Edith CHUKU
In commemoration of the Customer Service Week in Port Harcourt, the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to improved service delivery to Niger Delta communities.
NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, gave this reaffirmation while speaking in a programme, where he charged tasked staff on professionalism and empathy.
Abegunde restated the Commission’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and continually seek innovative ways to improve service delivery to stakeholders in the development of the region.
According to him, excellent customer service remains an essential component of the commission’s mandate and its commitment to responsive, people-oriented development in the Niger Delta Region.
He assured stakeholders and communities across the Niger Delta Region that the NDDC was committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to everyone, saying: “This commitment is evident in the kind of projects the Commission has delivered in the past three years through the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the management team.”
Abegunde commended the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his bold, visionary leadership in steering the nation’s affairs at this challenging time.
He said, “his Renewed Hope Agenda has laid a solid foundation for economic growth, national unity and inclusive development.”
The NDDC Deputy Director, SERVICOM, Dr Irene Okezie, said the special occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate customer service professionals and recognise their important roles in building trust, strengthening relationships and ensuring effective service delivery.
According to the Director: “The NDDC management commends customer service personnel and other frontline staff for diligence, dedication, patience and commitment to assisting stakeholders, particularly in challenging circumstances.
“We are delivering service to the region. We are service givers and takers; we ensure that things are done well; we comply with processes.”
Okezie said the NDDC was using the occasion to appreciate its dedicated staff and Stakeholders who go the extra mile to support development in the region.
“This is the first time the Commission is observing the customer service week, and it will serve as a stepping stone for improvement in the future.”
The NDDC Deputy Director, SERVICOM, Abuja liaison office, Kikelomo Aina, advised staff to show empathy to vulnerable customers, saying it is important to help people who have challenges and need assistance.
Aina said, “it is good to be available for service delivery even when not on duty. Inconvenience yourself to satisfy customers.”
She said going the extra mile to assist others was desirable and satisfying, but not a compulsion or requirement, just a choice.
The programme’s consultant, Pastor Benson Eghaire, emphasised the need for teamwork. He advised staff to work as a unit to be effective and efficient.
Eghaire also said that perseverance and determination would lead to success. He asked staff to be more resilient and committed in discharging their duties.
