Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has urged the people of Cross River State to reward their governor, Senator Bassey Otu with a fresh mandate in 2027, even as he has also told the people of Cross River South to ensure that Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong returns to office, having served diligently in the last two years.
Momoh said this in Calabar on Friday during the inauguration of the Cross River State office of the NDDC. Apart from the new office complex, some roads attracted by Ekpenyong for the people of Calabar South were also inaugurated.
The minister said the NDDC was seriously making a difference in the Niger Delta and praised Ekpenyong for considering his constituents first in his dealings.
Managing director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who also spoke at the event underscored the commission’s commitment to changing the face of the region through transformative projects.
In his address, Ekpenyong praised Otu for giving expression to his peoples first agenda and noted the various projects and programmes which have so far been undertaken by Otu, in the interest of the masses.
He said: It is with great joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to Calabar for this historic commissioning of key road projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Niger Delta and the entire nation.
“Today’s commissioning symbolizes much more than road construction. It is about connecting communities, unlocking economic potential, reducing poverty, and offering our people a better quality of life.
“Infrastructure remains at the heart of sustainable development. These network of roads from Idang community, to Nyangashang community, to King Duke, to Ikot Nkebere to Clerks Alley and beyond – totaling 13KM represents a bold step in enhancing national connectivity and promoting inclusive development across Cross River South.
“These projects directly advance the Renewed Hope Agenda by enhancing access to schools, markets, and hospitals; Creating jobs for local artisans, contractors, and suppliers; Improving mobility and reducing travel costs; Boosting the growth of small and medium enterprises; and strengthening community integration and peace.
“Let me take a moment to commend His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, for his visionary leadership and infrastructure drive across Cross River State. From the revitalization of roads to the opening up of rural hinterlands for agricultural and commercial access, Governor Otu’s “People-First” governance approach is not only restoring confidence in government but also laying a strong foundation for economic recovery and inclusive development.
“This commitment to infrastructural renewal at the state level has created fertile ground for synergy with agencies like the NDDC. When state and regional institutions work hand-in-hand, we eliminate duplication, optimize resource use, and deliver faster, better outcomes for our people. The success of today’s commissioning is a powerful example of what can be achieved through such collaboration. It is a model worth replicating throughout the Niger Delta.”
He said NDDC has been able to execute meaningful projects in the region because of the stability which the current board was enjoying. “Let me also emphasize an important factor behind the results we are witnessing today — the stability and focus of the current NDDC Board.
“Between 2015 and 2022, the Commission experienced significant leadership instability, with nine different Managing Directors in eight years. Each new administration often introduced new project priorities, leaving previously initiated projects abandoned and communities underserved. This cycle not only delayed development but also eroded public confidence in the Commission’s capacity to deliver.
“However, under the leadership of the present Board and Management, we are witnessing a decisive shift. This Board has brought much-needed stability, focus, and continuity.
“Not only has it undertaken new and impactful projects across the region, but it has also shown the discipline and commitment to complete legacy projects that were previously abandoned. This renewed sense of purpose and continuity is restoring trust and delivering tangible dividends of development to our people.”
Present at the commissioning were some National Assembly members from the state.
