NDDC: Thompson-Wakama Takes Over Corporate Communications As Ughakpoteni Retires

Thompson-Wakama

Ughakpoteni

With a sense of pride and nostalgia, I, Pius Ughakpoteni, announce my retirement as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), effective June 26, 2024.

I am grateful to the NDDC’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his astute leadership and for taking wise counsel when approving the recommendation for my appointment as Director of Corporate Affairs. Leading this department has been an enormous privilege and a deeply rewarding journey. Throughout my tenure, I have had the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of professionals and a diverse range of stakeholders committed to the Niger Delta’s long-term development.

I am especially grateful to my media colleagues, whose support and collaboration have been critical to our success. As a proud member of the ThisDay family, I have always valued the close relationships I have formed in the media industry. These connections have not only enhanced my professional experience but have also played an important role in amplifying the NDDC’s message and ensuring transparency in our operations.

As I embark on my next chapter, I will be fully committed to two of my passions: lifelong learning and knowledge dissemination. In addition to running the Centre for Corporate Sustainability Performance Advancement, where I will leverage my doctoral research from Business School Lausanne to work with C-suite executives on advancing corporate sustainability performance, I will devote my time to advocating for the practical application of the lessons encapsulated in my new book, Making the Niger Delta Work: Strategy Execution Tips from the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan and Essays.

I leave my position confident that the NDDC is in capable hands. My departure today is consistent with a plan Seledi and I have been developing over the last few weeks to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the high standards of corporate communications we have established.

I am pleased to introduce Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) as my successor at the NDDC. Mrs. Thompson-Wakama has been an important part of the NDDC’s history since 2004 when she joined the Commission and rose through the ranks from Manager to Director. But Seledi is more than just an accomplished professional with extensive knowledge and a sharp intellect. She was fortunate to work with Mr. Anietie Usen and Dr. Christie Atako, the Commission’s first two Heads of Corporate Communications. They worked together to cultivate the core values of integrity, passion, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence that now define our department.

Mrs. Thompson-Wakama has a strong educational background from the University of Port Harcourt and the Mandelson School of Business and Management in the United Kingdom, as well as a recent Leadership Certificate from Harvard Business School. She is an expert in corporate governance, personnel management, and leadership. She has held senior positions at prestigious organisations such as the NDDC, British American Insurance Limited, and the National Boundary Commission, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex organisational structures and deliver meaningful results.

Thompson-Wakama expressed gratitude for the opportunity and promised to uphold the NDDC’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “I am honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility,” she explained. “Effective communication is critical to our success, and I am committed to building on Mr. Ughakpoteni’s solid foundation and ensuring that the NDDC’s message is heard loud and clear.”

Mrs. Thompson-Wakama’s strategic vision, combined with her operational and financial skills, make her an invaluable asset to the NDDC. I am confident in her ability to lead the Corporate Affairs department with distinction, building on the solid foundation we have established while also enhancing the NDDC’s reputation as a transparent and accountable organisation.

I am deeply grateful for the assistance I have received during my time at NDDC. I am pleased with the progress we have made in developing the organization’s communication strategies and upholding its mission of sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our stakeholders and partners for their collaboration and dedication. Your commitment to the NDDC’s mission has been critical to our collective success.

I urge my media friends to embrace Seledi with the same warmth and camaraderie that you have shown me and let us work together to build on the legacy we have established. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to continue working in the field of corporate sustainability.

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