The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has suspended the commissioning of its completed projects in honour of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60.
The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, made this known during a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri and the Ewhrudjakpo family at the Government House in Yenagoa. He led members of the commission’s management team on the visit.
Dr. Ogbuku explained that the commission was supposed to begin its end-of-year project commissioning on Tuesday, December 16. The first project was the inauguration of a 700-bed President Bola Tinubu Hostel at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma. However, the event has been put on hold because of the sudden death of the deputy governor.
He added that all other projects scheduled for commissioning have also been suspended in respect of the mourning by the state government.
According to him, the NDDC has enjoyed a strong partnership with Bayelsa State since the beginning of the current administration. He said the relationship between the commission and the state government has been very cordial and productive.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, also visited the Bayelsa Government House with a high-powered delegation. He conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the Bayelsa State Government and the Ewhrudjakpo family. He described the news of the deputy governor’s death as shocking and painful.
Senator Lokpobiri said the late Ewhrudjakpo served Bayelsa State and humanity with dedication and wisdom. He noted that people from his senatorial district felt the loss deeply, as they benefitted from his advice and wise counsel. He added that Bayelsa State and Nigeria would miss him greatly, describing him as a fulfilled man who lived well.
The leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) also paid a condolence visit. The National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, led members of the Board of Trustees and the executive council. He expressed deep shock over the deputy governor’s death.
Dr. Igali said the loss was a personal one to Governor Diri, noting that the working relationship between the governor and his deputy was admired across the country. He added that Ewhrudjakpo played a key role in the development of Bayelsa State and would be greatly missed.
Responding on behalf of the Bayelsa State Government and the Ewhrudjakpo family, Governor Douye Diri thanked President Tinubu for his concern, including a personal phone call and a condolence message issued by his media adviser, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. He also appreciated the Managing Director of the NDDC for his kind words and support.
The governor expressed gratitude for the love and support shown by leaders across the country, especially those at the federal level, during this difficult time
