NDDC Managing Director To Receive Vanguard Personality Award

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has been selected to receive a Vanguard Personality Award by the newspaper’s Board of Editors, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and performance in developing the Niger Delta region.

The nomination letter was formally presented to Dr Ogbuku during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters by a delegation from Vanguard Newspapers, led by Deputy Editor Mr Adekunle Adekoya.

Accepting the nomination, Dr Ogbuku expressed his gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a testament to the collective efforts of the Commission’s Board, Management and key stakeholders in repositioning the NDDC to deliver effective services across the Niger Delta region.

He explained that the award reflects the Commission’s focus on impactful development, driven by thorough needs assessments and inclusive stakeholder engagement to ensure interventions directly address the priorities of host communities.

The Managing Director highlighted the Commission’s Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD) Forum, which brings together key stakeholders to drive the development process.

He stressed that the NDDC’s work extends beyond infrastructure, pointing to sustained investment in human capital development through its postgraduate scholarship programme – both foreign and domestic – which continues to produce highly qualified graduates.

Dr Ogbuku also highlighted ongoing legacy projects, including the Kaa–Ataba Road and Bridge project in Rivers State, which he noted will be the longest bridge in the Niger Delta region.

He affirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering these legacy projects, completing abandoned schemes, and making both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the people of the Niger Delta proud, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He emphasised the importance of continued partnership between the Commission and the media in promoting transparency, peace, and sustainable development in the region.

He urged the media to continue playing a constructive role, noting that responsible, balanced reporting is essential to national unity and progress.

Dr Ogbuku assured attendees that the award would serve as an impetus for greater service, pledging that the Commission would continue to intensify its developmental interventions for the benefit of the Niger Delta’s people.

Earlier, Mr Adekunle Adekoya, Deputy Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, stated that the nomination followed careful consideration by the Board of Editors, citing the Commission’s developmental progress, particularly in hinterland and riverine communities.

He commended the NDDC’s rural electrification initiatives and the “Light Up the Niger Delta” solar-powered street lighting programme, noting that these projects have significantly enhanced socio-economic activity across the region.

Mr Adekoya further observed that public perception of the Commission had improved considerably under the current leadership, driven by visible infrastructure projects and impactful human capital development programmes, which informed the decision to honour the Managing Director at the forthcoming ceremony. The award ceremony is scheduled for April 2026.