…As NDDC inaugurates 23.7km road in Abia
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Federal Government has tasked the South East Development Commission, SEDC, and other development commissions on project delivery.
Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, who gave the charge Thursday, while inaugurating the 23.7- kilometre Ndoro-Ntalakwu road in Ikwuano and other adjourning road networks in Umuahia South rehabilitated by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, said the Federal Government would not tolerate non-delivery of projects.
He declared that the era of abandoned projects by NDDC was over, and urged SEDC to complement the efforts of NDDC in developing South-East.
The Minister praised the current management of NDDC for cultivating a culture of completing abandoned projects it inherited from previous managements.
He said the reconstructed roads would help spark socio-economic activities in the area.
Momoh also noted that the solar street lights on the roads, would help improve security in the area.
“We want to establish a culture of delivery in NDDC so that whosoever takes over the commission will be serious with delivery. Nobody will get contract from NDDC and reduce it to what it used to be.”
He solicited the people’s support for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, while promising more developments in the Niger Delta region.
“Every state in the Niger Delta should get ready for our visit to inaugurate projects,” he said.
The Minister commended Gov. Alex Otti’s developmental strides which he said, “complement the efforts of the Federal Government.”
He, therefore, urged other Governors in the Niger Delta region to take a cue from the Abia State Governor.
In his remark, the Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC, Senator Asoquo Ekpeyong, said the reconstructed roads were a testimony of the on-going efforts to reverse the ugly trend of dilapidated roads in the Niger Delta region.
Senator Ekpeyong said that achieving sustainable development in the region “extends beyond infrastructure, but requires holistic approach encompassing mass housing, accessible healthcare, quality education, and employment opportunities particularly for our vibrant young population.”
He promised that the Senate would continue to provide necessary legislative oversight and support to ensure that the commission “delivers on its statutory responsibilities.”
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission under his watch, “embarks on projects based on needs assessment.”
He explained that the commission “engages with stakeholders in the area to identify their areas of priority,” adding that it also tries to avoid duplication but complements efforts of state governments.
Dr Ogbuku thanked President Tinubu for his supports to the commission in its efforts to better the living condition of Niger Delta people.
In his speech, Gov. Otti represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev. Caleb Ajagba, commended the NDDC for the projects which, he said, would help boost agriculture and improve socio-economic activities in the affected communities.
Gov. Otti who said his administration was committed to the transformation of infrastructure to improve the lives of the people, expressed his readiness to partner NDDC in providing democracy dividends to the people.
He charged the affected communities to take ownership of the projects and ensure their protection so they might serve their purpose.
“We will continue to prioritise infrastructure, education and health to fast-track development. We will partner NDDC to drive people-oriented projects.”
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, the President General of Oboro community, Chief Matthew Ifenkwe, represented by the Secretary, Prince Kingsley Uwa, said the reconstructed roads had brought a huge relief to the people who had been suffering the nightmare of deplorable roads.
In a remark, Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central, described the inaugurated roads as very strategic for the socio-economic lives of his constituents.
He lauded the efforts of NDDC in improving infrastructure in Niger Delta, and solicited the intervention of the commission on the deplorable Ariam/Usaka ring road already captured in the 2025 budget.
Similarly, member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, pleaded with NDDC to ensure successful execution of the Arian/Usaka ring road which, he said would help boost agriculture in the agrarian district.
Abia’s representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Dimgba Eruba, said the reconstructed roads would help reduce travel distance, adding that the commission is helping to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
Speaking earlier, NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Hon. Victor Antai, said the projects were part of critical infrastructure that would help spark development in the area.
He said that the Ndoro-Ntalakwu road was awarded since 2009, adding that while 18.7 kilometres of the road were done at Ikwuano LGA, 5.3 km was done in Umuahia South LGA.
Senate Committee members on NDDC including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Victor Ume, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Senator Anthony Ani, were among dignitaries at the colourful event.
