“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
—Warren Bennis
The 7th Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the 29th day of August 29 2023. This appointment was greeted with mixed signals as many didn’t know what to expect from the Board especially as several boards before them underperformed for different reasons.
The current board of the NDDC is truly unique as it parades itself with “round pegs in round holes,” beginning with the Chairman Chiedu Ebie Esq learned fellow with vision and foresight, MD/CEO Dr Samuel Ogbuku, a workaholic administrator, and every other member of the board who are distinguished personalities in their spheres of life which is obviously why the President carefully handpicked and assembled the Niger Delta reform “Galacticos” to lead the region to the next level of prosperity and “the promised land”.
An important reason why the board has so far succeeded is the camaraderie relationship they share so much so that board meetings and gatherings look more like a family reunion(s). The cooperation, cohesion, are visible even to the blind hence the accelerated development around the region. This cordial relationship between them is healthy and is a reason why they are making great progress.
Like a world-class football team, the success of “the team” relies on the quality of players and their abilities to perform in their respective ” wings”. This is exemplified by all 23 members of the “Renewed” 7th board of the NDDC which has been performing because of the synergy amongst the board members and the sterling performance of State Representatives, particularly that of Rivers State; Chief Tony Okocha, KSC DSSRS, JP.
Sir Tony being a former Local Government Chairman and Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government, isn’t new to public office and understands the enormous task before him as regards delivering the dividends of NDDC to his State as there was and still is a high expectation for the NDDC through its state offices.
Since Sir Okocha understands the importance of Stakeholders, he started his journey by engaging critical stakeholders: traditional rulers, captains of industries, women and youths to have an in-depth discussion with them as regards the challenges they faced, their concerns, fears and advice from their groups as to how to fully bring the NDDC closer to Rivers communities. He also hosted some contractors of NDDC, assuring them of the Commission’s resolve to clear their outstandings, while also reiterating the 7th Board’s resolve not to entertain laxity of any form especially as regards the quality of projects.
In the past 2 years, the state office of the interventionist agency NDDC under Chief Tony Okocha has achieved great feats in several areas including :
As regards the area of Construction, the NDDC through the State Rep Sir Tony Okocha, has constructed several ultra-modern markets, lockup shops, roads, water projects, staff Quarters for principals and teachers across several schools in the state. Top amongst the list of constructions include: the Ibaa Community ultra-modern market ( 20 lockup stores, 126 open shops, 6,000 gallons of water tanks, 2 administrative office rooms ), Construction of several 2-bedroom flats in Umuechem Community of Etche LGA for principal and teachers, Construction of a multipurpose Hall in Rumuorosi, Obio/Akpor LGA, Road construction in Rumuigbo Community, 10 rooms ensuite as Corpers Lodge situated in Ndele community, Water projects in Soku, Luawii community in Khana LGA, Abua/Odual, 3000 seater event pavillion in Degema…
For healthcare, the NDDC through the state representative has provided health support and intervention to Rivers people. Sometime, last year, there was a cholera outbreak, across several local governments and communities in Rivers State, and Chief Okocha got the attention of the NDDC Board who immediately provided medicines, food and other relief items for the communities especially the Soku community.
Several communities, streets and villages in Rivers State have benefited from the ongoing “Operation Light Up Niger Delta ” project which provides solar-powered street lights to help improve nightlife around the region while curbing crime. In fact, Sir Okocha has assured that any street, community or village yet to be captured, he will personally bring their concerns before the board to ensure they also benefit from the milestone project. Sometime last year Bane community, the home town of Matyr and Icon, Ken Saro-Wiwa went agog because they also got several solar lights, which have so far added to community beautification and increased security around the community.
The Rivers Representative on the 7th board of NDDC, understands the importance of education, which is why he gave scholarships to Rivers Youths, provided educational materials to several schools while also attracting an award of contract for the renovation of some public schools in the state.
Several Local Government Areas have also felt the impact of the NDDC through the state representative in human capital development as youths have been trained and empowered with the necessary skills to make a Livelihood of their own.
End Note :
Indeed the state Representative on the 7th board of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) Chief Tony Okocha is a modern-day representative especially on a very important agency like the NDDC, as he understands the plight of people and as such follows up on any concern brought to his notice.
Martins Ogolo
Public Affairs Analyst
martins.ogolo@yahoo.com
