The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, at different fora has re-stated the commitment of the new leadership in the Commission to quickening the pace of development in the Niger Delta region.
A humble Ebie, who just assumed duty, intends to put in his best to ensure that the new management changes the narrative concerning the NDDC and the poor perception of the Niger Delta region out there.
The Commission is fast-tracking the construction work on the Oruma rigid pavement Road, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to ensure its commissioning. The road would serve as a major by-pass for commuters in many communities in both Bayelsa and Rivers states.
The NDDC Board was inaugurated on November 16. Mr. Chiedu Ebie, the newly appointed Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is a seasoned technocrat who represents transformative leadership for the Niger Delta Region.
His vast experience and innate capabilities make him well-equipped to combat the enormous challenges ahead and leave a monumental impact on the development of the Niger Delta Region.
He was born into the family of Professor John C. Ebie, a respected psychiatrist, academic, and pioneer Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). This rich pedigree is the foundation of his illustrious career, propelling him to amass over three decades of varied experiences from the private and public sectors. With an undergraduate degree in law from the University of Benin, a certificate of call to the Bar from Nigerian Law School, and a postgraduate diploma from the University of London, his academic credentials are just as impressive.
As a man of results, his tenure in the public sector was marked by efficiency and the breaking down of bureaucratic barriers. He introduced and implemented government policies through processes that translated into a seamless, result-oriented working environment. Before long, recognition came in droves for him, particularly by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, who lauded him as his most outstanding appointee during the third anniversary of his first tenure when he served as Commissioner for Education (Basic & Secondary). This accolade culminated in a higher responsibility. He became the Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG) during Okowa’s second term. In this dynamic political environment, his calm demeanor, humility, and strategic insight became a source of guidance and stability, further solidifying his reputation as an invaluable asset to Delta State.
Demonstrating his leadership skills, he co-convened the Delta Unity Group (DUG) aimed at promoting unity and harmony within the political domain of Delta State. This structure was crucial in grassroots mobilization for progressive candidates during the 2023 general elections.
As he takes the reins of the board of NDDC, his vision for the Niger Delta Region is clear and promising. It is a vision that seeks to improve and change the outlook of the Commission while at the same time rebuilding trust and confidence among critical stakeholders.
Chiedu Ebie is a leader, reformist, and architect of progress, ready to shape a brighter and more prosperous future for the Niger Delta Region
The Chiedu Ebie led board is infusing a new life in the NDDC and seeking to collaborate more with development partners, including the state governments and other stakeholders in the region to achieve our objectives.
Henceforth, Ebie is ensuring that representatives of the states in the NDDC board must be in constant touch with their state governments and ensure that projects are based on needs assessment.The Oruma Road, which links another NDDC road, the 23.5-kilometre Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego Road and bridges, connecting Bayelsa and Rivers communities, would enhance the impact of the regional road.
The completion of the road project was part of efforts by the NDDC management to complete all on-going projects in the Niger Delta region.
The road is very important, because it would help people of the area, mostly farmers, to evacuate their agricultural produce to the cities and towns for sale.
As its host governor, NDDC Board thought it wise to pay Governor Siminalayi Fabura a courtesy visit. The Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, promised to collaborate and support the Chiedu Ebie led- NDDC in its efforts to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region.
Some of the NDDC team working assiduously with Chiedu Ebie include the managing director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the executive director of finance and administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the executive director of projects, Sir Victor Antai; the executive director of corporate services, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde and other members of the board and directors of the commission.
Fabura and other Governors in the region have assured NDDC of their readiness to collaborate with all federal government agencies committed to the development of the Niger Delta region.
Under the leadership of the chairman, Mr. Ebie, NDDC has identified more than 90 per cent of the problems facing the region and is ready to solve them.
One of such is the duplication of projects.
Fubara advised the commission to avoid cases of duplication of projects, stating that it was very necessary to consult the states before embarking on projects in their respective territories.
Also, the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs in the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State has pledged to support the Niger Delta Development Commission, and its executive management in their task of developing the various communities in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking during a solidarity visit to the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Boma Iyaye, at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Ogu Chiefs, led by the Chairman of the Council of Chiefs, Chief Adokiye Chuku, expressed confidence in the capacity of members of the NDDC Board and Management to deliver quality service.
Chuku, speaking on behalf of the delegation, said it was important to support the NDDC management and one of their sons, Chief Boma Iyaye.
He advised the Executive Director to leave a legacy in the Niger Delta region and to always remember his immediate constituency in the course of his duties.
Olamide Adeniji is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspapers
