From: Austine Unoarumi.
Imo state governor, Senator. Hope Uzodimma has called on governors of the states in the Niger Delta region to collaborate and support the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC in its drive to transform the region.
Governor Uzodimma who is also the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, said the call became necessary in view of the laudable feats recorded by the the commission since it was inaugurated.
Gov. Uzodimma who made the appeal at the unveiling ceremony of the NDDC 25 years Anniversary Logo and Niger Delta Sports Festival Mascot in Owerri,opined that the present board of the NDDC has changed the narrative of NDDC from being a cash – cow to an agency for development.
He further stated that the careful selection of innovative and talented nigerians by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to stir the ship, was a genuine testament to concern for the growth and development of the region.
” Let me use this opportunity to call on state governors of the nine states of region to give all necessary support to NDDC for what it has been able to achieve since this board was inaugurated. We have continuously seen the laudable jobs carried out by NDDC in the region. Only recently, I commissioned the 7.8 kilometer Nkwerre – Eziama road in Nwagene local government of Imo state and we are witnesses to other on going and completed projects across the region. The free medical outreach, the internship and scholarship program, the operation light – up the Niger Delta, to mention but a few. These are clear indication that NDDC has moved from transaction to transformation, and it is on these basis i enjoin all state governors in the Niger Delta to join hands and give NDDC all the support it deserves ”
Gov. Uzodimma further explained that as partners in progress, NDDC should consider needs assessment before embarking on any project, arguing that an effective interaction with the various state governments, would yield the desired results.
He also emphasized on the need for NDDC to build relationships with the locales and stakeholders in the region.
He commended the NDDC for organizing the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, which according to him, would promote good health, unity of regional integration.
Also, the Chairman, Senate committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong and House committee chairman of NDDC, Hon. Erithake Ibori – Esuenu, gave a thumb – up to board for organizing the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
The members of the legislative arm, further assured that the National Assembly would continue to support NDDC to achieve it’s objectives.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, who revealed that despite the feats recorded by the commission in other socio- economic, environmental and cultural spheres, the sports fiesta was also aimed at making the people of the region to further feel the presence of NDDC.
Chief Ogbuku explained that the sport festival which would attract participants from different places, would also lead to discovery of new talents in sports.
