NDDC commissions 9.4km road, joins fight for better health in oil region

Samuel Ogbuku, Managing director, NDDC

… Gets applause for burial support of deputy governor

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) seems to push harder toward aggressive road network in oil region. The Commission has commissioned the 9.4-kilometre Ogu community road network and a 1,500-seater Royal Hall in Ogu, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Commission has also declared preparedness to fight for better health for the region, and also gained applause for contributing to the burial of the deputy governor of Bayelsa State.

Speaking at Ogu/Bolo at the inauguration of the road project, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said the two projects were further demonstrations of the Federal Government’s determination to develop the Niger Delta region.

“This is the first time I am participating in the activities of the NDDC, and this is because I am satisfied with the performance of the current leadership of the Commission. They have demonstrated that they are working for the people”, Wike said.

In his speech, Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, stated that the road and the town hall were dividends of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Read also: Ogu people shower deep appreciation on NDDC boss for driving development in oil region

The NDDC CEO restated the Commission’s commitment to the mandate given to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region. Ogbuku affirmed that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in developing the Niger Delta region.

In his remarks, Boma Iyaye, the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, noted that the people of Ogu were full of joy over the projects and reassured them that the present board of the Commission would not relent in spreading development to all communities.

The road project is said to cover a total of 12,600km of reinforced concrete line drains, slabs and ring culverts.

The 1,500-seater capacity town hall fully furnished is built to ensure the comfort of the users with an efficient public sound system.

The royal fathers commended the NDDC especially the vision and leadership of the NDDC team, noting that the quality of the projects was exceptional.

Also, the NDDC has emphasised the importance of nurturing a healthy population for the holistic development of the Niger Delta region, stressing that the region needs a healthy people.

Speaking during the Sickle Cell Health Promotion and Sensitisation programme at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Ogbuku observed that sickle cell disease remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta.

The CEO noted that the NDDC recognises that sustainable development is impossible without a healthy population.

“This programme reinforces our commitment to preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and community education. For our youths, knowing your genotype early is essential. For patients, we reaffirm our support for improved access to care. For health professionals, we appreciate your dedication and encourage continued collaboration in research, counselling, and community outreach.”

Speaking earlier, Esther Onolememen, the Founder of Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland-Nigeria (SCAIIN), commended the NDDC for investing in public health and for recognising that sickle cell disease was not only a medical issue but also a social and developmental one.

She stated that SCAIIN, a non-governmental organisation, was focused on breaking the cycle of pain, stigma, and silence surrounding sickle cell disorder through research, education, and community mobilisation.

Expressing gratitude, Derefaka Yemiesibo, father of one of the children living with the sickle cell disease, thanked the NDDC for helping families build resilience through advocacy and support for awareness programmes.

Meanwhile, Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, has expressed appreciation to the NDDC and Ogbuku, its CEO, for supporting the State Government, which contributed significantly to the success of the burial ceremony of the Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the late Bayelsa State deputy governor.

The governor commended the NDDC for ensuring that the solemn occasion was conducted with dignity and honour.

Ogbuku, who led a delegation from the NDDC, including Dimaro Denyanbofa, the Bayelsa State Representative on the NDDC board, and other directors of the Commission, joined other eminent personalities at the ceremony to pay respect to the late Deputy Governor. The NDDC boss had earlier also led a delegation from the Commission in December 2025 to pay a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Governor. At that occasion, Ogbuku described the late statesman as a man whose dedication to duty and service to the state were outstanding.

According to a statement issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, director, Corporate Affairs, the NDDC boss had affirmed that the Commission was committed to supporting the state government during the mourning period and the burial activities.

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