By Francis Ekeh

Newly constituted Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been inaugurated with the Chairman of the Board, Lauretta Onochie promising massive infrastructural development of the region

The new board was inaugurated by the Hon Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs Okon Umana on Wednesday at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

Unfolding her agenda for the Niger Delta, Onochie asked for the support of Nigerians in general and the support of the people of the region in particular.

Apart from the physical development of our region, we will be paying extra attention to the empowerment of our teeming youth population, equipping them with requisite skills to catch up with their peers in other parts of Nigeria and elsewhere.

“We ask that you give us breathing space to generate great ideas that will bring about the desired change in the region.

“We are determined to do a great job. We are committed to the improvement of the economic and ecological well-being of our region.

“We are devoted to the prosperous future of the youths of the region. We will not fail. It’s a promise

“We ask that you give us the breathing space to do our job. We ask for your support, all and sundry so we can deliver for the long-suffering people of the Niger Delta,” the NDDC boss said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling his promise of constituting the board of the NDDC.

“I appreciate His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling the law by keeping his promise of approving the Board of NDDC in line with section 2 subsection 1 of the NDDC Act 2000.

“Today, we are witnessing the inauguration of the board in fulfilment of Mr President’s promise that he will put in place a genuine board for the commission after the completion of the forensic audit,” the Minister said.

Other members of the NDDC Board include: Dimgba Arugba, State representative from Abia (South East); Dr Emem Wilcox Wills, State representative from Akwa Ibom (South South); Elder Sen. Dimaro Denyabofa, State representative from Bayelsa (South South); Hon. Orok Duke,State representative from Cross River (South South) and Dr Pius Egberanmwen, State representative from Edo (South South)

Others are: Engr. Anthony Okene, State representative from Imo (South East); Hon Gbenga Edema, State representative from Ondo (South West); *Elekwati Dimpa, State representative from Rivers (South South); Alhaji Muhammed Kabir Abubakar, zonal representative from Nasarawa State (North Central); Alhaji Sule Iko Sadiq Sanni, zonal representative from Kebbi State (North West) and Prof. Tahir Mamman, OON, SAN, zonal representative from Adamawa State (North East).

Chief Dr Samuel Ogbuku from Bayelsa (South South) holds the position of Managing Director, for a term of two years, to complete the unexpired term of his predecessor; Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) from Edo State (South South) for the position of Executive Director, Finance and Charles B. Ogunmola from Ondo State (South West) for the position of Executive Director, Projects.