By; Jerome-Mario Utomi
If there is any evidence that further confirms as true the assertion by Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, Governing Board, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), President of the Federal Republic Nigeria, will transform the Niger Delta region to a haven of peace and development, it is the President’s flag-off of the reconstruction of the 126km Benin-Asaba Road, expected to be completed in 30 months and estimated to cost over N200 billion.
Ebie had about a year ago while presenting his welcome address at a 2-day strategic retreat held by the Commission’s Board and management at Four Point Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, with the theme; ‘Renewed Hope; A New Era of Vitality, Peace and development’, stressed that the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) made up of worthy Nigerians was among the first Federal Government parastatal constituted by Mr. President upon assumption of office in May, 2023.
While he appreciated Mr. President for the support and unrelenting guidance, with a declaration that the Board and management of the Commission will fervently align with his Renewed Hope Agenda, the NDDC Chairman had told the gathering that as an accountable and proactive Board, the NDDC Board had achieved progress and worked to dispel the negative narratives that once plagued the Commission, by adopting a leadership style that aimed to instil confidence in the people of the region and relevant stakeholders.
Today, there is unanimity among critical stakeholders and Niger Deltans of goodwill that Mr. Ebie’s postulation on Mr. President’s love for the region was not only true but has become a word made flesh and presently dwelt among us. This is because with the strong and steady support of Mr. President and key stakeholders, NDDC’s Governing Board and Management are confidently fulfilling their mandates of sustainable development for the people of the Niger Delta.
Also worth mentioning is that Mr. President’s love for the region daily inspires teamwork, commitment and most importantly sincerity of purpose in the Board and management of the Commission and has become a driving force within the Commission.
In addition to the newly flaged off Benin-Asaba road project, the President had earlier flagged off the multi-billion naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. In a related development, through the assistance Mr. President extended to the NDDC, the Governing board and Management today have to their credit well-completed big ticket projects that include but not limited to the nationally celebrated 132KV transmission line and 132KV/33KV substation in Ode Erinje, Okitipupa, Ondo State, built by the Commission, ending 15 years of blackout at Ondo South Senatorial District; as well as the 25.7km single carriage Ogbia-Nembe road project connecting 14 riverine communities with 53 culverts and seven bridges, among others..
The Commission recorded similar landmark achievements in the agricultural sector. The agency promoted programmes that guarantee food security and agricultural growth in multi-sectoral areas as a way of improving the living standards of the people.
In education, the Commission’s leadership has in the last one year awarded scholarships to 400 successful candidates from the region to pursue Master Degrees overseas, a programme which of course is an important component of the agency’s human capital development that seeks to use education to change the fortunes of the region.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Benin, Edo State Capital, President Tinubu had said that the legacy project was part of his renewed hope for the people, noting that upon completion, the road project would enhance trade and economic activities in the Niger Delta region and most importantly improve transportation efficiency between Edo and Delta States.
As this feat is celebrated, like Ebie, prominent elder statesmen, professional bodies and ethnic nationalities also appreciate the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the development of the Niger Delta. There is no doubt that the President’s love for the region has enhanced the operations of the NDDC.
For an example, in a communique signed sometime ago by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Sen. Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Olorugun Ese Gams, Prof. Chris Akpotu, Prof. Simeon Achinewu Prof. Atuboyedia W. Obianime, Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, Chief Edward Okpoko Mr. Dominic Saatah, Prof. Emenike Wami and Sir. Essang Nsa Bassey among others, after reviewing the operations of the NDDC, lauded President Tinubu’s manifest desire for the development of the region as could be gleaned by his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta.
In the communique entitled, “NDDC Board and Management, Pioneering Excellence”, the elders and stakeholders expressed their gratitude for the renewed peace in the region saying it was transforming the negative narratives of the past concerning the Niger Delta.
The leaders had said: “We sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the leadership and members of the National Assembly, and other key policymakers for their steadfast support for the Niger Delta through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“We see how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta have significantly enhanced the operations of the NDDC and has enabled the Commission to fulfill its mandate more effectively and been repositioned as a strategic vehicle.
“The President’s dedication to empowering the people of the Niger Delta through initiatives that prioritize skill acquisition, educational support, and entrepreneurial development through NDDC have not only transformed lives but have also restored confidence in the Commission’s activities”.
The stakeholders said the proactive oversight and legislative support from the National Assembly had further reinforced the President’s strides, ensuring that the unique needs of the region remained at the forefront of developmental initiatives.
They prayed that all funds due for the commission that was yet to be released should be given to the commission to further boost the operations of the NDDC.
Their words: “We commend the synergy between the current Board and Management of the NDDC. Under their stewardship, the Commission has demonstrated a renewed focus on addressing the core developmental challenges faced by our communities.
“Their strategic initiatives have not only prioritized essential infrastructure development but have also embraced the empowerment of our people through skill acquisition, educational support, and entrepreneurial assistance.
“We recognize their commendable efforts in driving sustainable development, fostering transparency, and implementing impactful projects across the Niger Delta.
“We applaud the Board and Management of the NDDC for their proactive engagement with key stakeholders and for establishing robust frameworks to ensure accountability and inclusivity in their operations.
“These measures have significantly restored public trust and enhanced the Commission’s credibility. We believe that, with continuous support from all stakeholders, the current Board and Management will consolidate the core mandate of the NDDC, as they have demonstrated the capacity to chart a transformative course for our region.
“We pledge our full support and partnership in advancing the shared vision of sustainable growth and peace in the Niger Delta.
“As stakeholders, we remain committed to collaborating with the NDDC, the Federal Government, and all other partners to build upon this foundation of progress. Together, we can achieve a Niger Delta that epitomizes peace, growth and prosperity for everyone.
“We call on all stakeholders, governmental agencies, and the general public to continue their support for the leadership of the NDDC as they work diligently to realize the aspirations of our people”.
Indeed, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, it is a new season of hope and expectation for the Niger Delta region and its people.
For its part, this piece holds the opinion that NDDC as an interventionist agency has finally gotten a Governing board/Management with the understanding that it is their duty to serve our communities and embrace its aspirations, both now and in the future, by assuring the people economic growth, education, health, security, stability, comfort, leisure opportunities and freedom in ways that will allow for the most conducive atmosphere to achieve the targets that will guarantee our welfare and a bright future.
Utomi, a Media Specialist writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He could be reached via Jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374.
