NDDC Pledges Deeper Collaboration With Niger Delta Educational Institutions, Promises New Projects For UniPort

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with educational institutions throughout the Niger Delta region.

NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reiterated this commitment during a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt by members of the University of Port Harcourt’s (UniPort) Governing Council, led by its Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuanbunwa.

According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, of Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Dr. Ogbuku expressed the Commission’s eagerness to collaborate with UniPort and other regional institutions for mutual benefit, stating,

“At the University of Port Harcourt, we have worked on a variety of projects and hope to form new partnerships. Let us collaborate so that the region can benefit.

The NDDC CEO assured the delegation that the Commission will launch major projects to address critical needs at UniPort.

This includes the construction of new hostel blocks, the installation of a 300 KVA solar inverter system for the university Senate to reduce reliance on diesel generators, and the dispatch of an engineering team to assess the university’s roads and existing hostels for possible rehabilitation.

“At NDDC, we believe in action. “We do not make empty promises because we are determined to make President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda a reality,” Dr. Ogbuku stated, emphasising the Commission’s commitment to measurable outcomes.

As the NDDC approaches its 25th anniversary, Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the Commission’s unwavering mission as an interventionist agency focused on driving development and fostering partnerships throughout the Niger Delta region.

Senator Ohuanbunwa, Chairman of UniPort’s Governing Council, praised the NDDC’s progress under the current leadership and urged the Commission to continue its vital support for the university.

He emphasised significant infrastructure challenges, pointing out the disparity between the university’s 50,000 student population and its limited 5,000 hostel accommodation capacity.

He specifically asked for NDDC’s assistance in addressing electricity and transport issues, including the potential provision of gas turbines to ensure a consistent power supply for students.

Professor Owunari Georgewill, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, expressed gratitude for the NDDC’s significant contributions to the university and congratulated Dr. Ogbuku on his recent commendation from President Tinubu.

He expressed optimism about future collaborations and invited the NDDC to attend the university’s upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations.

This commitment from the NDDC promises to significantly improve the infrastructure and learning environment at the University of Port Harcourt, cementing the Commission’s position as a key driver of development in the Niger Delta region.