Fidelis David in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Archbishop of the Akure Anglican Communion Rev Dr Simon Oluwole Borokini on have commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its efforts in bridging developmental gaps in the Niger Delta region.

The duo who made this commendation at the 25th anniversary thanksgiving service of the NDDC held at St Thomas’s Anglican Church, in Akure, the Ondo State capital commended the commission’s renewed focus on partnerships and collaboration to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

Specifically, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the NDDC has undoubtedly, lived up to its established mandate, commending the current Board and Management for their exemplary leadership and commitment, noting that their dedication to project conception, implementation and completion has been impressive.

“It is an honour to stand before you today at this Thanksgiving Service heralding the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). It particularly gladdens my heart that this thanksgiving service is taking place in Akure, the Ondo State capital.”

“As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the NDDC, it is imperative that we acknowledge the progress we have made and also recognise that there is still much work to be done as the Niger Delta region continues to face significant development challenges and we must work together to address these issues.

“I urge the NDDC to continue to improve on its activities, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve. Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth and enhance the lives of our people. We are partners in progress, unity and development.”

Aiyedatiwa equally commended NDDC’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, Sunday Ifedayo Abegunde, for his outstanding contributions to Ondo State’s development.

Similarly, Rev Dr Simon Oluwole Borokini, Archbishop of the Akure Anglican Communion, in his sermon titled: ‘Accountability’ said the Act that established the board reflects the commitment to addressing developmental gaps in the Niger Delta and as an important institution, the NDDC remains a treasure to all states along the shoreline, driving progress and development in the region.

“For the NDDC family, part of what you are doing during this your 25th anniversary is to give account of your stewardship over the years and trust in God for better performances in the years ahead.

“Your establishment has to do with the realization that the Niger Delta region, home to over 30 million people, has historically been marginalized and neglected despite being Nigeria’s main oil-producing area. Environmental pollution from oil spills and gas-flaring, deforestation have severely affected local livelihoods, particularly farming and fishing.

“Hence, the instruments that established you were in response to long-standing agitation by Niger Delta Committees for Development and Equitable Distribution of Oil Wealth. Your mandate, among others, is to facilitate the rapid, even sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerating, and politically peaceful.

According to him, “We are proud to say, based on what we have seen around, that over the years we have noticed your impact in infrastructural development, water, sanitation, education, health, environmental immunization, youth empowerment, job creation, and support for small-scale businesses and entrepreneurship in our region.

“Our diocese will be willing to collaborate with you in our own guide to empower women and youth in what we call Women and Youth Empowerment Program, which we have in the diocese as one aim, women and youth development every year.”

He called on government at all levels to be proactive and more concerned about the welfare of the electorate.

“Know that the scale of development in the Niger Delta still requires massive investment beyond current capacity. This can only be achieved through collaboration efforts and strengthening governance, transparency, and community engagement, which are critical to your future success in transforming the Niger Delta.

“To be responsible is to be accountable. To be accountable is to be punishable. If not by man, by God. Think about this. Tell it to the Lord. In all you do, in all your achievements, know for sure that one day you will be accountable”, Borokini added.

In his remark, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the NDDC has undertaken major road construction and rehabilitation projects to improve connectivity and accessibility in the Niger Delta region.

“Ondo State was chosen for the anniversary because of its principle which believes that ‘Work is the Antidote for Poverty’. We are also here to spread the dividends of renewed hope. We heard what the cleric said. We have been accountable and we will be accountable at the end of our tenure.”

He stressed that the commission has prioritized youth empowerment through training programs, educational scholarships, and capacity-building workshops to equip the local workforce with necessary skills.

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