BY ADOGHOR BRIGHT OCHUKO
The new chairman of the Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Lauretta Onochie, has assured that the region would begin to experience new lease of life with the coming on board of her and other colleagues in the NDDC.
According to Onochie, “Apart from the physical development of our region, we will be paying extra attention to the empowerment of our teaming youth population, equipping them with requisite skills to catch up with their peers in other parts of Nigeria and elsewhere.”
Emphasising that “We will not fail. It’s a promise. But we ask that you give us the breathing space to do our job. We ask for your support, all and sundry, so we can deliver for the long-suffering people of the Niger Delta.
“We are here to support you in your chosen careers. But you must support us to make the NDDC responsive to the yearning of the Niger Delta people. You must support us to prosper the Niger Delta.
“Members of the Governing Board are all one. We are united in serving the people of the Niger Delta. We are like a family. We have work to do for the Niger Delta people. This is the beginning of new things in the life of the Niger Delta,” she said.
To the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who has since taken over from erstwhile MD, Engr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, “All of us on the Governing Board share one passion. That of rebranding the Commission and ensuring that things are done right.”
Meanwhile, Umana Okon Umana, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has admonished new members of the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to resist the temptation to award new contracts, but instead ensure that ongoing projects are completed.
The minister said this during the inauguration of the governing board of the commission Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, on Wednesday.
Umana said this measure would help to serve the people of the region even better, deliver on the commission’s mandate, as well as launder the rather poor image of the NDDC.
“I also urge you to shun the impulse for the award of spurious and indiscriminate new contracts, and suggest that you instead focus on the completion of ongoing projects to better serve the people of the region and deliver on the mandate of the NDCC, thereby helping to repair the negative public perception for the Commission,” he noted.
He further assured the board that the ministry will continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure a successful administration.
Umana disclosed the Ministry’s plan to organise a retreat for members of the board where they will be trained in preparation for the task ahead of them.
“On our part as the overseeing Ministry, we will not relent in providing and availing the Board and the Commission at large with the necessary support and guidance needed for a successful tenure.
“Accordingly, we shall organisze a retreat for the Board Members, their Aides and Management of the Commission, with the Honourable Minister, Honourable Minister of State and Permanent Secretary in attendance,” he said.
