Ondo governor says change in NDDC ways is real milestone of Commission at 25

… Calls for partnership with states to execute projects

What Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State sees as milestone in the 25 years of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is rather the change in the ways of the Commission and the avalanche of projects now coming every day.

The Ondo governor has not thus applauded the NDDC at 25 but has revealed the readiness of states to partner with the Commission going forward.

The governor gave the commendation during the NDDC’s 25th anniversary and thanksgiving service, held at the Saint Thomas Anglican Church in Akure, Ondo State capital.

The service marked the beginning of a week-long 25th anniversary celebration of the NDDC’s existence.

Gov Aiyedatiwa celebrated with the NDDC family, which included Chiedu Ebie, chairman of the NDDC board; Samuel Ogbuku, managing director; Boma Iyaye, executive director (Finance/dministration); Victor Antai, executive director (Projects); Ifedayo Abegunde, executive director (Corporate Services); other dignitaries, directors, and staff of the NDDC.

The governor stated that under the present board and management, the Niger Delta region has experienced stability and tremendous transformation in socio-economic and infrastructural development.

Read also: New economy emerges in Niger Delta rural areas powered with solar light system as NDDC clocks 25

He stated: “I want to say that the present board of NDDC has started well and it calls for this celebration. The Commission has met expectations despite facing some challenges.

“The region has continued to witness developments in various sectors, including the execution and completion of abandoned projects. These remarkable results are worth celebrating in appreciation for what God has done through the board and management team of the NDDC”.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa observed that the unwavering support and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the development of the Niger Delta region have contributed significantly to the feats recorded by the NDDC.

He enjoined the interventionist agency not to rest on its laurels, but also to adopt needs assessment as a key indicator for any development project.

He urged NDDC to appreciate the need to enter into partnership with state governments in the region, noting that Ondo state government was prepared to work with the Commission to bring the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people.

In his sermon, Simeon Borokini, a most reverend and officiating priest, called on the NDDC to consider alleviating the suffering of millions of people in the region, especially the less privileged, adding that every work and action of men would be brought to judgment.

He declared: ” Your mandate as an interventionist body is to fast-track development and achieve your mission statement. While you prioritize eternal values, I implore you to take care of the 30 million people who have been deprived in the region, the physically challenged, the less privileged, among others.”

While noting the numerous achievements of the Commission in the past 25 years, Borokini appealed to NDDC to complement the church’s efforts in the areas of skills acquisition and youth development. Some guests however noted that these were areas the Commission has devoted attention to, already.

He eulogized President Tinubu for appointing an indigene of the state as a member of the NDDC board.

According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, eminent personalities, including traditional rulers and top government functionaries, attended the thanksgiving service.