In a bid to strictly adhere to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete all ongoing regional projects, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities, the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has restated the commitment of the Commission to the completion of all ongoing projects.
Ogbuku, who disclosed this recently when leaders of civil society organizations and human rights groups in the nine states of the Niger Delta paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, observed that the Commission was determined to make the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.
He reassured of NDDC’s obligation to transformational leadership and accountability, noting that the Commission had engaged the globally renowned audit firm KPMG to review its operations and that its recommendations would be fully implemented to enhance transparency and efficiency.
However, during the interactive session in Ogbuku’s office, he assured the civil society leaders that construction work had resumed at the Kaa-Ataba Road and bridges linking the Khana Local Government Area to the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, adding that the Light up the Niger Delta project of the Commission is seen as the flagship of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration in the Niger Delta region.
Furthermore, he hinted that the solar-powered streetlights project was part of measures to fight criminality, boost socio-economic activities, and enhance peace in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
Also, he revealed that the NDDC had commenced payment to 10,000 beneficiaries of the Youth Internship Scheme for one-year practical skills training in various organizations for sustainable youth empowerment in the Niger Delta region, noting that the Commission had established a comprehensive digital repository of vital information, including the qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and employment status of youths in the region.
Moreover, the NDDC boss maintained that the solar-powered streetlights project was part of measures to fight criminality, boost socio-economic activities, and enhance peace in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
According to Ogbuku: “There have been anomalies in the past, but we are focused on the future. We agreed with KPMG to begin implementing the report’s recommendations next month.”
“The President gave us a matching order during our inauguration to turn things around in the Niger Delta region positively. The Board and Management have worked tirelessly to meet Mr. President’s expectations.”
“We are collaborating with Nigeria LNG (NLNG) to facilitate the construction of the Bonny Ring Road.”
Responding, the Leader and Coordinator of the Civil Society Groups, Mr. Charles Inko Tariah, noted that the civil society organizations would support the NDDC in achieving its mandate while providing oversight to ensure accountability. He appreciated the Commission for engaging with stakeholders, noting that such meetings were crucial to the progress and development of the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (right) receiving an award from the Leader of the CSG, Mr. Charles Inko Tariah (left), during their visit at the Commission’s headquarters; In the middle is Otuekong Franklin Isong
“As civil society organizations, it is our responsibility to protect the rights of the people, partner with institutions that deliver accurate results, and ensure transparent communication with all stakeholders to drive progress and development.”
“We acknowledge the commendable work done by this present administration, particularly in infrastructure development, human capital growth, education, health, and other critical sectors, as well as inclusivity among other stakeholders.”
“We are confident that this partnership will lead to greater transparency and more effective outcomes for the region.”
In the same development, he outlined concerns and requested the NDDC assist them with access to information, the establishment of a research/training center, collaboration on healthcare initiatives, and support for CSOs.
Speaking also, the Coordinator for the Civil Societies, Otuekong Franklin Isong, presented an award on behalf of the groups to the NDDC boss in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, the Executive Director of Projects in NDDC, Sir Victor Antai, revealed that the Civil Society, in a couple of weeks, will begin a new round of project commissioning across the Niger Delta region. “Your group should not hesitate to join the Commission when it begins a new round of project commissioning.”
