Ebie made the call at a reception in honour of the NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku at the Yiba-Ama school field in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni.
The incoming NDDC Chairman said the event was an endorsement of the collective commitment of Niger Deltans to realising the full potential of the region.
Ebie, who was represented as Chairman of the occasion by the Executive Director Projects designate on the NDDC Board, Victor Antai, said that the gathering was a testament to the respect and admiration people have for Ogbuku.
He described Ogbuku as “a true visionary and a dedicated individual whose contributions to the development of our region are commendable.”
He stated, “We are privileged to have him as the MD/CEO of the NDDC, a position that reflects his commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in the Niger Delta.
“We celebrate Chief Ogbuku not only for his personal achievements but also for his unwavering dedication to the betterment of our region.
“Through his visionary leadership, we have witnessed tremendous strides in infrastructure development, community empowerment, and sustainable growth.”
In a welcome address by the secretary of the planning committee, Ishmael Emein, the Yiba-Ama community applauded the efforts of Ogbuku in transforming the Niger Delta region.
He said, “The Yiba-Ama community, his maternal home, has honoured him with a chieftaincy title, Ama Tondi 1 of Tugbeni (Oruma) Land, meaning the one that lightens the community.
“Surprisingly, just after his appointment as the MD of the NDDC, solar light is now shining in almost every community.
“This is a man with an open heart who loves the region. We reiterate our implicit confidence in the capability and ability of our son, Chief Samuel Ogbuku to perform his duties efficiently, effectively and creditably. ”
He added, “He has a track record in public service. If we add this to his youthfulness, energy, vibrancy, and high sense of reasoning, then we present to you not only a competent and consummate personality but also an amiable and considerate individual.”
Conferring the traditional title of Ama Tondi 1 of Tugbeni on Ogbuku, the Paramount Ruler of Oruma Community, Pere Amakiri, described Ogbuku’s leadership in NDDC as impactful and exceptional.
Amakiri commended him for demonstrating zeal and determination in driving the process of development.
In his acceptance, Ogbuku said that the honour done to him was an expression of appreciation by his people and a mandate for him to do more in developing the Niger Delta region.
He noted, “I have been recognised as an ambassador of my people. I am happy that members of the NDDC Board are here with me because we have decided to work as a team.
“The new Board is made up of highly experienced people from diverse fields. Collectively, we will facilitate the urgent development of the Niger Delta region.
“I can assure you that this team is committed to the transformation of the Niger Delta region.”
Ogbuku thanked the people of Yiba-Ama Community for recognizing his contributions and honouring him, stating that Yiba-Ama, his mother’s community, had always identified with him even during his political travails.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Chairman Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Olushola Aloa, said the Yiba-Ama community was blessed to have Chief Ogbuku as their son.
He said, “He is a visionary and a go-getter. You have a great son to be proud of,” the monarch declared.
The Oba, who commended Ogbuku’s achievements so far in the infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region, had earlier joined him and some members of the Commission’s in-coming Board to inspect the newly constructed Ologi Community Internal Road, in the Oruma community.
