The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has unveiled the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, 25 Years Anniversary Logo and the Niger Delta Sports Festival Mascot.
Performing the historic ceremony in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Governor Uzodinma, said he was delighted that the landmark event was taking place in his state. “It signifies that Imo is now safe and open for such significant gatherings. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the NDDC on its 25th anniversary. It is no small feat to have remained resilient despite various challenges over the years,” he said.
Governor Uzodinma declared: “The NDDC is a Commission that is very dear to our hearts. The Act that established it reflects the commitment to addressing developmental gaps in the Niger Delta. As an important institution, the NDDC remains a treasure to all states along the shoreline, driving progress and development in the region.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is gaining momentum across the Niger Delta states, reinforcing our shared vision for growth and prosperity. I must emphasise that the NDDC is not in competition with state governments but rather serves as a complementary agency, working alongside the states to enhance development efforts.
“On behalf of the NDDC Advisory Council, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the NDDC and reaffirm our unwavering support and confidence in its mission. We appreciate your decision to host this important event in Imo State, and we look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of our people.”
In his address, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, appreciated the Imo State Governor for hosting the unveiling ceremony, noting that the Commission was determined to make the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.
He restated his commitment to the mandate given to the Commission 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 the task of developing the Niger Delta region.
He recalled that between May 18 and May 28 last year, the NDDC commissioned five major development projects across the Niger Delta region. He said this included the 27.5-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, constructed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC.
“Similarly, we commissioned the 6km Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and 600m Ibeno Bridge in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
In the area of electricity, he said: “We commissioned the 45-km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa in Ondo State. This electrification project supplies light to the 25 local governments that have been in darkness for 15 years.
Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transformational leadership and accountability. He stated that NDDC had engaged the globally renowned audit firm, KPMG, to review its operations, adding that the report’s recommendations would be fully implemented to enhance transparency and efficiency.
He noted: “There have been anomalies in the past, but we are focused on the future. We agreed with KPMG to begin implementing the report’s recommendations.”
Acknowledging the region’s high demand for solar power projects, Ogbuku promised that many more communities will benefit from the Light Up the Niger Delta project.
He noted that the NDDC 25th anniversary would witness a series of activities, including the commissioning of completed projects, noting: “A major highlight will be the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, aimed at fostering regional integration and developing amateur sporting talents in Akwa Ibom State.
Ogbuku said: “We have to work on our diversity and ensure that we have unity in diversity. We are united as Niger Deltans because God has brought us together into one geographical region where we have common ecological and environmental challenges.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the NDDC Executive Director Finance and Administration and the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the unveiling of the logo and mascot, Alabo Boma Iyaye, harped on the need to build regional integration. “In building and fostering regional integration, we thought it wise to come up with the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival,” he said.
The NDDC Executive Director stated that July 12th, 2025, will mark 25 years since the creation of the NDDC. He enjoined: “Join us to celebrate 25 years of developmental intervention and making a difference.
“This logo will be used in all official transactions of the commission throughout the year 2025, marking the symbol of our celebration. As part of this celebration, the commission is holding its maiden edition of the Niger delta sports festival.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, thanked President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on the NDDC, my colleagues and I remain committed to ensuring effective oversight of the Commission’s operations. Our collective goal is to see the NDDC fulfil its mandate and drive sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.”
