Remain Focused, N/Delta Leaders Tell Ogbuku, NDDC Board, Urge Tinubu To Release Monies Owed Commission
Edith CHUKU
A forum of Niger Delta leaders and critical stakeholders has commended the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and the board for their achievements so far.
The group gave this commendation in a meeting held at Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, as stated in a release made available to TNN by Senator Essien Ibok Emmanuel, Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba, Prof Emenike Nyeche Wami, Mr Kennedy Tonjo West, Mr. Dominic Saataah, Mr Ita Ante, Prof Atuboyedia Obianime, Elder Timi K Ogoriba, Prof Simeon Chituru Achinewhu, Dr Ken Robinson.
Others are Hon. D D Kalsuo, Elder Marshal Kunoun, Bishop Victor Thomas, High Chief Thompson Fouye, Mr Charles Omusuku, Mr Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, Amain Winston Ceterel, Chief Ken Odiowei, Deacon Felix Etela, Mr Hope Harvard Erekosima, Mr Mogbitse G Okitikpi, Hon Daniel Oyowe, Mr McPrince Mbu.
They expressed satisfaction with the direction and achievements of the NDDC and urged them to remain focused in their service delivery drive to the people of the region.
In the meeting held to examine the activities and programs of the Commission and certain salient issues of regional and national interest, the Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his office to take deliberate steps towards releasing in tranches, the huge backlog of arrears of monies owed the Commission by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The release read:
“A forum of Niger Delta leaders and critical stakeholders met on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, primarily, to examine current activities and programs of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in particular, and certain salient issues of regional and national interest.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. The meeting discussed the extant activities and focus of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the current approach to issues affecting the well-being, and interests of the people of the Niger Delta region.
The Meeting observed with satisfaction the leadership’s clear demonstration of resolve to change the narrative and achieve positive results as well as deepen good governance in the administration of the Commission.
2. The meeting likewise noted the serious efforts by the Commission to adopt inclusivity and a broad approach in reaching out to diverse interest groups in the region, including leaders of ethnic nationalities and professional bodies, and commended the tremendous buy-in by the people of the region.
3. Equally noted that citizens across the Niger Delta region are well pleased with the positive steps fashioned by the present Board and Management of the Commission, especially the people-oriented service delivery tendency since their inception.
4. The meeting further observed that a lot of laudable strides in education, such as scholarships, vocational training, as well as road infrastructure, and other impactful developmental initiatives have commenced in earnest.
5. Noted in particular that the Commission has declared commitment to light-up roads and streets of towns and communities in the Niger Delta region.
6. The Meeting however, expressed serious dismay at the awful state of sections of the East-West Road, especially the portions between Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States, ravaged by the 2022 flood, likewise the Warri-Sapale-Benin Road, Benin-Auchi Road, Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, among others, across the entire Niger Delta.
RESOLUTIONS:
After exhaustive deliberations, the Meeting unanimously resolved as follows:
1. Expressed satisfaction with the direction and achievements, so far recorded by the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, and urged them to remain focused in their service delivery drive to the people of the region;
2. Commended the renewed drive towards human capital development by the NDDC, and agreed to partner with the Commission in its initiatives, with particular reference to vocational training programs for the youths and women of the region;
3. Again, profusely commended Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing persons of high scale to the Board and management of the NDDC as embodied by the present team; and urged them not to disappoint the confidence situated on them by the President and the people of the Region.
4. The meeting again called on Mr. President to use his good offices (as a lover of the Niger Delta) to take deliberate steps towards releasing in tranches, the huge backlog of arrears of monies owed the Commission by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
We strongly believe that such a presidential gesture will not only help escalate the development of the region but also further endear Mr. President to the Niger Delta people;
5. The meeting appeals to the good people and friends of the Niger Delta to lend constructive support to the leadership of the Commission in its determined march to make a difference;
6. The Meeting calls on the Federal Ministry of Works, and the relevant agencies of the federal government to carry out immediate reconstruction works on the several failed sections of “Federal Roads” in the Niger Delta, to alleviate the suffering of the people.
Similarly, called for the completion of the Ikot Abasi – Eket – Oron section of the East-West Road, and the award of the contract for the Oron – Calabar section of the all-important Road.
8. The meeting also reminded the federal government, as well as both the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and the Niger Delta Development Commission, of the dire need for the Trans-Niger Delta Coastal Road project, and noted that the potential socio-economic benefits of the project cannot be over-emphasized; thus, urged that funds should be mobilized for the commencement of the project.
9. The meeting agreed to urge the Managing Director of the NDDC to facilitate an audience with the President of the Nigerian Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for a robust and constructive engagement on critical issues of regional and national concern.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Meeting called on Niger Deltans of goodwill, and lovers of the region, to join hands with the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and other agencies of the Federal government with direct bearing on the Niger Delta region to enthrone good governance and effectively address the developmental inadequacies of the region. Calls for a sense of commitment and constructive engagement for the good of our people while urging that groups in the region desist from attempts to draw back the march to progress.
The NIGER DELTA REGION is our HOME and we have to protect and develop it!!
