In response to the directive of president Bola Tinubu’s task to ensure that impactful projects are being delivered in all the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has inaugurated the reconstructed 23.7- Kilometre Ndoro-Ntalakwu Road Networks, and adjoining roads in Ikwuano Local Government Area, including also the reconstructed Isi- Court Olokoro- Amaoba Oboro Road in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State.
The launching of road projects which was performed by the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, demonstrated the determination of the Federal Government to develop the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Engr. Momoh lauded the Board and Management of the commission for heeding to directives, and at same time appreciated President Tinubu for enabling the NDDC to complete and commission projects in Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Abia states.
Additionally, Momoh on the process of the commissioning, sighted a dilapidated primary school at the venue and appealed to the commission to endeavor to extend hand of renovation to the school and also implored the Governors of Niger Delta states to continue to partner with the NDDC for the smooth running of the day to day activities.
Furthermore, he noted that the commission is setting standards in good performance in the region, and therefore, called on regional development agencies to learn from the Commission in delivering projects to the people. He expressed that he is pleased that the commission is doing very well, which is in line with President Tinubu’s directives, commended the President and members of the National Assembly for enabling the NDDC to operate efficiently.
Responding, the Governor of state, Dr Alex Otti, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Keleb Ajagba, extolled President Tinubu and the management of NDDC for their unwavering commitment to developing the Niger Delta region; stating that the reconstructed roads would promote the livelihood of Abians and boost the communities’ economic and social activities. Also, he tasked the benefiting communities to own the projects, preserve them, and ensure their longevity.
In his words: “Roads are the arteries driving the development and progress. They drive economic growth and open up the hinterlands. They will improve the livelihood of the people. Thank you for your services to our state and thank you for your services to the nation.”
However, the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, said that the completion of the road network was a reflection of the President Tinubu administration’s desire to transform the Niger Delta region.
He, on behalf of the commission thanked their stakeholders for their support and encouragement, which has boosted their desire to ensure that they give them what they deserve, and also appreciated the state governments’ support and partnership with them in several areas. While on this, he gave his assurance that the Commission was determined to partner with governors of Niger Delta states to ensure that the oil-producing states enjoy sustainable development.
Moreover, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, restated his commitment to the mandate given to the Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region; affirming that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the Niger Delta region.
In the same vein, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, gave the brief and explained that the projects, awarded in 2019, were critical infrastructures that would significantly impact the people of Ikwuano and Umuahia South LGAs of Abia state.
“The scope of work for the above projects includes 18.25 km of asphaltic pavement with an average carriage width of 7.3 m. It includes 735m total lengths of Line Drains and Installation of 687 units of all-in-One Monocrystalline Solar Street lights.
“The Road Networks in Umuahia South Local Government Area is a total of 5.5 km of Asphaltic Pavement with 7.3m average carriage width.
“Completing this network of roads has relieved the communities that traverse both Ikwuano LGA and Umuahia South LGA, thereby boosting agriculture, trade, and commerce. The Solar Street Lights installed on these alignments have improved highway illumination and enhanced security”, he stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, in his goodwill message, acknowledged President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the progress and declared that his colleagues and his humble self remain committed to ensuring effective oversight of the Commission’s operations, as they collectively work to see the commission fulfil its mandate and drive sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.
With expression joy in his heart, the Traditional Ruler of Ikwuano, Eze Ogbnnaya Agwu, applauded the commission for work well done.
