The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to continuously engagement stakeholders in building synergy for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this during the special ceremony organised by the Okrika Council of Chiefs and the people of Okrika to honour the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom, at the Okrika National School field, in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said that the Commission was building strong collaborations and engaging with stakeholders such as traditional rulers to form a strong coalition of development partners.
He stated, “We are giving emphasis to legacy projects which would leave a lasting impact, to transform our environment, and the Niger Delta. We are moving away from transactional to transformational development, because that is the only way we can renew hope in our people and ensure their sustainable development.”
The NDDC boss in a statement by Pius Ughakpoteni, Director, Corporate Affairs on Monday, said that the Commission had taken the bull by the horn in trying to change the narrative, in fulfilling the dreams of all who fought, and continue to fight, for a better Niger Delta region.
According to him, NDDC would fulfill the expectations of Niger Delta stakeholders in seeing “a Commission that works in their best interest, and, in doing so, we would drive the vision of all whose dreams of a better Niger Delta region made Niger Deltans warriors for change.”
“There is no better legacy than to continue to embark on projects that touch the lives of our people.”
Addressing the gathering, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, announced the upgrade of the stool of the Amayanabo of Okochiri from second class status to a first class.
Chief Abiye Sekibo, a former Federal Minister of Transport, had earlier said in a welcome speech that the Wakirike nation had gathered to celebrate one of its own.
He declared that King Ateke Tom had contributed to the prevailing atmosphere of peace in various communities and the Niger Delta.
