The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has reiterated the commitment of the commission to what he called “the holistic development” of the oil and gas Niger Delta region.
The NDDC helmsman who stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Isoko Ethnic Nationality, led by the President General of Isoko Development Union, Professor Chris Akpotu at the commission headquarters in the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt averred that his management was open to all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region.
He noted that its mandate was to serve the people and ensure the sustainable development of all communities in the region.
The commission in a statement issued by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama quoted the NDDC Chief saying: “We all face the same challenges. Therefore, we must all work together to address our challenges, regardless of our ethnicity. These challenges, like underdevelopment and ecological problems, bring us all together. We are all united by a common factor: the challenges we face. We must maintain this identity. We should leverage our bond, as standing alone may not be as strong as our collective strength.”
According to the statement which was obtained by Maritime Bits, the Isoko and Ijaw people are essentially one people because we share a common lineage and we inter-marry. Our ancestral origins connect us, and we must recognise ourselves as one to achieve better development together.
He noted that the current NDDC Board and Management were committed to rewriting the commission’s narrative through transparency, equity, and purposeful leadership just as stated that under the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the commission was focused on transforming ideas into visible achievements.
“When we speak of the Renewed Hope Agenda, it is not just a slogan. It is a social contract between Mr. President and the Niger Delta people. It is about translating vision into action. But we cannot afford to lose time. That is why we must all work together,” he said.
He charged the Isoko delegation to continue to support the NDDC in its efforts to develop the region even as he enjoined them to avoid casting aspersions on the commission which he said was the only agency with visible projects in many Niger Delta communities.
On concerns raised by the Isoko delegation, he noted that the NDDC was reviewing the electrification project being executed by the commission in the area.
“Although this administration did not award the project, we are investigating the variations and challenges involved so the contractor can return to the site,” Ogbuku said.
The NDDC helmsman also addressed the state of the Uzere-Patani Road, parts of which were damaged by flooding and erosion.
According to him, plans are already underway to re-award the contract and we will ensure the road is rehabilitated. Projects across Isoko land were planned and deliberate. We are replicating the training centre model we successfully executed in Bayelsa in Ozoro and Patani.
Akpotu had earlier in his earlier remarks congratulated Ogbuku on the successful celebration of NDDC’s 25th anniversary even as he applauded the commission’s transformation under his leadership.
His words: “Under your leadership, the NDDC has moved from a transactional agency to a transformational one, despite the challenges of funding from IOCs. You have kept your word on inclusivity, and that is why we are here to thank you and to ask for more developmental projects in Isoko land. We are confident that under your stewardship, the NDDC will continue to serve the entire Niger Delta with integrity and justice. It is our prayer that you continue to lead the Commission so that we can continue to enjoy the dividends of development.”
Maritime Bits checks revealed that NDDC is a federal government agency established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the year 2000 with the sole mandate of developing the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
One of the core mandates of the commission is to train and educate the youths of the oil rich Niger Delta regions to curb hostilities and militancy, while developing key infrastructure to promote economic diversification and productivity.
