NDDC Commissions 7.8km Road In Imo State, Highlights Renewed Focus On Infrastructure

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated a 7.8-kilometer road linking Eziama-Abba and Owerre Nkworji in Imo State, marking a significant milestone in its 25th-anniversary celebrations.

The project, connecting Isiala Mbano and Nwangele Local Government Areas, was lauded as a symbol of the commission’s renewed commitment to infrastructural development in the region.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who officially commissioned the road, praised the NDDC’s board and management for their dedication to completing projects.

He highlighted this as the first completed NDDC project in the state in many years, attributing the success to a new approach emphasising contractor payments and strengthened partnerships.

The Governor expressed confidence that this intervention would significantly contribute to the state government’s capital project implementation.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for directing the NDDC to immediately address the dilapidated condition of a school highlighted during the commissioning ceremony’s live broadcast and praised the Commission’s Operation Light Up the Niger Delta initiative.

Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to grassroots development and urged state governments to collaborate effectively with the NDDC.

He stressed the need for states to appreciate and protect completed projects to encourage further investment from the commission. He also commended the NDDC’s efforts in healthcare and education through free medical outreach and international scholarship programs.

NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie emphasized the board’s focus on accountability and transparency, referencing the adoption of KPMG’s recommendations to strengthen governance structures.

He thanked Governor Uzodinma for his support and highlighted the alignment of the project with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku framed the road commissioning as a key component of the “NDDC Dividends of Renewed Hope” initiative, showcasing the completion of projects awarded under President Tinubu’s tenure.

He cited other ongoing projects in Rivers and Delta States as further evidence of this commitment. Dr. Ogbuku also highlighted the transformative impact of improved infrastructure and lighting on security and accessibility in Imo State, encouraging other states to propose similar partnerships.

Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Leader of the House Committee on NDDC, commended the commission’s transformation from a perceived transactional agency to a more impactful, transformational body.

The Chairman of the Nwangele Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Ononenyi Uzoma, lauded the timely intervention, emphasizing the road’s positive impact on commerce and economic activity in the region.

The newly commissioned road is expected to significantly boost trade, ease transportation, and contribute to the overall development of the communities it serves.