From Victor Edozie, Port Harcourt
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the board and management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to prioritize human capital development as top agenda for the development of the region.
President Tinubu who was represented at the plenary by the Secretary to the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume at 25th anniversary of the commission held at the Obi Wali Cultural Center, Port Harcourt, River State, stated that prioritizing human capital development would enhance better delivery of development in the Niger Delta.
Tinubu also challenged the management of the commission to complete ongoing road projects as it would foster economic development and connectivity within the region.
He said, “I have also directed the Board and Management of the Commission, through the Minister of Regional Development, to complete and deliver abandoned critical projects,including the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, Okrika-Borokiri Bridge, Bonny Ring Road, Gbaregolo Roads and Bridges, and the East-West Sampou Roads and Bridges, among several others,” the President said.
Tinubu commended the NDDC leadership for their efforts to improve the Commission’s service delivery and encouraged them to sustain the momentum and continue working towards enhancing the region’s development.
According to him,”Beyond infrastructural development, the NDDC must continue to prioritise human capital development, as it remains the primary index of progress.
“Projects and programmes that directly impact the lives of ordinary people in rural communities must be prioritised. In this regard, I commend the Board and Management for the “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative, which has not only reduced night crimes and enhanced security but has also extended trading hours and improved social life across the region.
“I also urge you to place special emphasis on empowering the youth and women of the region. The NDDC must constructively engage the youth,steering them away from violence and militancy towards entrepreneurship and other legitimate means of self-development.
“This administration prioritises youth development, and I encourage the NDDC to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth Development to leverage the various initiatives available”.
He continued, “”Furthermore, there can be no sustainable development without peace, security of lives and property, and adherence to the rule of law. The NDDC must continue to work towards sustaining peace in the region”.
The President emphasised the importance of agriculture in the Niger Delta, noting the region’s vast potential beyond oil and gas. He encouraged the NDDC to invest in agricultural initiatives that would unlock and maximise the region’s agrarian resources for the benefit of both the region and the country.
While congratulating the Commission on the silver anniversary, he called on the people of the Niger Delta to continue to support his administration’s programmes and policies.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio in his speech blamed leadership crises and internal corruption for the NDDC’s historical underperformance.
Akpabio said, “For over 20 years, NDDC operated from a rented apartment at N300 million per year, without connection to the national grid,” Akpabio said. “Yet diesel contracts were preferred over a one-time N70 million grid connection.”
He lauded the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku as the right leader to reposition the Commission, saying :“We have found in Dr. Ogbuku a man worthy to take NDDC to the next level.”
On her part, the Director Director of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urged NDDC to deliver measurable results.
She stated, “Over N7 trillion has been sunk into the NDDC since inception. How many solid roads have you built? The Niger Delta still ranks low on human development. A lot needs to be done to meet the aspirations of the people”.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured stakeholders of a new era of impact driven by partnerships.
“We don’t want to be defined by our past. We’ve decided to create a future for the Niger Delta through partnerships with IOCs, traditional rulers, and stakeholders,” he said.
