By Rhonda Godwin
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to partnering with state governments across the Niger Delta to enhance the welfare and development of the region’s people.
Speaking during the commissioning of the NDDC’s new state office building in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State yesterday, Ogbuku emphasized that the NDDC is an interventionist agency rather than a government entity. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with state governments to maximize development outcomes.
The newly commissioned edifice, named the Chief Melford Okilo Building, honors the late political leader who played a critical role in the establishment of the NDDC. Ogbuku praised Okilo’s contributions, noting that he was instrumental in driving the commission’s creation through the National Assembly.
Ogbuku said:” I want to eulogize the supports we have had from our various state governments who have partnered with us as a commission. For us, we are willing to partner with state governments in any area that will benefit the people of the Niger Delta.
“Today we are commissioning a state of the arts edifice named after our great political leader and father, Chief Melford Okilo. This is Okilo house.
We named it after Okilo because when NDDC was created, he was one of the people who drove it to the national Assembly.”
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for the new building and urged for greater unity among the people of Bayelsa, describing the state as the only homogeneous Ijaw state in Nigeria.
“We are one and the same people. Politics should not divide us but rather be an avenue to attract development to Bayelsa State,” Governor Diri stated. He also commended the NDDC’s recent commissioning of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Otiokpoti, urging for similar projects across all local government areas to mitigate the effects of perennial flooding.
Governor Diri highlighted common challenges faced across the Niger Delta, such as flooding, erosion, and pollution, stressing the need for collective action and partnership among all levels of government.
“There is no state governor who will not want a partner to work with. Any state government that wants development must work with the federal government and international organizations,” he added.
Abubakar Momoh, Minister for Regional Development, commended Governor Diri’s collaboration with the NDDC, emphasizing that the commission’s role is to intervene where gaps exist, not to compete with state governments.
Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, lauded the NDDC for its transparency, accountability, and judicious use of resources. He attributed the successful completion of the new building and other projects to the commission’s improved governance under Ogbuku’s leadership.
RTH Kombowei Benson, Former Speaker and a prominent regional leader, praised Samuel Ogbuku and his team for their impactful contributions during his tenure, particularly in extending development to the creeks and electrifying numerous communities.
“Having brought light, you are the light yourself. Keep on shining,” Benson remarked.
Highpoint of the event is the commissioning of the Chief Melford Okilo Building which marks a significant milestone in the NDDC’s institutional presence in Bayelsa State and underscores the commission’s dedication to fostering sustainable development through strategic partnerships across the Niger Delta region.
