The Minister of Niger Delta Development Ministry, Engr. Abubakar Momoh has charged the newly inaugurated board members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)to key into President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda in other to develop the Niger Delta region.
The Minister gave the task on Thursday during the inauguration of the Governing Board of the NDDC in Abuja.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister said, “the inauguration of the board, means that we have accepted to be part of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to that very extent, we need to be conversant with the Eight (8) Presidential Priorities ranging from Food Security, Ending of Poverty in inclusivity, Job Creation, Anti-corruption stance, Rule of Law and others. To that extent, you are expected to work towards delivery on those areas”.
“We are also aware that there have been a lot of complaints about the NDDC and I want to use this opportunity to appeal and also direct that this time around, we need to change the narrative. We cannot continue to do the same thing the same way and expect that we are going to achieve a different result’.
“Collectively, therefore, we must be committed to how the zone can be transformed”, he said.
The former lawmaker advised the board to reconsider the issue of abandoned projects and see how local contractors who are owed below Thirty Million Naira be considered for payment after ascertaining the completion of work.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, in his opening remarks, reminded the newly appointed Board members of the NDDC of the importance of the Niger Delta region.
He urged the board members to bring to the fore their wealth of experience and expertise, as well as dedication in working harmoniously with the ministry and other stakeholders to achieve socio-economic prosperity in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of Mr. President.
According to a statement by the Director Press and Public Relations, Chindaya Ahmadu, the Chairman, NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deeming it worthy to appoint them on the board of NDDC.
According to the Chairman, “Considering the challenges and enormity of these responsibility the board would stand on the pedestal of Mr. President ‘Renewed Hope’ mandate and will look back at the vision and history of the NDDC 23 year’s existential journey aligning it with current realities and objectives of the current administration”.
He added, “We would execute legacy projects based on detailed need assessment and seek strategic collaboration with our partners. Effective communication with key stakeholders is paramount in the discharge of our duties with development partners, as this would restore trust, transparency, and accountability which will enhance development in the region”. He stated.
