Forum Lauds NDDC’s Business Initiatives, Ogbuku’s Leadership

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Forum of Concerned Youths of Niger Delta Oil Host Communities has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for establishing the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA).

In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, the forum’s Secretary, Romeo Bekeyei, outlined NDCCITMA as a “vital platform for business development and investment”.

He said the initiative aims to support local businesses, provide skill training, and accelerate economic activity across the Niger Delta, calling it a crucial step toward economic development and job creation in the region.

Bekeyei noted that under the leadership of Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC has shown commitment not only to infrastructure development but also to fostering business and enterprise.

Since its inauguration on April 4, NDCCITMA has engaged stakeholders, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), incubation centres, academics, professional bodies, and trade groups.

This is with a core focus on skills development and promoting the export of goods and services.

The forum expressed support for the chamber’s planned collaboration with the Bank of Industry, saying it would ensure the sustainability of youth development initiatives.

Bekeyei also commended the NDDC’s “Light Up the Niger Delta Initiative”, a renewable energy project that has rolled out solar-powered streetlights across Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa states.

He said residents confirmed that the project has improved security and boosted night-time commerce.

Bekeyei recalled that upon Ogbuku’s appointment as NDDC CEO on January 5, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, he pledged to restore credibility to the agency, which has long been marred by abandoned projects and leadership crises.

He noted that under Ogbuku’s watch, the NDDC secured National Assembly approval for a budget dedicated to completing “legacy projects,” a first in the agency’s history.

According to official records, the 2024 budget provides for 1,006 projects across the nine oil-producing states, including roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and power infrastructure.

In May 2024, the commission unveiled “five flagship projects in 10 days,” among them the 27.5km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa, built in partnership with Shell; a 9km road in Abia; a 45km power feeder line in Ondo; and the 600m Ibeno Bridge in Akwa Ibom.

Bekeyei said the Bonny Ring Road in Rivers, first conceived over a decade ago, is now back on track under Ogbuku.

He added that the Kaa-Ataba Bridge and Okrika-Borikiri Bridge, previously stalled due to mismanagement, have been resuscitated under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Addressing recent rumours regarding Ogbuku’s 50th birthday, Bekeyei refuted claims that state funds were used for the event.

He said Ogbuku’s associates, friends, and family celebrated him in recognition of his “many transformative initiatives” and “trail-blazing footprints” in revitalising the agency.

He described Ogbuku as “the most principled MD the commission has had in recent history” and urged those spreading false narratives to stop and instead support ongoing development efforts in the region. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade