The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” — Jimmy Johnson
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an interventionist agency established 24 years ago to fast-track and oversee regional development, has often been criticized for not meeting the expectations of Niger Deltans. The persistent lack of improvement in the citizens’ conditions has been a serious concern for everyone.
When Chief Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, took over the helm of affairs, very few believed in his potential. Many expected one of the current or former “big men” to get the position and perpetuate the “cash cow” policy that had become a norm in the commission, little did they know his appointment was by divine providence, as everyone had given up on the commission.
Dr. Ogbuku, a Political Science and Administrative Studies graduate of the University of Port Harcourt, who also holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies and a PhD in Political Administrative Studies. A student union activist and former Public Relations Officer of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Central Zone, he has served in several political offices, notably as Chief of Staff under Chief Timipre Sylva’s administration in Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012. He was also Senior Special Assistant on Niger Delta Affairs to the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate of Nigeria, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege. Additionally, he is a traditional ruler in Ayakoro town in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Knowing the task before him was a “Herculean” one, he began with a board retreat to ensure members were aligned with his vision to transition from “transaction to transformation.” Months later, the NDDC organized the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Summit 2023, where the commission signed a preliminary MoU with Atlanta Global Resources Inc. for $15 billion to construct rail lines across the Niger Delta Region—a first of its kind. Over time, he has held meetings and engagements with relevant stakeholders to fast-track regional development.
Not long ago, the NDDC commissioned five flagship projects, including the 9km Obehie-Oke-Ikpe road in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State; the 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State; the 1x15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation in Amufi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State; the 45km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa, Ondo State; and the 6km Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and 600m Ibeno Bridge in Ibeno LGA, Akwa Ibom State.
“Operation Light-Up Niger Delta “, has given massive face-lift to the region especially at night , as even the ghettos are now lited with crime being reduced to the barest minimum. The rural communities are not left out , as the roads , compounds, village square now shine bright , allowing the rural dwellers to move freely even at night.
In healthcare, the commission under Dr. Ogbuku has acquired and donated 13 ambulances for distribution to hospitals in its nine mandate states. The NDDC is also constructing the Regional Specialist Cardiovascular and Orthopedic Hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to be run by medical experts in partnership with NDDC. Free medical checkups and surgeries for several Niger Deltans are ongoing, with plans for more because health is wealth.
Concerned about the failed attempts to sustainably empower Niger Delta youths, Chief Samuel approved the Niger Delta Resource Database. This initiative captures youths aged 18-45 based on needs assessment, passion/status quo, qualifications, and skills identification. The Resource Database System evolved into the Holistic Opportunities and Programs for Engagement (H.O.P.E), aimed at empowering and engaging Niger Deltans based on the above criteria. Dr. Samuel is focused on the sustainable and long-term empowerment of regional youths, providing them with a level playing field among their peers from other parts of the country and the world, whether in maritime, music and arts, entrepreneurship, internship, agriculture, or science and technology (Militech), CNG, Under-waterWelding. The commission under his leadership, has also initiated the NIGER DELTA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, which will focus on training youths on several skills while also providing stipends / logistics through the duration of the trainings.
The Dr. Ogbuku-led NDDC has also secured partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO), several multinationals ( SPDC , Chevron, Total etc ) , the United States Consulate, and Atlanta Global Resources Inc. to build a railway network connecting the nine states of the Niger Delta region.
Months ago , the NDDC organized the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit, bringing together key stakeholders across all political divides to analyze the Niger Delta master plan, review progress, and discuss the way forward for the region in achieving developmental goals. The gains of this summit will reverberate for years, as it was an epoch-making event. During the summit, Dr. Ogbuku assured participants that their recommendations would be followed studiously to change the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.
End Note
The best is yet to come from the Chief Samuel Ogbuku-led administration. All they have done is but a “tip of the iceberg,” as the best days for the region are ahead. Like Hercules, he is poised to cut off the “hydra-headed monster” of non-performance in NDDC boards. It is said that to whom much is given, much is expected, and the whole region has completely put their trust and aspirations in Dr. Ogbuku. It is clear he will deliver on the renewed Hope mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Martins Ibigomie Ogolo
Public Affairs Analyst
[email protected]
