The Niger Delta Development Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to the continuous engagement of stakeholders to build synergy for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
In a statement by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, on Monday, 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, in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Ogbuku, represented by the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, stated that the commission was building strong collaborations and engaging with stakeholders, such as traditional rulers to form a strong coalition of development partners.
“We are emphasising legacy projects, which would leave a lasting impact and 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,” Ogbuku said.
The NDDC boss said that the commission had taken the bull by the horn in trying to change the narrative and fulfil the dreams of all who fought and continue to fight for a better Niger Delta region.
According to Ogbuku, NDDC would fulfil 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”.
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 first-class.
On his part, a former Federal Minister of Transport, Chief Abiye Sekibo, 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.
