Edo Governor Lauds NDDC’s Ogbuku For Regional Development At Ayakoro Festival

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has praised Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for his dedication to accelerating development in Niger Delta communities.

The award was given during the 67th Anniversary Celebration of the Ayakoro Annual Festival of Relocation, which took place at King Ikiomoye Paul Nathan Square in the Ayakoro community of Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa state.

Senator Okpebholo, who served as the Chairman of the event, drew parallels between the Ayakoro community’s relocation and the Israelites’ journey, saying,

“You have relocated to a land abundant with milk and honey.” He prayed for the community’s continued progress and expressed hope that one day, Ayakoro’s son would become Governor of Bayelsa State.

According to a press release signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, the Ayakoro Annual Festival commemorates the community’s historic resettlement from its previous location to its current location on February 12, 1958, which was necessitated by coastal erosion.

Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the importance of the annual celebration, citing the community’s ancestors’ victory over environmental challenges.

He also urged communities to continue their support for regional development agencies.

“Whatever achievements the NDDC has documented are made possible by the support of stakeholders who have provided the right environment for us to work,”

Dr. Ogbuku stated. “I urge all communities to continue supporting our contractors to ensure that our projects are completed on time.

The rapid growth of the Ayakoro community demonstrates what can be accomplished when communities support local development efforts.

Senator Sunday Agadaga, the Bayelsa East Senatorial District Representative, echoed the Governor’s praise, congratulating Dr. Ogbuku on “changing the narrative of the Niger Delta region” and transforming previously neglected communities.

Earlier, HRH. Righteous Inegbagha, the Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Town, thanked Chief Samuel Ogbuku, the Deputy Paramount Ruler, for his instrumental role in ensuring the festival’s success.

He emphasised the significance of the festival, known as Eyal Obeyin (crossing), in honouring the community’s founding fathers, whose visionary leadership facilitated the relocation.

Comrade Majesty Inegbagha, Chairman of the Ayakoro Annual Festival Committee, also thanked the Edo State Governor and other dignitaries in attendance, referring to Chief Ogbuku as “our illustrious son, who is regarded as ‘the Light of the Niger Delta’.”