From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has revealed that Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC is the only federal government institution established by the peoples mandate since 1999 third republic political dispensation till date.
Uzodimma disclosed this in Owerri over the weekend, in his key note address as the host governor during the Unveiling of NDDC 25 Years Anniversary Logo and Niger Delta Sports Festival Mascot .
“NDDC is very symbolic and significant as the only institution established by law in Nigeria by the peoples bill, considering the fact that the legislation that established the Commission in 2001 was called the people’s legislation, because the bill was conducted and concluded by the National Assembly, but when it was taken for assent to the then President and Commander in chief of the Armed Forces, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yaradua, he declined assent.
” Based on the popularity for the establishment of the Commission and mounting pressure from the people to the national assembly, the Commission remains the only establishment that have an over ride of the President from 1999 till date. Thus, the legislation that established NDDC is the people’s legislation and therefore, the mandate of NDDC’s Board and Management is the people’s mandate.
“It’s an incontrovertible truth that NDDC is one Commission so dear to the people’s heart. It’s an act that was enacted to quill the agitations in the Niger Delta region so as to give national confidence, providence and hope to the people of the region.
“It’s an act that boosted the nation’s crude oil production from nearly below 800,000 BPD to over 2,000,000 BPD, therefore NDDC stands as a treasure to the people of Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large” he unequivocally stated this.
He congratulated the board and management of NDDC for overcoming the storms masterminded by the protection of political interests and cautioned them against internal bickering, wrangling, mudsling, blackmail, gang up, pettiness, jealousy, factionalization and pull him down syndrome, which he decried as always associated with Nigerians and black race.
The Governor described the occasion as a landmark and expressed happiness that Imo State hosted the historical ceremony.
Uzodimma who’s also the Chairman NDDC Advisory Committee reiterated that the Eastern Heartland State is safe, stable and peaceful despite the propaganda gimmicks of the State government detractors and have maintained her status as the hospitality hub of the Eastern States.
He reassured of the unflinching commitments of the Governor’s of the 9 States in Nigeria that constitutes the Niger Delta region, that’s Imo, Abia, Rivers,, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Ogun States to the transformational and developmental mission and vision of the Commission.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the Chairman NDDC 25th Anniversary and Niger Delta Sports Festival planning committees, Alabo Boma Iyaye, who also is the Commission’s, Executive Director, Finance and Administration expressed gratitude for the massive turn out of stakeholders to the occasion.
Iyaye observed that the occasion is propelled towards the celebration of the interventionist roles of the Commission, that have contributed immensely in the transformational, upliftment, growth and development of Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.
He informed that the logo will be used in all transactions of the Commission within 2025 as a mark of the symbol of the celebrations.
“As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Commission has advanced plans to hold 8 days maiden sports festival for the region holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital between Tuesday April 1, 2025 to Tuesday April 8, 2025”.
The youthful chairman further gave recognitions to all sports ambassadors of the region and the nation at large.
” The sports festival will for the first time ever bring the youths of the region, competing among themselves, while representing their indigenous states.
“It’s our modest contributions for the upliftment of sports men and women in Nigeria. It’s on record that over 60% of the athletes that represents the country in global competitions are from Niger Delta region. I appeal to everyone here to enjoy the hospitality of Imo State and in particular the Niger Delta region”
In his good will address, Apostle Samuel Ekan who represented the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Umo Eno expressed regrets for the Governor’s inability to attend the ceremony based on the exigencies of duty and expressed readiness of the State to host the entire region during the sports festival.
Ekan also commended the board and management of NDDC for their visionary and transformational agenda initiatives and reiterated his State government assurances in guaranteeing successful, hospitable and historical sports festival.
