Sir: When Mr Chiedu Ebie, the chairman, Governing Board, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noted that the commission is poised to fast-track development of the Niger Delta region, only but few paid attention to that remark; but with the current accelerated and coordinated development ongoing in the region, it is obvious that Ebie’s remark has become a word made flesh. He made the remark during a send-forth held for retired staff of the Commission, in December 2023, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In the referenced statement, Ebie said; “The current governing board of NDDC is committed to quickening the pace of development of the Niger Delta region to enable the people to benefit democratic dividends. So, we intend to put in our best to ensure that we change the narrative concerning the NDDC and the perception about the Niger Delta out there. But more importantly, we need to work as a team to bring the much-needed development to the region.’’
Essentially, this promised commitment today reflects in the nine mandated states and exemplified in critical projects as designed by the agency; sustainable livelihood, building partnerships, lighting up the Niger Delta, improved youth capacity and skill base, stakeholders engagement, project hope for renewed hope among others.
To further enflesh the agency’s capacity to develop the region in the interest of every Niger Deltan, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, while speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the Niger Delta Regional Specialist Hospital on Friday, March 15, 2024 at hospital road, Port Harcourt said: “In line with Mr President’s marching orders to ensure we embark on Legacy Projects that will impact the people of Niger Delta positively, the NDDC is committed to finishing the Niger Delta Regional Specialist Hospital (Cardiovascular and Orthopedic).
On this basis, we are going round to revive stalled and abandoned projects of immense value to the region. Funds have been expended, hence, we want to ensure that we add value to those funds by completing these projects for the use of the people. The region lacks specialist hospitals, so when completed, it will afford Niger Deltans easy access to medical services and improve medical tourism in the region.
Our intention is not just to finish this project, but to put it to use immediately by going into partnership with reputable medical organisations of international pedigree and technical know-how in hospital management. We shall finish, commission and put to use, this facility before the end of the year,” he concluded.
The unique outcome and other positive vibes have significantly made Deltans to hastily but rightly conclude that NDDC has finally got a board with the understanding that it is their duty to serve our communities and embrace its aspirations, both now and in the future, by assuring the people of economic growth, education, health, security, stability, comfort, leisure opportunities and freedom in ways that will allow for the most conducive atmosphere to achieve the targets that will guarantee their welfare and make bright future possible for the people of the region.
Jerome-Mario Utomi, a media specialist, wrote from Lagos.
