A coalition of Niger Delta groups has atributed existing peace in the rebgion to leadership of Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The groups noted thhat Ogbuku is also in a hurry to develop the Niger Delta, armed with a strategic drive to unite the leaders of the region and get them involved in the commission’s development scheme.

This was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the coalitiok Wednesday in Yenagoa by Amb. Amain Winston, National Secretary, Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND).

The statement was co-signed by coordinator of the Niger Delta Grassroots Development Forum, Elder Marshal Kunoun.

The coalition expresses gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Ogbuku and other capable hands to oversee NDDC at a time when everybody in the region is yearning for development.

“The people of the region, for the first time, can now see that the Public Private Partnerships of the NDDC initiated by Ogbuku goes beyond the IOCs, and will guarantee health, youth empowerment and education.”

“This PPP is gaining a lot of interest from the people, and the NDDC under Ogbuku is understudying some of the proposals received to make a careful selection that will benefit the whole region.

“Also, the progress recorded by the ongoing Project Hope programme of the NDDC targeted at creating jobs and empowerment is plausible.

“The operation light up Niger Delta communities which has illuminated several communities across the region in this Christmas Holiday, is a pointer that many good things are going to happen in this regime.” The coalition stated.

The groups explained that the MD’s body languageis to push the NDDC to gain global acceptance in terms of transparency, credibility and corporate governance.

They said that the current poliçies will attract the needed investors and development partners to transform the region to a choice global business hub, and preffered investment destination.

On the unity of the Niger Delta, they noted that for the first time, ethnic leaders from the region are speaking as one concerning the issues of the region.

According to them, this new found unity will further accelerate peace and unity of the region and culminate into development.

The coalition sued for support from stakeholders of the region to enable the current leadership of the NDDC succeed.

According to them, the success of the current NDDC board is assured because the strategic implimentation of the best practices development template añd framework.

“But there’s is hope for the region in 2024 because Ogbuku is a unifier, ince he came, he has been able to galvanise ethnic leaders to speak with one voice and to do things in unity.

“That’s the major premise for development in the region. Before now, the leaders of the Niger Delta were divided.

“But since Ogbuku came, INC, PANDEF, Urhobos and other ethnic nationalities have come together to do things in common, and this is healthy for the region and our collective growth.

“The region and NDDC now have more focus. The cooperation they are having is something commendable, and with this, 2024 will be a very good year for the region.

“This because Ogbuku and his team are pushing for the development of the region.” The groups said.

The coalition also said thar youths and other leaders are comfortable with NDDC leadership, and they know that one of the big things that Mr. President has done for the region is the appointment of Ogbuku.”

“2024 is promising and we must encourage them to succeed. The Government is running an open door policy where everyone is welcome to make input and we must leverage on this to develop our region.”

“Ogbuku has many good plans which will transform the region in 2024 if given the requisite support; and the upcoming Niger Delta stakeholders Conference the Board is putting in place is something that will change the narratives.”

“The Conference will give stakeholders the opportunity to make tangible contributions on how they want their communities to be developed, on how they want the region to be developed.” The groups said.

According to the groupxs, the open door policy and the consultative spirit of the present CEO of NDDC, is what the people have been yearning for and the President got it right in his selection of the present team

“As stakeholders following the policies and programmes of the MD/ CEO we know where this board is taking the region to.

“We are pleased with the synergy and team work within the current board , we wish they continue in this path and not allow detractors to raise suspicions and doubts amongst them to weaken their unity.

“The recent first batch of 200 post graduate scholarships for qualified sons and daughters of the region is a welcome development also a signal for better other things to come,” they added.