Niger Delta leaders from various ethnic nationalities have taken a deep look at the strides of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as it recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, applauding significant achievements under the leadership of Barr. Chiedu Ebie and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the leaders under the auspices 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 they said have notably improved social infrastructure and human development in the region.
The statement signed by prominent figures including Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, Ijaw National Congress, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essen, former National Chairman of PANDEF,Prof. A. W. Obianime, Elder. T. K. Ogoriba, Prof. Chris Akpotu, Prof. Hillary Wordu, Stateswoman Annkio Briggs, Dr Aziba-Aloaguo Seibofa and Dr. Ken Robinson 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 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 among others
According to the group, “The current NDDC Team, led by Barr. Chiedu Ebie and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, have brought hope and renewed energy to the region,” the statement read.
They said that 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.
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“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.
