The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said he has briefed President Bola Tinubu on the progress made by the Commission in completing legacy projects across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking in an interview after meeting with the President at the State House in Abuja, Ogbuku reaffirmed the NDDC’s commitment to translating the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu’s administration into tangible and measurable outcomes.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by the NDDC director of corporate affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, and made available to newsmen.
The NDDC boss attributed the success of the interventionist agency to “the tremendous support of the Presidency,” noting that “President Tinubu has charged us to complete all legacy projects for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta region.”
According to Ogbuku, the meeting with President Tinubu afforded him the opportunity to highlight the NDDC’s progress in delivering its mandate, particularly in executing strategic projects across the Niger Delta region.
He said that some of the completed projects included the 650-bed Niger Delta University hostel complex in Amassoma, Bayelsa State and the electrification project in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Dr Ogbuku said he extended a formal invitation to Mr President to commission these completed projects as a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable development in the region.
Throwing light on the Niger Delta University hostel, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer noted that it would address the chronic shortage of accommodation that had long affected students at NDU.
“The new hostel will not only provide comfort and security but will also reduce stress, enhance concentration, and boost academic productivity among students who will now reside within the university premises.”
Ogbuku observed that during his meeting with the President, he restated the Commission’s determination to intensify efforts to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that “several landmark projects are at advanced stages and will soon be ready for inauguration.
These include the Kaa–Ataba Road and Bridge in Rivers State; the Niger Delta Regional Specialist Hospital, Rivers State; the road projects at Ikot Ekpene.”
“I also briefed Mr President on the progress we have made in conjunction with the Delta State Government and Chevron Nigeria Limited on the 70.75 km Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road and bridges in the Warri North Local Government Area,” he added.
The NDDC was established in the year 2000 under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo with the core mandate of fast-tracking development in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The NDDC covers nine states, including Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Abia and Ondo.