The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has stated that it has repositioned itself for improved mandate delivery by accelerating inclusive development across the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC management said the repositioning aims to facilitate a genuine transformation of the Niger Delta into a region that is “economically stable, ecologically regenerative, and politically peaceful.”

Speaking at a World Press Conference held in Asaba as part of activities marking the 25th-anniversary celebration of the NDDC, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Samuel Ogbuku, pledged a transparent and accountable leadership.

He, however, blamed the challenges of abandoned projects in the region on instability on the commission’s board.

Ogbuku stated that the “high turnover of management and board” hindered the commission’s ability to create and award projects in the region.

According to him, the frequent management changes had a lasting impact on the region for several years, disrupting activities at the commission due to the lack of stability that prevented the creation of a clear vision.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, who assured them that they would complete their tenure but that they would also be held accountable for their stewardship.

He, however, stated that the commission under his leadership has been able to address some lingering abandoned projects it inherited from past administrations, but emphasised that abandoned projects cannot be tackled in a day.

The NDDC boss also expressed concern about the perennial flooding issues in the region but disclosed that the commission is working with the state government to address the flood problems.

He said, “There are so many issues of irrigation all over the region. Erosion is not just a challenge faced in the Delta North but also in Edo State. We are discussing with the government, and the Minister of Environment has directed us on how we can come together to address the erosion challenges fully.

“Recently, we had a project to commission in Edo, but when we sent people to go and check, they noticed that erosion had cut off the entrance to the road we planned to commission, so as an interventionist agency, we have decided to fix the bad road first before commissioning.”

He also noted that the commission is intentional towards ensuring judicious use of its budget to impact lives.

He outlined key achievements recorded under his administration, including the construction and completion of several projects, the construction of schools, the launch of free medical missions, a youth internship scheme, a postgraduate foreign scholarship programme, rural infrastructure projects, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights in various communities, among many others.

Speaking further, Ogbuku said he has no interest yet in contesting for any elections and urged Nigerians to ignore those peddling rumours that he’s nursing ambition ahead of 2027.

Ogbuku said, “I want to say I have never told anybody that I am contesting any election. For now, Mr President has given me an assignment, and the assignment I have is to do the job of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC.

“My interest for now is to ensure that I concentrate on doing the job according to the dictates of Mr President to serve the people of the Niger Delta. If there is any election I am interested in, it’s the re-election of President Tinubu.

“So Mr President must win. That is the election in front of me right now. So all those politicians who try to distract us, trying to campaign on our behalf, I want to plead with them to convert that energy to campaign for Mr President for him to win reelection.”

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Chiedu Ebie, emphasised the commission’s renewed focus on community engagement and transparency. He assured stakeholders that the board is determined to reposition the NDDC for greater impact and accountability.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, Boma Iyayi, stated that the week-long celebration will culminate on July 12 with a grand gala and award night in Port Harcourt, accompanied by a beauty pageant to honour the commission’s journey and achievements.

The 25th anniversary celebration comes at a time when stakeholders across the region continue to call for support from the NDDC.

Earlier, the Obi Epiphany Azinge of Asaba commended the NDDC for its achievements in the past 25 years.

Obi Azinge spoke when the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, led a delegation of the commission’s Board and Management to pay a courtesy visit to him in his palace in Asaba, Delta State.

The NDDC delegation included the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; and other Directors of the commission.

The royal father commended the NDDC for its intervention in several sectors across the Niger Delta region. He expressed delight with the foreign postgraduate scholarship programme, which had helped many Niger Delta youths upgrade their knowledge.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the NDDC Chairman, whom he said had served the Delta State Government in different capacities. He noted that Ebie served meritoriously as Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and, later, Secretary to the State Government.

Obi Azinge called on the NDDC to extend its intervention to some critical areas in Asaba, noting that the town had been contending with floods for many years.

He also appealed to the NDDC to assist in the construction of projects that would benefit the people in his domain.

The monarch thanked the NDDC for selecting Asaba as the venue for some of the activities marking its 25th anniversary, such as a press conference and the movie premiere.

Speaking earlier, the NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, congratulated the Asagba on his coronation as the Asagba of Asaba. He expressed optimism that his reign would bring good tidings to Asaba, which serves as both the capital and a kingdom of Delta State.