Governor Douye Diri Bayelsa State, on Monday, urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to collaborate more with state governments in the Niger Delta region for the development of legacy projects that will impact the lives of the people.
Diri spoke at the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa, during a courtesy visit by members of the NDDC Executive Management, led by the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.
Members of the NDDC management who accompanied Ogbuku include the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, the Bayelsa State representative on the Governing Board, Senator Denyanbofa Dimaro, and directors of the Commission.
He commended the NDDC for charting a new path, noting that cooperation and collaboration should be the way forward.
He charged the NDDC leadership to ensure that the Commission’s intervention was in tandem with the efforts of the state governments, lamenting that this had not been the case in the past.
The Governor advised the Commission to avoid duplication of projects, stating that it was essential to consult the states before embarking on projects in their territories.
Diri observed that NDDC had many uncompleted projects in Bayelsa State but said he was consoled by the fact that something was being done about it.
He remarked: “I believe that you can lead the NDDC to greater heights to the admiration of people of the Niger Delta.
“I urge you to quickly meet with the governors to get their blessings on matters of development projects in the states.
”Speaking earlier, Ogbuku said the Commission was determined to partner with governors of Niger Delta states to ensure that the oil-producing states enjoy sustainable development.
A statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, quoted Ogbuku as saying “We need to create a new life in the NDDC and collaborate more with development partners, including the state governments and other regional stakeholders, to achieve our objectives.
“I know that we have had problems with duplication of projects. Henceforth, representatives of the states in the NDDC Board will be in constant touch with their state governments and ensure that projects are based on needs assessment.
”Ogbuku said further: “For us to achieve the enormous task of developing the region, it is pertinent that we enhance collaboration with state governments by working closely in our development programmes and projects.
”He told the Governor that NDDC was constructing six multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states to provide relief to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the event of flooding in the Niger Delta region.
The project aims to provide comprehensive support to affected communities, with facilities including schools, hospitals, cafeterias, police posts, and recreation centres.
The NDDC boss observed that the project was conceived as a response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans.
He noted that facilities at the emergency shelter would include essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre, providing comprehensive support to the communities in times of distress.
He explained: “We have six of these facilities currently under construction in Otuokpoti and Odi, in Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozoro and another two in Rivers State.
The NDDC boss also informed the Governor that the Commission would flag off the channelisation of Kolo Creek, connecting the Okarki-Otuogidi-Ogbia communities of Rivers and Bayelsa states.
He explained that the project would remove all the blockages causing flooding in the communities in both states, adding that it would not only prevent flooding but also boost commercial activities in the communities.
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