Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
As part of activities marking the 25 years anniversary of NDDC, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, has commissioned the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) Ultra-modern Bayelsa State Office.
The commissioning ceremony, which was attended by dignitaries from the state and federal government top functionaries, EFCC Boss, Mr. Olukoyede, underscores the importance of good governance and transparency in regional development. “I’ve come to identify with NDDC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and I’m proud to be part of this commissioning ceremony.”
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Olukoyede stressed that the EFCC’s collaboration with NDDC has yielded positive results, further emphasizing the need for synergy between agencies.
He also commended NDDC for its efforts in implementing projects that benefit the people of the region.
Also speaking, NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, explained that the office building was named after Chief Melford Okilo, a pioneer Senator and Governor of Rivers State, due to his vision and leadership as a Federal Lawmaker.
“The reason why we named this building after Chief Melford Okilo is because of his vision and leadership while in the Senate,” he said. “
He was one of those who drive the process of establishing NDDC, and we are proud to honor his legacy with this beautiful building.”
Chief Ogbuku thanked the Bayelsa State Government for its partnership with NDDC, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving development goals.
“We’ve always said that NDDC is not a government, but an interventionist agency of the federal government, and we can always achieve more if we partner with the state government,” he said.
In his speech, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, commended NDDC for acquiring the office building, which he said would enhance the Commission’s operations in the state.
He also appreciated the federal government for awarding the second phase of the Nembe-Brass road project, which he said would boost economic development in the state.
“This road will open up our marine resources and bring much-needed development to our state,” he stated.
The Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh, praised NDDC for its efforts in implementing projects that benefit the people of the region.
He reiterated federal government’s commitment to partnering with state governments to drive development in the Niger Delta. “We will continue to support NDDC’s efforts to develop the region,” he said.
In her goodwill message, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC ,Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu represented by Hon. Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei, member representing Southern IJaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives commended NDDC for its transformative projects in the region.
She assured the House’s continued support for NDDC’s efforts to drive progress in the Niger Delta.
“We’ve seen the impact of NDDC’s projects in the region, and we’re committed to supporting their efforts,” she said.
The commissioning of the Bayelsa State Office marks a significant milestone in NDDC’s 25 years of intervention in the Niger Delta region.
The office building is a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance NDDC’s operations in the state and provide a better working environment for its staff.
Hon. Selekibina Saboh was among dignitaries that also commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the commissioning of a befitting edifice for the interventionist agency Bayelsa Area office.
He made the commendation while speaking to Journalists on the sideline during the occasion,
Hon. Selekibina Saboh, former Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area said the acquisition and remodeling of the Bayelsa State NDDC new building named after Melford Okilo House is an expression of the current NDDC leadership to address office accommodation challenge experienced in the Bayelsa Area Office which he noted will create the enabling environment for staff to perform their duties effectively to achieve set target.
Hon.Selekibina Saboh who is a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, and a renowned philanthropist who has won the heart of the people at the grassroots in Ekeremor Local Government Area and the Niger Delta in general for lifting the downtrodden from the doldrums urged stakeholders and the people of the region particularly Bayelsans to support Dr.Samuel Ogbuku to succeed in his assignment to develop the region.
