By Desmond Ejibas
Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects across the region.
Ogbuku gave the assurance in a statement issued on Wednesday by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt.
He made the pledge while addressing representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and human rights groups from the nine Niger Delta states.
According to Ogbuku, the commission’s management has already begun implementing concrete measures to complete all projects in line with directives from President Bola Tinubu.
“President Tinubu gave us a clear mandate during our inauguration to turn things around in the Niger Delta.
“In response, the NDDC Board and management are working tirelessly to meet the president’s expectation,” he stated.
Ogbuku noted that ongoing projects includes major regional developments such as roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities.
He emphasised that the commission had shifted from a transaction-based approach to a transformation-focussed leadership model, with a strong emphasis on accountability.
“This shift explains why we engaged the globally renowned audit firm, KPMG, to review NDDC’s operations.
“KPMG will begin implementing its Governance Advisory Report recommendations in March to enhance transparency and efficiency,” he said.
Ogbuku highlighted recent infrastructure development efforts, including the repairs on the Auchi-Eruwa Road, reconstruction of failed sections of the Owerri-Port Harcourt Highway in the Ohaji/Egbema area of Imo.
Others are the Kaa-Ataba Road and bridges, linking Khana Local Government Area to Andoni LGA in Rivers, and the proposed NDDC/NLNG partnership for the construction of the Bonny Ring Road in Rivers.
Ogbuku also mentioned the operation Light Up the Niger Delta project, which aims to install solar-powered streetlights across roads and streets to improve security and curb criminal activities.
“We have also commenced payments to 10,000 beneficiaries under the Youth Internship Scheme, which will train youths in practical skills for a one-year period,” Ogbuku stated.
He further disclosed that the commission had established a comprehensive digital repository containing vital information such as the qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and employment status of youths in the region.
Mr Charles Inko-Taria, Coordinator of the CSOs, commended the NDDC leadership for its efforts to revive abandoned projects and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
He expressed satisfaction with the commission’s interventions on infrastructure, human capital development, education, and healthcare.
“We are confident that our partnership with NDDC will promote greater transparency and deliver more effective outcomes for the region,” Inko-Taria said.
He called on the NDDC to establish a state-of-the-art research and training centre in the Niger Delta to further drive regional development. NAN
