The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has commissioned a model office complex of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in Warri, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Delta State Government to partnership and infrastructural development.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Oborevwori restated the state government’s willingness to collaborate for the socio-economic development of the state.
The commissioning ceremony, which attracted dignitaries, including members of the NDDC Governing Board, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai and the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon.Ifedayo Abegunde.
He said his administration remained irrevocably committed to its partnership with the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government for the transformation of the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori described the edifice as a symbol of progress and collaboration between the state government and the NDDC.
“I am happy to be with you today to commission the Delta State office. This building shows a new sense of development. Development is a continuous journey that requires innovation, collaboration, and vision. We must open our minds to attract more development like roads, schools, and fully equipped hospitals,” the Governor said.
He expressed the state’s willingness to partner with the NDDC on key infrastructure projects, particularly the Warri-Escravos Road.
“The Delta State Government is ready to partner with the NDDC on the Omadino-Warri-Escravos project. I commend the Managing Director of the NDDC for the completion of this project. Your unwavering support and commitment are deeply appreciated. With this office now open, the NDDC can work even closer with our people,” he added.
“This is not just a commissioning, but a sign of purposeful development. It reminds us that development is not far from us. The management and staff of the NDDC, Delta State Office, are responsible for maintaining this building. It is your prompt, your responsibility, and it has been completed for your use.”
The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, praised the Commission for heeding the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete abandoned projects across the Niger Delta region.
“The current board and management of the NDDC were given a clear mandate to complete all abandoned projects. Since then, we have witnessed the commissioning of the Nwangele Road in Imo, roads and bridges in Akwa Ibom, and the Otitikipa electricity project in Ondo, which now serves about six to seven local government areas that had long been without power,” the Minister stated.
He also cited recent visits to Rivers State to inspect critical infrastructure projects, including the Kaa-Ataba Road, Okrika Bridge, and the Cardiovascular Hospital; all revived under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We will partner with the Delta State Government on the Warri-Escravos Road once the President approves the proposal currently before him. I urge everyone to put politics aside and acknowledge the good works being done by the Commission. This office complex is magnificent and will offer a more conducive working environment. I encourage the staff to take ownership and ensure proper maintenance.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie emphasised the role of the Board in providing policy direction for the Commission’s operations.
“As a Board, we offer strategic guidance and direction to the management in the execution of their daily responsibilities. A key example is the adoption of KPMG’s working document, which now guides our implementation processes and internal reforms,” he noted.
In his speech, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the commissioning of the new office complex as a significant milestone in the Commission’s efforts to institutionalise its presence throughout the Niger Delta region.
He reaffirmed the NDDC’s commitment to building strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku stated: “Today, we celebrate the institutionalization of the NDDC in Delta State, and we are pleased to see the people of Warri turn out in large numbers to witness this historic occasion. This marks the third state office we have commissioned, starting with Cross River State, followed by Bayelsa, and now Delta State.”
He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the National Assembly, noting: “The National Assembly has consistently supported us by ensuring the timely passage of our Appropriation Bill, which has enabled us to deliver on our mandate more effectively.”
The NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai, gave the project brief and explained that the building was fitted with modern facilities.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, commended the NDDC Board and Management and urged them not to rest on their oars.
In her goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, congratulated the NDDC management for significantly impacting the lives of Niger Deltans.
Chief Edet Isong publisher Newsday