According to the report from the Sun, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), recently spoke about the upcoming Niger Delta stakeholders' summit. The summit, scheduled to take place between July 10 and 13, aims to develop strategies for the economic growth and development of the region.
During an interview at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mr. Ogbuku emphasized the importance of the summit as a platform to articulate a roadmap for sustainable development in the Niger Delta. He highlighted that stakeholders' engagement is a crucial aspect of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Mr. Ogbuku, stakeholders' engagement ensures that the government's projects and activities are well understood by the people. He emphasized the need to provide opportunities for conversations to discuss development plans and ensure the community's support for sustainable development.
Mr. Ogbuku further stated that the plans for renewed hope should be tailor-made, and active participation from the people is essential. He emphasized the importance of bringing leadership and followers together to properly understand policies and programs.
Renewed hope, as described by Mr. Ogbuku, means touching lives. The government aims to positively impact the lives of Niger Deltans. The Niger Delta stakeholders' summit aims to inform the community about the renewed hope for sustainable development and its benefits for the region.
President Tinubu has charged the NDDC to complete and commission signature projects that will have a significant impact on the lives of Niger Deltans. In line with this directive, the commission recently inaugurated five flagship projects, including roads, bridges, and electricity infrastructure, across the region.
The projects include the 9km Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road in Ukwa West council, Abia State; the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State; the 1x15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation in Amufi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in Benin, Edo State; the 45km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa, Ondo State; and the NDDC 6km Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and 600 meters Ibeno Bridge in Ibeno Council, Akwa Ibom State.
Regarding the 2024 budget of the commission, Mr. Ogbuku stated that it was developed in collaboration with major stakeholders. Once approved, the budget will contribute to the completion of numerous ongoing projects in various communities across the region.