All Posts in "Niger Delta"

NDDC Seeks Active Participation Of Women In Niger Delta Development

   Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has implored women to participate actively in the development of the Niger Delta region.

At a programme commemorating the 2024 International Women’s Day in Akure, Ondo State, the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, emphasised women’s pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and urged men and women to collaborate for a prosperous society.

The programme anchored on the theme: “The Role of Women in Sustainable Development,” brought together over 200 women from across Ondo State to highlight the importance of women’s active participation in the development of the Niger Delta region.

A statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama,Director,Corporate Affairs,NDDC quoted Hon. Abegunde,as  urging the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn, noting that sustainable development required an inclusive approach in which all members of society would contribute to achieving common goals.

He stated: “Sustainable development is an all-inclusive process, and everyone, including women, has a significant role. When everyone fulfils their obligation to promote development, there is a greater sense of ownership, which emboldens them to defend and preserve it.

“Today, while we are focusing on the role of our women in the development of the Niger Delta region, we must all bear it in mind that every member of the society has a complementary role to play to achieve this objective. Both men and women must work together to ensure a more prosperous society for our children’s future”.

He enjoined the women to learn, unlearn,and relearn,particularly given the wealth of experience and expertise of the resource persons piloting the programme.

One of the speakers at the programme, Mrs.Justina Akeredolu,noted that women were often at the centre of grassroots community development, adding that their involvement in local initiatives in education, health, or economic projects “has a powerful impact on community resilience.”

Another speaker, Omowumi Oni,who spoke on women’s physical and mental health, urged women to take their mental health seriously. According to her, women’s physical and mental health contribute significantly to a broader societal and economic goal, stating that healthier women lead to a healthier society.

Online Editor by — November 18, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
We’ll Accelerate Development Of N/Delta Region-NDDC

 

         Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has assured its stakeholders that the Commission will remain committed to delivering on its mandate of fast-tracking the development of the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

 

 

Its Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku,gave the assurance during a solidarity visit by leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council worldwide, IYC, to the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

 

 

 

 

Ogbuku,who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said it was important to aggregate the views of major groups to give impetus to the development programmes driven by the NDDC.

 

 

 

The NDDC boss,according to a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs,commended the IYC leaders for supporting and defending the NDDC to ensure that those trying to destabilise the Commission by calling for protests against the leadership did not have their way.

 

 

 

 

 

He said that the Commission would not be distracted in its determination to do things differently and effectively transiting from transaction to transformation.

 

 

 

 

He restated the commitment of the NDDC to finalise action on the selection of beneficiaries of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme to ensure that they would start receiving their N50,000 stipend from next month.

 

 

The NDDC has also given more opportunities and hope to Niger Delta youths through its innovative programme called Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement,HOPE,he said.

 

 

 

 

He added that the Commission was focused on completing and commissioning legacy projects across the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

 

Speaking earlier,the President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Ambassador Jonathan Lopkobiri, represented by the Deputy National President, Comrade Atigbi Freedom, apologised to the NDDC for a group claiming to speak for the IYC threatening to protest against the Commission.

 

 

 

 

He lauded the NDDC for making genuine efforts to stabilize the Niger Delta region through youth empowerment programs.

 

 

 

 

The IYC Deputy National President wondered why any Niger Delta would want to protest against the NDDC under Dr Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director, describing Ogbuku as “a man who has shown and demonstrated a clear commitment to redefining the NDDC for the betterment of the people.”

 

 

 

 

Besides,the IYC leaders specifically cautioned Mr. Theophilus Alaye,who led a group that called for a protest against the NDDC.

 

 

Comrade Atigbi Freedom,who addressed a press conference in Port Harcourt, lamented that the Alaye group’s pronouncements and actions had tarnished its image.

 

 

He warned: “As a council, while we will continue to advocate for the growth, advancement, unity, and progress of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta at large, the Council will not sit idly by and watch as people try to trample on the hard-earned peace that we have collectively fought to achieve.”

 

 

 

“We are responding to correct the wrong impression created by Alaye before the public that the IYC is at war with the NDDC. If not corrected, this misleading information might be seen as the truth. The IYC, as one united family, is solely under the leadership of Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri as President.”

 

 

 

Online Editor by — November 16, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
NDDC Commences Channelisation Of Kolo Creek In Bayelsa,Rivers

       Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC,has commenced the channelisation of Kolo Creek,traversing 17 communities from Okarki-Otuogidi to Ogbia communities of Rivers and Bayelsa states.

Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony at Okarki in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku,said that the project would reduce flooding in surrounding communities and mitigate its impact on the Ahoada axis of the East-West Road.

A statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama,Director Corporate Affairs,quoted Ogbuku to have stated that the channelisation project would also boost commercial activities in the area, improve aquatic life and reduce the threat of water-borne diseases to the rural communities.

He observed that although the project was expensive, the benefits for the people far outweighed the cost, stating: 

He said:“We have started the project, and we will complete it on schedule.”

Ogbuku noted that the channelisation of Kolo Creek, which serves several communities in Bayelsa and Rivers states, was a response to an appeal from the community leaders asking for urgent intervention to remove the blockages that could lead to havoc if not urgently addressed.

The NDDC Executive Director of Projects,Sir Victor Antai, described the channelisation of the creek as a great achievement of the Commission’s present management under the Managing Director.

He said the NDDC demonstrated the meaning of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda through life-changing projects such as the one undertaken by the NDDC.

The Traditional Ruler of Okarki, King Elijah Harry Aduan, commended the NDDC leadership for taking the bold step of addressing the problem of Kolo Creek’s blockage.

The royal father gave the NDDC Managing Director a chieftaincy title and decorated him as the “Itonji Oka-Akie I (light of the people) of Okarki Kingdom.

He stated: ”We are delighted as a people and have come to appreciate the NDDC for initiating the clearing of the blockages in the creek to ensure a free flow of water that will boost our economic activities.”

In a related development,the NDDC has inspected one of the emergency shelters being built by the Commission in Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Speaking after the inspection,the NDDC boss said the Commission was taking proactive steps to ameliorate the impact of the perennial flood in the region.

Ogbuku observed that the project was conceived as a response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans. 

He noted that facilities at the emergency shelter would include essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre, providing comprehensive support to the communities in times of distress.

He explained: “We have six of these facilities currently under construction in Otuokpoti and Odi, in Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”

He noted that the emergency shelter, which could accommodate over 1,000 people, was designed to serve as a temporary refuge during flood emergencies, stating: “When completed, the emergency shelters will provide temporary accommodation and necessary services to the communities in the event of emergencies.”

Online Editor by — November 5, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
UAE,NDDC Agree To Upscale Development Projects In Niger Delta

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The United Arab Emirates, UAE, and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, have agreed to set up a joint committee to develop a partnership framework to support development projects and programmes in the Niger Delta region.

 

 

This followed a meeting between the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Al-Shamsi, and a delegation from the NDDC,led by the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku,at the UAE Embassy in Abuja,SelediThompson-Wakama,Director, Corporate Affairs,said in a recent statement.

 

 

 

The NDDC team included the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde and other Directors of the Commission. 

 

 

 

Al-Shamsi stated his willingness to collaborate with the NDDC on Information Communication Technology, ICT, education, health, agriculture and youth development. He endorsed the suggestion for a joint team to develop areas of collaboration between the UAE and NDDC,the statement quoted.

 

 

 

The UAE envoy commended the NDDC for its development initiatives and said his country was willing to collaborate and support the Commission in executing more development projects.

 

 

 

According to Al-Shamsi: “We are happy with this visit and the opportunity it has given us to explore areas of cooperation and support. We appreciate the robust relationship between UAE and Nigeria.”

 

 

 

He expressed satisfaction that his country had normalised its relationship with Nigeria, stating that the national carrier of the UAE, Emirates Airline, had resumed operations between Lagos and Dubai.

 

 

 

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer briefed the Ambassador and his team on what the Commission was doing and the achievements it had recorded so far.

 

 

 

He sought collaboration in NDDC Health intervention in the Niger Delta, urging the UAE to assist in equipping the Commission’s Regional Specialist Cardiovascular and Orthopedic Hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

 

 

He added:“As part of our commitment to expanding the frontier of the NDDC’s Public Private Partnership, PPP, I welcome the opportunity to meet with UAE officials to foster collaboration in health, education, as well as oil and gas.”

 

 

 

He said he was expecting the dividends of the newly forged relationship with the United Arab Emirates and the impact it would have in the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 21, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
NDDC Commences Repairs Of Warri-Benin Sections Of East West Road

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has commenced emergency repairs of the failed sections of the East West-Road between Warri in Delta State and Benin in Edo State, especially the dilapidated sections along Ibadulume, Amukpe round-about, Mosoga and Ologbo.

 

 

 

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, inspected the on-going repairs at the failed sections of the road in the company of the Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai and other directors of the Commission.

 

 

 

 

This was contained in a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs on Sunday.

 

 

 

Dr. Ogbuku expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving the directive for the urgent restoration of the failed sections of the strategic road traversing the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

He said:”Following a presidential directive to urgently intervene to restore the dilapidated sections of the East-West Road, the NDDC has quickly mobilised a civil engineering firm to carry out remedial works to ensure that the people do not suffer unnecessary pains and gridlock while construction work by the main contractor is going on.”

 

 

 

He commended the Federal Government for promptly acting on media reports and outcries of the people to re-award the contract for the road project which had long been abandoned. He expressed confidence that when completed, the road project, being supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works, would stand the test of time.

 

 

 

Ogboku enjoined members of the various communities and commuters to show understanding during the period of construction, as the government was prepared to complete the project as quickly as possible.

 

 

 

 

He noted: “Before we came for this inspection, we have mobilised our contractors and also brought in the necessary equipment for the work. I want members of the communities to be patient and give maximum cooperation to the contractors as they undertake the assignment. I am assuring everyone that the bad sections will be fixed in a very short time. The contractor has promised to complete the job in two weeks.”

 

 

 

Briefing the NDDC inspection team, the Managing Director of the construction firm handling the project, Mr. Adara Opeoluwa, said the three-kilometer portions to be repaired included those in Ibadulume, Amukpe round-about, Mosoga and Ologbo.

Online Editor by — October 13, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
NDDC Says 3.2 Million Youths Register For  Project HOPE Phase One

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, says it has registered 3.2 million youths in its Holistic Opportunities Programmes for Engagement, Project HOPE, since the first phase of the programme was launched on July 4, 2023.

 

 

This was announced by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during the launching of the second phase at the Rivers State Information, Communication and Technology, ICT, Centre in Port Harcourt.

 

 

He said that Project HOPE, was conceived out of the necessity to address the pressing challenges facing the youths, especially in the area of employment and the lack of opportunities for meaningful engagement.

 

 

Dr. Ogbuku,in a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, noted that the first phase entailed designing and deploying a digital platform for data collection, analysis and creating a parameter for the programme implementation.

 

 

 

He declared: “The second phase is the implementation phase of eight meticulously designed programmes aimed at creating jobs and empowering our youth across various sectors such as agriculture and technology.

 

 

 

 

“The success of Project HOPE requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. I extend an open invitation to government entities, private sector players, international partners, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to join us in this noble venture.

 

 

 

He advised Niger Delta youths to embrace the opportunities with zeal and determination, noting: “You are the architects of your destiny and the catalysts for regional transformation.”

 

 

 

Ogbuku said: “Over the years what has been happening is that because of political interests, people are given slots to nominate participants for empowerment programmes and most of these participants never had passion for these training programmes.

 

 

“After the training programmes, you see people selling off the starter-packs and other equipment that were given to them after the training.

 

 

“In this case, we believe that once we pick you from the data based on your area of interest and passion, you are going to excel from there. And since you are in our data base, we will also have our monitoring process to track your performance.”

 

 

 

In his address, the NDDC Executive Director, Project, Sir Victor Antai, said that Project HOPE was more than just a project, stating: “It is a beacon of optimism and a catalyst for change. conceived under the insightful leadership of our Managing Director. This initiative aims to harness the potential of our youth and provide them with viable avenues for self-actualization and economic empowerment.’

 

 

 

 

“The second phase we are launching today focuses on the implementation of eight strategic programmes, including Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (Mili-Tech). Apart from technology, the Project HOPE aims to cover other key areas, such as music and arts, entrepreneurial development, marine and internship.”

 

 

 

Our emphasis on technology, particularly the “Mili-Tech” programme, represents a significant shift. By equipping our youth with modern technological skills, we are positioning them to compete globally and drive innovation within our region.

 

 

 

Antai observed: “In a rapidly digitalizing world, transitioning from militancy to technology is imperative. We are equipping our youth with skills in structured cabling, data analysis, animation, and software development, thereby opening doors to global opportunities.”

 

 

 

He said that the success of Project HOPE depends on collaboration. He, therefore urged government agencies, private sector partners, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and the youths to wholeheartedly embrace the initiative.

 

 

 

In his goodwill message, the Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Wali commended the NDDC for taking the initiative to partner with the Rivers State Government noting that the efforts of the Commission bode well for the future of youths in the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

 

Also speaking, the resource person for Project HOPE, Ambassador Blessing Fubara, affirmed that the second phase of the programme would commence with eight quick impact action specimens, noting that the time had come for a serious development model to kick-off in the Niger Delta region.

Online Editor by — September 30, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
NDDC Reaffirms Commitment To Stakeholders’ Engagement

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to regular engagement with critical stakeholders in driving the development process in the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this when a delegation of stakeholders from Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt,a statement from Seledi ThompsonWakama,Director,Corporate Affairs,said on Tuesday.

He stated: “We all face the same challenges in the region and this means that we must all work together to address the challenges, regardless of our ethnic background.

Challenges, such as underdevelopment and ecological problems, confront all of us”,he said.

He said that NDDC would initiate several development projects in Ogba, Egbema and Ndonì communities. The development initiatives would cover construction of bridges and internal roads, youth empowerment schemes, agricultural development schemes as well as cultural revival schemes.

He stated that the Commission was committed to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region through continuous stakeholders’ engagements and equitable distribution of available resources.

He noted that it was important to enhance collaboration between state governments, the NDDC, and other critical stakeholders to drive development through the monitoring and execution of regional projects.

He recalled that the NDDC recently hosted the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt, to articulate new strategies for driving the development of the Niger Delta region.

He added that the Commission had previously hosted a two-day 2024 Budget of Reconstruction Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the stakeholders resolved that the best option for facilitating regional development was for all concerned parties to work together as partners.

He added that the people of the region must shift their focus from the acquired taste of crude oil exploration and exploitation to sustainable agricultural practices which had made the region prosperous for centuries.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation from the palace of the Oba of Ogbaland, Dr Nwachukwu Nnam Obuoha Obi 111, Dr Chris Ojobah, appealed to the NDDC to extend more development projects to their communities.

He stated: “We would like to bring to your attention that the community of Ogba Egbema in Ndoni LGA, Rivers State is rich in natural resources and plays a vital role in contributing to the nation’s economy, with approximately 70 per cent of the country’s crude oil and gas originating from our region.”

Ojobah, however, acknowledged some of the development projects embarked upon by the NDDC in the Local Government Area, including the huge increase in the 2024 budget of the Commission, which they said was a significant milestone in terms of both value and strategy.

He said: “The Paramount Ruler of Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA on behalf of the people of the communities, wish to express our sincere appreciation for the positive initiatives undertaken by your administration as the MD/CEO of NDDC. We commend the “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta Solar Initiative,” which has illuminated many communities in the Niger Delta region.”

In his remarks, the Representative of Rivers State on the NDDC Governing Board, Chief Tony Okocha, commended the delegation from the Oba of Ogbaland for choosing to consult, rather than confront the NDDC.

He noted that the people had demonstrated their commitment to peace as a prerequisite for development.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
NDDC Faults Funds Diversion Allegation

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC has faulted viral reports,claiming that the Commission is diverting funds intended for contractors to finance the Edo All Progressive Congress, APC, governorship campaign.

Nothing can be farther from the truth. We are, therefore, constrained to respond to the false story about an imaginary diversion of NDDC funds. Curiously, the story was attributed to undisclosed sources from the rumour mill.

Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs of NDDC,clarified in a statement that the commission does not sponsor political parties or candidates contesting in elections at any level of government.

She said the commission’s mandate is to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region,adding that its Management is more determined to uphold its mantra, which is: “Making a Difference,” in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region.

She implored members of the public to disregard the false stories spread by mischief-makers to derail the various innovations being introduced by the NDDC Board and Management, led by the Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie and the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.

Moved to promote acvountability and transparency in public space,she revealed that the NDDC engaged the KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, to review and strengthen our corporate governance system, as well as improve its internal processes and institutional protocols.

According to her,the audit firm has helped the NDDC establish a new institutional culture, anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance.

As part of this control mechanism,the commission recently held a meeting with members the NDDC Advisory Committee, comprising governors of the nine Niger Delta states, statutorily empowered to advise and monitor the activities of the NDDC, she said.

She added:”We are committed to working with all our stakeholders to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“To achieve this goal, we are collaborating with development partners, including the state governments in the Niger Delta region, “to build a region that is socially stable, economically prosperous, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.

“We assure our stakeholders and members of the public that the NDDC Board and Management will not be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region”.

admin by — August 13, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
Oborevwori Pledges To Partner NDDC On N/Delta Development

Mohammed Shosanya

The Delta State Governor,Sheriff Oborevwori, has pledged to collaborate and support the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in its efforts to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region.

Governor Oborevwari spoke at the Delta State Government House, Asaba, during a courtesy visit by members of the NDDC Management team, led by the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.

Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director,Corporate Affairs of NDDC,conveyed this in a statement on Friday.

The NDDC team included the Executive Director Projects, Sir Victor Antai and other directors of the Commission.

The Governor appealed to NDDC to urgently complete all ongoing and uncompleted projects in the state, stressing the need for a strategic and collaborative approach between the Commission and the Niger Delta states to address the challenges confronting the people of the region.

He said: “I assure you that we are ready to collaborate with all development agencies committed to the development of the Niger Delta region and we are going to support you to enable you discharge your duties.”

Responding to the NDDC’s request for collaboration on the execution of the Omadino-Okeronkoko-Escravos Road, Oborevwari noted such a partnership which would involve Chevron was a welcome development.

He assured the NDDC that his government was open to partnership and collaboration in the execution of projects.

He urged the Commission to embark on projects that would add value to the lives of the people of the region.

On spoke on the issue of duplication of projects,and advised the Commission to avoid cases of duplication of projects.

He stated that it was very necessary to consult the states before embarking on projects in their respective territories.

Speaking earlier,the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that the Commission would increase its collaboration with development partners, including the state governments and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

He assured the Governor that the NDDC Board and Management would work in synergy with governors in the nine states covered by the Commission.

He stressed the need to re-activate the NDDC Advisory Committee, as provided for in its Establishment Act, to advise and monitor the activities of the Commission.

Ogbuku made a case for a tripartite execution of the Omadino-Okorenkoko-Escravos Road, stating that when completed,the road would boost the economy of Delta State.

He said that discussions were on-going with Chevron, the major International Oil company operating in the state, as one of the parties in the execution of the project. Ogbuku presented a document detailing the proposal for the key project to the governor.

He noted that the NDDC recently inaugurated five mega projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta region, which included the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC.

He said further: “We also commissioned the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV electricity substation at Okitipupa to serve over 2,000 communities in the southern part of Ondo State. Similarly, we inaugurated another 1×15 MVA 33/11 KVA injection substation in Amufi, Edo State.

“In Akwa Ibom State, we commissioned the 600-meter Ibeno Bridge and the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-IwuoAchang Road in Ibeno Local Government Area. The N10 billion virgin road project links 20 communities, hitherto separated by the Qua Iboe River”.

In the area of youth development, Ogbuku, said that the NDDC had given more opportunities and hope to Niger Delta youths through our Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement, HOPE, meant to identify interests of the youths for skills training.

He said that the Project HOPE had helped the Commission to develop a comprehensive digital repository, comprising important information about the youths of the Niger Delta region; including their qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and current employment status.

Ogbuku remarked that the NDDC was working with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce in the training of youths and young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region.

He explained that the Commission would collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce to support Small and Medium Enterprises in the region and ensure the sustainability of youth development programmes.

He added: “We are also partnering with the Bank of Industry to fund projects and support businesses to facilitate the success of our empowerment programmes.”

To ensure that a new institutional culture, anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance was established in NDDC, Ogbuku said that the Commission engaged KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, to review and strengthen its corporate governance system, as well as improve its internal processes and institutional protocols.

admin by — August 9, 2024 in Niger Delta 0
Stakeholders Seek Additional Funding For NDDC

Mohammed Shosanya

Niger Delta Stakeholders have emphasized the need for additional funding of the Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC.

They said such funding should be legislated with at least 3 percent of Value Added Tax revenue

These were part of the resolutions contained in a communique issued at the end of the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit 2024, which took place at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, a statement from Seledi Thompson-Wakama,Director, Corporate Affairs said.

The stakeholders resolved that funding the implementation of the regional development strategy should be done through three sources:Traditional budget sources; Public Private Partnerships; Development Finance

In order to support the funding plans, they agreed that the initiation of the Niger Delta Development Bank, NDDB, to drive the mobilisation of development finance from local and global sources should be given priority. “Loans should be given to SMEs within the region to drive economic and industrial growth.”

They emphasized the urgent need to re-activate the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Advisory Committee,in line with its Establishment Act, to advise and monitor the activities of the Commission.

The communique stated that there is urgent need to complete the East-West Road which was awarded nearly twenty years ago, to ease transportation across the region.

It further called for a thorough consideration of the NDDC (Establishment) Act, with a view to initiating amendments of the Act, where necessary.

On the issue of preparing a new roadmap for development, the stakeholders resolved that “proper planning is crucial to any development and therefore the review of the Niger Delta Regional Development Masterplan, appropriate data gathering was essential to any realistic development plan. There must be quantitative and qualitative input from key stakeholders in preparing or reviewing the Masterplan.”

The summit agreed that all funds due and outstanding to the NDDC from statutory sources (including the Federal Government and ecological fund) be vigorously pursued and recovered.

The stakeholders underscored the import of increased synergy between the NDDC and the Advisory Committee to achieve a more efficiency and activate all organs provided for in the Act.

They addressed the issue of development agencies working at cross purposes and resolved that measures must be taken “to avoid duplication of projects and efforts in the region by ensuring robust consultation between the NDDC and the nine member states in project implementation.”

The summit said: “There is urgent need to remove the NDDC from the TSA Policy, as it limits the Commission from fully achieving its interventionist mandate. That the Federal Government should strictly adhere to the tenure provisions of the NDDC Act and avoid the incessant dissolution of Boards of the Commission and the aberrant issue of Interim Managements to run the affairs of the Commission. Also, the Commission should be insulated from Political interference which puts undue pressure on the leadership of the Commission”.

According to the communique, “the region’s educational curriculum should be reviewed and designed to meet 21st century needs. Technical and vocational training must be given priority by creating Technical/Vocational training hubs. There should be improved funding of the region’s educational system.

It said further: “On healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene, there should be sufficient funding of rural and community health centres and the training and retraining of the personnel to man them. The private sector should be engaged more in partnerships in these areas.”

The stakeholders made a case for women and youths, calling for more representation of women in all sectors of the region’s economy, adding that there should be programmes for Persons Living with Disability.

The communique posited: “On sports, tourism, culture and hospitality, there is need for sustained investment and capacity building in the region’s entertainment and creative industries.

“Sports development in areas where the region has comparative advantage such as swimming and wrestling should be given serious attention. There is need to have a special gathering for the creative industry.”

On the issue of the degradation of the environment through oil pollution, the stakeholders recommended a holistic remediation across communities in the Niger Delta to avoid compromise on cleaned areas, adding: “Government should uphold the provisions of Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria (EGASPIN) and enforce proper de-commissioning of oil facilities.

The communique also gave the prescriptions of the stakeholders on varied issues: namely that modern technology should be deployed in project monitoring and evaluation; that there should be an integrated waste management plant which can convert wastes to wealth and that for erosion control and flood management, there should be canalization, shore protection and land reclamation projects.

Other areas addressed,included community sensitisation and enlightenment campaigns on ecological issues; biodiversity conservation and reforestation to stimulate mangrove restoration; creation of technology hubs within the region to drive creativity, innovation and the rapid development of the region in areas of artificial intelligence and diversification from oil and gas to agro-based regional economy.

The communique called for a regular convocation of stakeholder engagements.

admin by — July 15, 2024 in Niger Delta 0