The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, has debunked what it described as misleading commentaries and inaccurate interpretations regarding the economic empowerment programme held in Calabar on Saturday.
Contrary to claims online, the commission clarified that the initiative was neither a statewide intervention nor an NDDC-wide distribution exercise for all parts of Cross River State.
NDDC, through its director, Cross River State office, Dr Daniel Ajunwa, revealed that the initiative was facilitated by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, specifically targeted at beneficiaries from Cross River South Senatorial District, contrary to claims circulating online that the initiative was designed for the entire state.
Ajunwa said “the programme was neither a statewide intervention nor an NDDC-wide distribution exercise for all parts of Cross River State.
“The empowerment programme was facilitated by the senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District and was intentionally designed to benefit selected communities within the district.
“The programme in question was facilitated by the Distinguished Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District. The programme was designed specifically for beneficiaries from communities within Cross River South Senatorial District and not a statewide programme.”
NDDC also clarified that other federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) participated in the empowerment initiative held in Calabar on May 9.
The commission, however, cautioned against the spread of misinformation capable of creating unnecessary political tension or distorting the true purpose of the intervention.
It urged members of the public to disregard narratives suggesting that the programme was intended as a statewide empowerment scheme, insisting that the initiative remained a constituency-focused intervention facilitated by Senator Ekpenyong for the benefit of communities within Cross River South.
