Leaders from various ethnic nationalities have extolled Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as it recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, showcasing significant achievements under the leadership of Barr. Chiedu Ebie and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
The leaders under the auspicies of the Forum of Presidents of Apex Ethnic Nationalities, elder statesmen, and opinion leaders in the Niger Delta expressed delight at the pace of development across the region under the current leadership of the NDDC..
They lauded the Board’s transformative leadership, highlighting initiatives like Project Hope, Youth Internship Scheme, and the Light up the Niger Delta program, which have notably improved social infrastructure and human development in the region.
In a statement signed by prominent figures including Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, Ijaw National Congress and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essen, former National Chairman of PANDEF, the forum commended the Board’s commitment to transparency and prudent resource management, which has enhanced stakeholder confidence and promoted equitable development at the grassroots level.
Other leaders who endorsed the statement include Prof. A. W. Obianime, Elder. T. K. Ogoriba, Prof. Chris Akpotu, Prof. Hillary Wordu, Stateswoman Annkio Briggs, Dr Aziba-Aloaguo Seibofa, Dr. Ken Robinson.
Others are Saro Legborsi Pyagbara, Olorogun Ese Gam Owe, HRH. Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, Elder Marshall Kunnon, Chief Edward Ekpoko, Prof. Emenike Wami, Prof. Simeon Achinewu, Obong Ita Edet Ante,
Chief Thompson Robert Fouye,
Mr Kennedy TonjoWest.
Other signatories are Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, Hon. Deo D. Kalsuo,
High Chief Lawrence Akpeti, Chief Kennedy Odiowei, Elder. Passman Warten, Mr Dominic Sattah, Engr. George M. Okitikpi, Amb. A. W. Cotterel, Amb. Hope. H Erekosima, Charles Omusuku Esq.,
Apostle Godgift West, Bishop (Dr.) Victor Thomas
Also Chief Agu Philip, Pastor (Dr) Felix D. Etela, Comrade Obubo G. Opukeme,
Chief Victor Eyororokumo,
Barr. Peter A. Goodyear, Hon. Dimieri Festus Pepple, Eld. Solomon Tamunobere,
Chief T. I. Robinson, Warisenibo Sofiri G. Dappa and Sir. Esang Nsa Bassey (KJW) endorsed the statement.
“The current NDDC Team, led by Barr. Chiedu Ebie and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has brought hope and renewed energy to the region,” the statement read.
Health sector interventions stood out with the construction of 142 modern health centers, the revival of free healthcare programs, and the ongoing Niger Delta Regional Specialist Hospital project in Port Harcourt, aimed at providing advanced medical services.
The education sector benefited from scholarship programs supporting over 2,300 students and initiatives like the U-Lesson educational program, emphasizing technology adoption among school pupils.
The forum also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a visionary team and urged him to resist calls for dissolving the current Board, warning that such actions could disrupt ongoing projects and destabilize the region. They emphasized, “Dissolving the Board at this critical juncture would truncate the milestones it has achieved and possibly ignite tension in the region.”
Acknowledging support from the National Assembly, ministers, governors, and other stakeholders, the forum called for continued collaboration to sustain development efforts. They also advocated for the release of the NDDC forensic audit report to ensure ongoing transparency and accountability.
It could be recalled that Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, echoed these sentiments during the 25th-anniversary press conference, reaffirming the Commission’s dedication to completing legacy projects and upholding corporate governance.
He noted, “The President gave us a marching order during our inauguration to positively turn things around in the Niger Delta region.”
Among key achievements, Ogbuku cited restored electricity to 25 local governments in Ondo State, construction of bridges, and the implementation of over 7,000 solar-powered streetlights enhancing security and clean energy adoption.
Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, highlighted the significance of this milestone despite challenges such as infrastructural deficits and inadequate funding. He stated, “There has been a lot of progress since the creation of the NDDC as an interventionist agency in the Niger Delta,” and emphasized that the 25th anniversary is an opportunity for the Commission to tell its positive story amid criticism.
The celebration features a blend of thanksgiving services, strategic media engagements, and a gala night, underscoring NDDC’s journey from inception to becoming a pivotal driver of sustainable development in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region