies to drive NDDC’s mission forward. You have made a lasting impact, and I wish you strength and wisdom to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead,” the statement read in part.

    Dr. Ogbuku, who assumed office as NDDC Managing Director/CEO, has consistently emphasized sustainable development, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative approaches to addressing the infrastructural and socio-economic needs of the region.

  • Why Niger Delta should be grateful to Tinubu, by Ogbuku

    Why Niger Delta should be grateful to Tinubu, by Ogbuku

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has said that the Niger Delta should be grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the region.

    Ogbuku said the commission was determined to make the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.

    He noted that the Board and Management of the commission remained committed to the mandate given to NDDC by Tinubu to change the narrative in the Niger Delta region.

    Ogbuku, in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, said, “President Tinubu charged us to complete and deliver all abandoned critical projects across the Niger Delta Region.

    “Niger Deltans should be grateful to Mr President for his commitment to ensuring the sustainable development of the region. I can assure you that before the end of Mr President’s tenure, we will complete all abandoned legacy projects.”

    Ogbuku attributed the high number of uncompleted projects of the commission to previous leadership instability.   

    He said that one of the challenges of the NDDC in the past 25 years was the high turnover of leadership, adding:  “In the past 25 years, NDDC has had 16 Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers, which caused instability in the system.”

    Speaking about collaborations with other organisations, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC had made significant gains since it adopted Public-Private Partnerships, PPPs, as a major policy thrust.

    He said, “For most of our projects, we adopted the Partnership model as it’s easier to drive projects with Partnership.”

     He said one of such positive outcomes was signing a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the NDDC and the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to collaborate on key projects that would impact the people positively.

    He said, “One area we have improved upon is in project monitoring. All our state offices have been equipped with vehicles and other necessary equipment for project monitoring.

    “Since we came on board, to ensure our people are not spectators, we ensured that local contractors do several of our projects.  The quality of jobs is a result of adequate supervision, and we ensure that they meet international standards through our oversight. Local contractors do several of the projects we have been commissioning.”

    Ogbuku said that the commission, as part of its rebirth and rewind policy, was “transiting from transaction to transformation” in the process of developing the Niger Delta region.

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

    Read Also: Niger Delta is peaceful, says Ogbuku

    He said, “We have built a comprehensive database for the youths in the region. This will enable the Commission to plan, as well as share relevant data with other development agencies that may require it for their planning purposes.”

    The Managing Director affirmed that the commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the hitherto neglected Niger Delta region.

    Reflecting on the achievements of the NDDC, Ogbuku said, “We believe that in partnership with stakeholders, we are going to achieve more, and development in our region will be faster and more holistic. We are not competing with any state government, as we only complement their efforts”.

    Ogbuku stated that the NDDC had implemented measures to ensure financial discipline within the commission, adding that the development necessitated the engagement of KPMG to design a corporate governance system for the commission.

    He explained that the corporate governance structure would increase the confidence of partners who worked with the commission.

  • Ijaw in US honours Ogbuku as Champion of Economic Empowerment

    Ijaw in US honours Ogbuku as Champion of Economic Empowerment

    The Ijaw National Congress of the Americas (INC-A) has bestowed an award of excellence on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, recognizing him as the Champion of Economic Empowerment.

    The INC-A presented the award to Ogbuku in Houston, Texas, USA, as part of its three-day second Ijaw Global Convention with a theme: “Effective Leadership in Ijaw Nation”.

     A former President Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, who received the award on behalf of Ogbuku, said the NDDC Boss was particularly honoured for his strides in entrepreneurship and local economic growth.

    Eradiri said the award was a testament to Ogbuku’s exceptional leadership style and his commitment to the deployment of the NDDC resources in actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the region.

    He said the award would motivate Ogbuku to keep rolling out people-oriented projects and empowerment programmes designed to enhance the economy of the region and lift many people out of poverty.

    “The NDDC Managing Director will also seek opportunities to collaborate with international organisations including the Ijaws in diaspora to ensure the growth and development of the Niger Delta region”, he said.

    He said the Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, used the occasion to proclaim June 5 every year as the Ijaw Convention Day.

    Read Also: NDDC funding improved massively under Tinubu, says Ogbuku

    He said the Mayor described the Ijaw people living in the US as “a vibrant and growing segment of the Nigerian-American diaspora, contributing significantly to business, education, energy, healthcare, culture, and civic life – particularly in the Greater Houston area.”

    Eradiri further said that the Ijaw Cultural Centre, Houston, was launched at the event, adding that when completed, the centre would act as a meeting point for all Ijaws in the diaspora and provide research materials to scholars on matters concerning the Ijaw people.

    He said, “The event also launched the Ijaw Cultural Centre in Houston, United States, to preserve the Ijaw heritage. It will be a meeting point for all Ijaws in the USA, and it will enhance research of international scholars on Ijaw matters.”

    “I will also appeal to Ogbuku to help in the development of the Ijaw cultural centre. The city of Houston also declared the 5th of July Ijaw Day, in which the mayor made the proclamation and issued a certificate to that effect.”

  • Leverage tech expo platform to create wealth, jobs, Ogbuku tells youths 

    Leverage tech expo platform to create wealth, jobs, Ogbuku tells youths 

    The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has called on youths to embrace opportunities provided by the annual Port Harcourt Tech Expo to create wealth and jobs.

    Ogbuku, who advocated  massive investment in technology, said the youths would secure their future if they took advantage of the tech expo  platform.

    The Managing Director spoke at the 2025 edition of the Port Harcourt Tech Expo, which was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The event, which held with the theme “Emergence” attracted 325,000 participants comprising 11,000 in physical attendance and 320,000 virtual participants.

    The expo showcased groundbreaking innovations; fostered industry collaborations, and provided a platform for tech enthusiasts to engage with cutting-edge advancements. 

    The event,  organized by TechNexus Limited with the NDDC as lead sponsor and the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Pana Holdings, O.K. Isokariari and Sons and others supporting, featured keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and exhibitions highlighting advancements in AI, robotics, blockchain, and cybersecurity.  

    Ogbuku who declared the event open, emphasized the importance of innovation in Nigeria’s digital transformation.

    “Technology is the bridge to a prosperous future. We must embrace it, invest in it, and ensure it serves the needs of our people”, he said.

    Addressing the youths, he added: “What you have to start challenging your mind with today is how you will be useful to yourselves. Define your own future first and in defining your future this is the platform.

    “You can use the platform to challenge yourselves and know that there are no jobs out there. But this platform will secure your future. As young men, while it is government responsibility to ensure that you are employed and that you have good opportunities, government is also creating such platforms for you to ensure you secure your future. 

    Read Also: NDDC investing on human capacity development in line with Tinubu’s RHA, says Ogbuku

    “No one else will plan for your future except you. We chose the option of creating this platforms so that you can take advantage of it.  As much as we can, we do our best to create this kind of opportunities. We must embrace technology and apply it in a positive light .

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola,  represented by Engr. Nyoki Ita highlighted the role of local content in tech development.

    He said: “Nigeria’s tech ecosystem must prioritize homegrown solutions to drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness”.

    The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Pana Holdings, Dr. Daere Akobo,  delivered a dazzling keynote focused on Digital sovereignty. 

    A high point of his speech was when he likened the cloud to God, saying “God is the cloud and we just tap from it”.

    The Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) 

    Dr. Daks George Kelly, spoke about the blue ocean strategy for tech entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of creating uncontested market spaces rather than competing in saturated industries.  

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Educate, Dr. Alex Onyia, emphasized on innovation.

    He said: “Africa’s tech future is bright. The next generation of innovators must seize opportunities and build solutions that transform industries”.

    During the event, emerging entrepreneurs presented innovative solutions, attracting interest from investors and stakeholders.  

    Experts debated the role of technology in shaping Africa’s digital economy, emphasizing the need for sustainable innovation.  

    Participants engaged in practical sessions, exploring the latest developments in software engineering, fintech, and automation. 

    The Port Harcourt Tech Expo has become a catalyst for technological advancement in Nigeria, bridging the gap between innovators and industry leaders. 

    Organisers expressed gratitude to sponsors, partners and attendees for their contributions to the success of the event.  

    The expo featured vibrant traditional displays, celebrating Nigeria’s rich heritage and the intersection of culture and technology. 

  • NDDC investing on human capacity development in line with Tinubu’s RHA, says Ogbuku

    NDDC investing on human capacity development in line with Tinubu’s RHA, says Ogbuku

    The Managing Director, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has said that the current governing board of the commission is investing heavily on education and human capacity development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Speaking on Wednesday at the 2025 NDDC Moot and Mock Trials Competition organised in Port Harcourt Rivers State for faculties of law in the Niger Delta, Ogbuku said the current leadership of the commission was committed in playing strategic roles in the development of education.

    He said developing human capital remained an important channel towards reaching the people of the region adding that as part of the initiative the commission pioneered for the first time in the history of the country, the first ever regional sports meet, the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF).

    He said: “This pace setting and record breaking event pooled young sporting talents from across the Niger Delta region and created a platform for the discovery and nurturing of young sports men and women from the region, who would in the next few years become global champions”

    He said the NDDC was driving the Moot Court and Mock Trial Competition with a similar mindset adding that the commission believed that legal advocacy could play a significant role in highlighting the challenges confronting the Niger Delta region and could proffer creative solutions to the challenges.

    He said: “I reaffirm the commitment of the current leadership of the NDDC to continue to play strategic roles in the development of education because it is only through these efforts that we can truly have sustainable development, build capacity, reduce poverty and eradicate violence and crimes in our region”.

    He appealed to the law undergraduates participating in the five-day programme to engage in constructive and intellectually stimulating arguments to highlight the peculiarities of the Niger Delta and proffer solutions that would shape future law making that would facilitate sustainable development in the region

    Ogbuku observed that the year’s edition coincided with the commission’s 25th anniversary of the NDDC existence, recalling that the commission was created on July 12th, 2000.

    In his welcome address, the acting Director, Legal Services and Board Secretary, Sir Victor Arenyeka, said the competition was developed by the NDDC as a critical component of the training of law students and played a significant role in legal education.

    Read Also: PDP chieftain Turnah hails Tinubu’s confidence in NDDC boss Ogbuku

    He said the completion was meant to stimulate legals issues relating to the Niger Delta region such as Environmental Law, Oil and Gas Law, sustainable development among others.

    Arenyeka said, “This is intended to raise awareness on these issues and creatively advance solutions within the backdrop of a healthy contest among students. It is hoped that the knowledge mined from this experience would go a long way in shaping future governmental interventions and chart a course for sustainable development of the region.”

    In his keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Zaccheus Adangor, SAN, encouraged the law students to embrace the principles of honesty, integrity and adherence to standard practice in their quests to become competent lawyers.

    The Deputy Director-General and Head of Campus, Nigeria Law School, Port Harcourt; Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt, Mrs Cordelia Eke and Judge, High Court, Rivers State, Justice Daketima Kio, commended NDDC for the initiatives.

  • NDDC denies rift between Wike, Ogbuku 

    NDDC denies rift between Wike, Ogbuku 

    The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has denied the reported rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike and the commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.

    The commission, in a statement by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thomson-Wakama, described the online report titled: “Uproar in NDDC as Ogbuku, Wike fight dirty” as mischievous.

    “Nothing can be farther from the truth. We are, therefore, constrained to respond to the false story claiming that ‘there is rumbling in the Commission following the jostle for the position of the Managing Director currently occupied by Dr Samuel Ogbuku’, the commission said.

    The NDDC insisted that its Managing Director has a very cordial relationship not only with Wike, who it said is representing the region very well at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), but also with all the leaders and key stakeholders in Niger Delta region.

    The commission said: “Obviously, the fake news reported on online media platforms is masterminded by those who want to create confusion among the NDDC board members and pit the MD against the FCT Minister.

    “We also know that the perpetrators are attempting to drag the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, into the phantom fray to present a crisis scenario in the NDDC and the entire region.

    “The same group of people who see nothing good in the region are also peddling the rumour that Chief James Ibori is shopping for a replacement for the Board Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie” 

    The commission urged the public to disregard the false stories spread by mischief makers to derail the various innovations introduced by the NDDC Board and Management under Ebie and Ogbuku.

    NDDC said it was rather curious that at a time the NDDC was busy pursuing innovative policies aimed at delivering services more efficiently to the people of the Niger Delta, some misguided and self-seeking individuals appeared  intent on distracting the Commission.

    The commission said it was disturbing that those, who could rightly be described as the enemies of progress were  concocting false narratives to the effect that the tenure of the NDDC board was ending.

    It said: “From all indications, those spreading this falsehood are all out to truncate the tenure of the NDDC Board, apparently because they are not happy that the board members are working harmoniously to deliver on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the people of the Niger Delta region.

    “The truth, however, is that the current NDDC Governing Board was appointed for a four-year tenure, which started counting from August 29, 2023.

    “What the naysayers, ostensibly propelled by the satanic Pull Him Down syndrome, fail to understand is that Dr Ogbuku was actually re-appointed to serve for a four-year term, and the law fully backed this.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act provides that ‘a member of the board other than ex-efficio member, shall hold office for a term of four years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of four years and no more’.

    “Ordinarily, there should be no reason for people to split their hairs over when the Managing Director completes his tenure, especially as the team is delivering quality projects and programmes.

    “The team spirit at the NDDC has been yielding dividends, and the management has been busy pursuing innovative policies aimed at delivering services more efficiently to the people of the Niger Delta”.

    The commission said the management was consistently working hard to showcase the myriad of projects lined up for inauguration in the next week.

    “What the detractors fail to realize is that a destabilised NDDC is a loss to the Niger Delta region. One of the causes of the poor development of the region has been traced to incessant changes in leadership.

    “Under the current leadership, the NDDC is deliberately improving the transparency of its processes, leveraging technology to increase accountability and efficiency, consulting stakeholders frequently, engaging proactively, and being creative about programmes designed to uplift the people and the region.

    Read Also: Ebi Egbe backs NDDC over sports festival initiative

    “This is why we urge all men of goodwill who are particularly desirous about a sustained development of the Niger Delta region not to stand aloof and watch as some unscrupulous persons toy with the collective destiny of the region”, the NDDC said.

    The statement said the NDDC Governing Board must remain resolute and refuse to be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region.

    The commission assured all Niger Delta leaders and its people that the NDDC board and management would continue to serve the general interest of the region and urged those bent on taking the region backwards to know that their agenda had failed and would continue to fail.

    The statement insisted that the board and management were focused on developmental issues as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu envisioned rather than being distracted by enemies of progress.

  • Indigenous contractors back NDDC MD Ogbuku to develop Niger Delta

    Indigenous contractors back NDDC MD Ogbuku to develop Niger Delta

    The Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors Association (NDICA) has pledged to collaborate with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to achieve its mandate of facilitating the rapid development of the region.

    Speaking in an interview with reporters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital,  the association’s  Acting President, Mr.Christopher Godbless Apolloss, applauded the NDDC management led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku for what he called its impactful leadership.

     He lauded the Ogbuku-led management for being accountable and transparent and called on all stakeholders to support the commission and its leadership.

     He described Dr Ogbuku as “a seasoned administrator and a true son of the Niger Delta  who understands the development challenges and plight of the people of the area.”

     He said: “Ogbuku has shown a high level of transparency in his day-to-day management since he assumed office. This has promoted unity and harmony among staff members, management and board members and ensured that the people work in synergy with international oil companies, state governments, local communities, and other stakeholders for purposeful development.”

    Apolloss hailed the achievements recorded since the inception of the Ogbuku administration, stating that his leadership quality was a testament to his commitment and dedication to the development of the Niger Delta.

     Highlighting some of the significant achievements of Dr  Ogbuku in various areas, Apolloss said he had impacted several lives positively in the Niger Delta  through people-oriented projects and programmes.

     He identified key achievements, such as the youth empowerment initiative, solar light projects to enhance security, road projects, and numerous rural intervention projects.

    Apolloss added: “The activities of the NDDC are in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as evidenced in the youth development programme, where they are empowered through skill acquisition schemes to make them independent entrepreneurs.”

    “The recent launch of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, under which over 10,000 youths will receive a monthly allowance of N50,000, is another good initiative introduced by the Ogbuku administration.”

     Apolloss praised the NDDC Managing Director’s various interventionist projects and programmes, including the “Light Up the Niger Delta” project, using solar-powered street lights.

    He confirmed that the NDDC solar streetlights had reduced criminality in the region’s nine states, hailing it as a game-changer that lit up remote communities. 

    He said the association was also happy that NDDC was working towards rolling out solar-powered water projects across the region to solve the problem of lack of potable water in the  region.

     He stated: “The transformation that Ogbuku has brought into NDDC is inspiring, and we are passing a vote of confidence in him. We appeal to the Federal Government to keep giving him all the support he needs.”

    The Secretary General of the  contractors association,  Prince Sodin Akiagba, an engineer, called on indigenous contractors and consultants carrying out various projects and programmes in the  region and, indeed, in the country to perform optimally with professionalism and best practices in their service delivery.

     He urged them to always adhere to the terms of their contracts with the NDDC and other corporate organisations.

    He called for adequate and timely funding of the NDDC to enable it to clear all outstanding debts to contractors, even as the Commission initiates new projects and programmes.

     He said that the contractors’ association was committed to collaborating with and supporting the NDDC to deliver the best services to the people.

    Akingba noted that indigenous contractors were competing favourably with their counterparts at the national and international levels.

     He said that the contractors’ association would continue to support the NDDC in achieving its statutory mandates by deploying best practices in contract delivery across the region.

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    The Secretary-General stated the association’s position on the  proper funding for the NDDC.

     “We know that the commission needs a lot of funds to clear outstanding debts and fast-track construction works in the region.”

     “The INDICA pleads with all funding and developmental partners to meet their financial obligations to the NDDC to achieve its objectives and pay the outstanding debts owed to our members by the previous administrations.”

    According to  Akiagba, the Founder of The Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors Association ( NDICA) , the association was founded in 1999 as an umbrella body of Indigenous Contractors and Consultants of Niger Delta  to ensure that the people of Niger Delta partake as well as partner with development Commissions, Agencies and multinationals in pro