The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, says it will intensify its region-wide intervention in communities of the Niger Delta region by collaborating with states and local governments in the execution of impactful projects.
The NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr Efiong Akwa, stated this during the flag off ceremony for the construction of an International Bush Meat Market and Motor Park in Omagwa, in conjunction with the Ikwerre Local Government Council.
Akwa stated that the Ikwerre Local Government was the first third tier of government to partner directly with the NDDC in the execution of project, noting: “The chairman deserves commendation for seeking every opportunity to bring development projects to his people.”
He applauded the chairman for taking care of the interest of the people of his council area, adding: “We are happy to be associated with the Local Government in constructing the International Bush Meat Market which will add value to the economic activities in the Niger Delta region.”
Akwa said that credit should be given to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for supporting the development efforts of the NDDC in the Niger Delta.
He commended the Local Government Council for protecting the Special Police Unit quarters being built by the NDDC in Omagwa. He also gave kudos to the Rivers State Government for executing many impactful projects in the state, noting that the Ikwerre Local Government chairman had taken a cue from the Governor in the area of projects.
Akwa assured that the NDDC would make its 60 per cent contribution to the cost of the market project in one installment to ensure that it was completed on schedule.
In his address, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike, said that the local government had a responsibility to execute projects that would benefit the people living in the rural areas. “We try out best to embrace any opportunity to bring development to the grassroots,” he said.
Nwanosike described the NDDC Interim Administrator as a special leader that Nigerians should watch out for in national politics. He remarked: “He is a leader that is willing to listen and act without equivocation. He is a leader who makes a promise and delivers promptly.”
The LG boss promised that the market project would be the fastest to be delivered in the Ikwerre Local Government Area.
He remarked that it was part of the NDDC mandate to provide development projects in the rural communities for the benefit of the people.
He expressed delight at the project and pledged that the communities which are benefitting from the NDDC would guard the projects “jealously and protect them from vandalism.
In his solidarity message, the traditional ruler of Omagwa, Eze Achinike Amadi, said he was elated that under his watch, an important project such as the market was attracted to his domain. He promised that his people will protect the project and ensure that there were no disturbances.
Eze Amadi said that the NDDC had shown that it could be relied upon for development projects, stating that his people were particularly impressed by the prompt action of NDDC.
He enthused: “Today, history has been made in Omagwa. The Chairman of the LGA and the NDDC has made it possible for us to witness this epoch. I thank the NDDC for giving us a project to be proud of and taking us to a new level.”
