From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku has again received accolades for his innovative and visionary leadership as well as for his giant developmental strides.
The latest commendation is coming from a Niger Delta youth leader, Engr. Solomon Olali while fielding questions from newsmen in Yenagoa, the State capital, about Dr Ogbuku’s scorecard and expectations.
Engr. Olali said he was not surprised by the level of achievements recorded so far by Dr Ogbuku, who he noted was an astute administrator and seasoned politician, a passionate community leader and dedicated public servant.
According to him, Dr Ogbuku, a one-time Chief of Staff to former Bayelsa Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, has repositioned the NDDC for optimal performance in line with its core mandate as an interventionist agency which aims to bridge the infrastructure deficit in the Niger Delta.
He explained that the NDDC boss and his team have ensured a more viable Niger Delta through various developmental projects and programmes, thereby carving a niche for himself and a special place in the heart of the people of Niger Delta.
“Dr Samuel Ogbuku deserves all the accolades and commendations that are coming his way because under his watch, the NDDC has been given a new lease of life, with people-oriented projects and programmes that are aimed at making the life of our people better.”
Highlighting the numerous laudable projects and programmes embarked upon by the Dr Ogbuku to include the Light Up Niger Delta Solar-Light initiative, scholarship programmes, medical outreaches, road constructions, youth empowerment and other interventions like the construction of the Corpers Lodge at Agbura, Engr. Olali assured the people to expect more impactful interventions in key areas like health, education, skill acquisition and infrastructure.
He also emphasized that the NDDC which in the past was seen as a conduit pipe for unwholesome financial practices has become a key driver of the right point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, due to Dr Ogbuku’s transparent, prudent and accountable management of funds.
Engr. Olali, who hails from the ancient town of Opume in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, said several organizations have honoured Dr Ogbuku for his exceptional and visionary leadership, citing the African Public Service Award from Heritage Times in Marrakesh, Morocco, Public Service Award from SUN Newspaper Limited, Champion of Economic Empowerment Award by the Ijaw National Congress of the Americas and several others, expressing belief that more awards will soon follow.
“We are happy because Dr Samuel Ogbuku has proven us right. He is the best since the creation of this interventionist agency was established. The results are there for everyone to see. The achievements are monumental and I’m so proud that he is doing great”.
“I want to sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his wisdom in appointing Dr Samuel Ogbuku. My President has shown that he is not just a democrat but a sagacious one at that”.
“This appointment is indeed a blessing to the people of Niger Delta region and the country at large and I know that the feedback from all quarters brings him so much joy because the eight point Renewed Hope Agenda is being achieved through the NDDC”.
He charged Dr Ogbuku not to rest on his oars but to continue to strive for excellence in his leadership of the NDDC, by being receptive to new ideas and sustaining his open-door-policy, working with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, women and youth groups, to implement more people-oriented projects across the Niger Delta region.
“His leadership approach to the development of Niger Delta is truly novel and a clear departure from the past. He has performed very well and the future looks bright with him at the helms of affairs. His open door policy has endured till now and I want to urge him to be more receptive to both criticisms and recommendations, to enable him break all frontiers and expand the scope of the NDDC”.
The Niger Delta youth leader used the opportunity to felicitate Dr Ogbuku on the celebration of his Golden Jubilee some weeks back, and prayed to God to renew his strength, health and wisdom to continue to pilot the NDDC to greater heights to the benefit of the Niger Delta people.
