NDDC Unveils Landmark Projects In Okrika, Rivers State

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commissioned four major projects in Rivers State’s Okrika Local Government Area, a significant step towards fulfilling its mandate to promote long-term development in the Niger Delta region.

According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, the newly commissioned projects include a modern Police Station, a well-equipped Health Centre, a new Recreation Centre, and a critical 4.5-kilometer Egbelebie Road network.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, emphasised the importance of the projects, stating that they demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to the Niger Delta’s sustainable development.

He emphasised the NDDC’s collaborative approach, noting that the Commission collaborates with local, state, and federal governments.

“NDDC is not a tier of government,” Ebie explained. “Our work is to complement what other levels of government are doing and to ensure that President Bola Tinubu’s administration delivers on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He urged the Okrika communities to take responsibility for the projects and ensure their proper maintenance.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, echoed this sentiment, claiming that the commissioned projects were a direct result of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He emphasised the Commission’s commitment to tangible results, pointing out that the commissioning process, which began last year, had already resulted in significant improvements for communities in Ondo, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states.

He also stated that similar projects are taking place in Delta, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Bayelsa states this year.

Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the importance of community peace in order to facilitate development. He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects in the Niger Delta region, assuring residents that the Okrika-Borokiri Road and bridges would be completed on time.

He also thanked the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the security agencies for their contributions to improving project delivery.

Alabo Boma Iyaye, NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, acknowledged the Okrika people’s excitement about the projects and assured them of the Commission’s commitment to completing the critical Borokiri-Okrika bridge, which connects the community to Port Harcourt.

The NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, provided a project brief outlining the specifics of the commissioned projects.

The Egbelebie Road network is approximately 4.5 kilometres long, and the state-of-the-art Police Station is outfitted with an armoury, male and female cells, and other necessary facilities to enhance security in the area.

“These projects were undertaken to enhance community development and improve residents’ well-being,” Sir Antai stated, praising resident and youth cooperation and describing the Okrika people as “very peaceful.”

Chief Believe Abam spoke on behalf of the Abam community, thanking the NDDC for delivering the impactful projects.

He praised the NDDC Board and Management’s vision and leadership and called for additional development projects in the area.

The commissioning of these projects is a significant milestone for the Okrika community and demonstrates the NDDC’s commitment to driving development in the Niger Delta regio