Speaking during a courtesy visit by the NDDC Board and Management to him at the Government House, Owerri, Governor Uzodinma said that the state government was willing to work with the Commission to bring development to the region.
The NDDC team, led by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, included the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the member representing Imo State on the NDDC Board, Dr Kyrian Uchegbu; and other Directors.
Governor Uzodinma stressed the need for the governors of the nine oil producing states to partner with NDDC for sustainable development in the region
He said the commitment followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the urgent completion of outstanding projects within the Niger Delta Region.Governor Uzodinma expressed satisfaction with the NDDC management team’s performance, stating, “I believe that through our concerted efforts, we can significantly enhance the infrastructure and overall development of the Niger Delta to positively impact the lives of its residents.”
The Governor said: “I am very delighted to play host to the leadership of the NDDC. I congratulate them for their various achievements. I commend their team spirit. They have shown new ways of management. I can only say keep the flag flying. We are very grateful to the NDDC, especially for the light-up the Niger Delta Project.
“The management and leadership of the NDDC have reaffirmed their focus in giving meaning to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. I am very proud to be associated with the NDDC leadership. We will continue to support you as we are partners in progress, and we are all working for the Federal Government’s success.”
Uzodinma said: “I am pleased that you have done the right thing by paying this courtesy visit. I assure you that we are ready to collaborate with all Federal Government agencies committed to the development of the Niger Delta region.The Governor said that the Imo State Government would support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring hope to the people of the state and Niger Delta region.
Uzodinma advised the Commission to avoid project duplication, stating that it was necessary to consult the states before embarking on projects in their respective territories.Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie , said the Commission was determined to partner with governors of Niger Delta states to ensure that the oil-producing states enjoy sustainable development.
He said: “We are grateful to the Governor for supporting the NDDC. We are here for series of events, including the commissioning of the Eziama-Abba-Owere Nkworji Road, Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State.“We are also here to unveil the logo of the 25th anniversary and the mascot of the first ever Niger Delta Sports Festival to be held between April 1 and 8, at the Akwa Ibom State International stadium. We thank the Governor for convening and presiding over the NDDC Advisory Committee meeting.
He said: “We need to create a new life in the NDDC and collaborate more with development partners, including the state governments and other regional stakeholders to achieve our objectives. To avoid duplication of projects, henceforth, representatives of the states in the NDDC Board must be in constant touch with their state governments and ensure that projects are based on needs assessment.”
