The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has inaugurated the 25th Anniversary Logo and the Niger Delta Sports Festival Mascot of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Speaking during the launching ceremony in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the Governor expressed great joy, emphasizing that the event’s location in his state signifies that Imo is now safe and open for such significant gatherings.
He, therefore, seized the opportunity to congratulate the NDDC on its 25th anniversary, stating that it is no small feat to have remained resilient despite various challenges over the years.
The Governor further noted that the NDDC is very dear to their hearts. The Act that established it reflects the commitment to addressing developmental gaps in the Niger Delta, and as an important institution, the Commission remains a treasure to all states along the shoreline, driving progress and development in the region.
According to Governor Uzodinma: “On behalf of the NDDC Advisory Council, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the NDDC and reaffirm our unwavering support and confidence in its mission.
“We appreciate your decision to host this important event in Imo State, and we look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of our people.
“I must emphasize that the NDDC is not in competition with state governments but rather serves as a complementary agency, working alongside the states to enhance development efforts.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is gaining momentum across the Niger Delta states, reinforcing our shared vision for growth and prosperity.”
Addressing the people at the event, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, appreciated the Imo State Governor for hosting the unveiling ceremony, noting that the Commission was determined to make the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.
While revealing that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the Niger Delta region, the Commission’s boss reassured the public of its commitment to the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
However, he reflected on the occurrences of May 18 and May 28 last year, when NDDC commissioned five major development projects across the Niger Delta region, noting that these included the 27.5-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, constructed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
In his words: “Similarly, we commissioned the 6km Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and the 600m Ibeno Bridge in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“We commissioned the 45-km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa in Ondo State. This electrification project supplies light to the 25 local governments that have been in darkness for 15 years.”
He maintained that the Commission is committed to transformational leadership and accountability, noting that NDDC had engaged the globally renowned audit firm, KPMG, to review its operations and that the report’s recommendations would be fully implemented to enhance transparency and efficiency.
He announced that, indeed, there have been anomalies in the past, but they are focused on the future, as they agreed with KPMG to begin implementing the report’s recommendations.
Regarding the region’s high demand for solar power projects, the NDDC MD assured that many more communities will benefit from the Light Up the Niger Delta project, noting that the NDDC 25th anniversary would witness a series of activities, including the commissioning of completed projects.
“A major highlight will be the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, aimed at fostering regional integration and developing amateur sporting talents in Akwa Ibom State.
“We have to work on our diversity and ensure that we have unity in diversity. We are united as Niger Deltans because God has brought us together into one geographical region where we have common ecological and environmental challenges,” the NDDC boss stated.
Responding, NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration and Chairman of the Planning Committee for the unveiling of the logo and mascot, Alabo Boma Iyaye, emphasized the need to build regional integration, stating that July 12, 2025, will mark 25 years since the creation of the NDDC.
“In building and fostering regional integration, we thought it wise to come up with the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
“Join us to celebrate 25 years of developmental intervention and making a difference.
“This logo will be used in all official transactions of the Commission throughout the year 2025, marking the symbol of our celebration. As part of this celebration, the Commission is holding its maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival.”
In the same development, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, in his goodwill message, lauded President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“My colleagues and I remain committed to ensuring effective oversight of the Commission’s operations.”
