President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has called on Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to focus on delivering projects that empower communities, uplift youth, and foster hope across the Niger Delta.
Represented by Finance Minister Wale Edun at Ogbuku’s 50th birthday celebration and the launch of two books authored by Ogbuku in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu emphasized the need for impactful initiatives.
The books, _Strategies and Imperative for Developing Niger Delta and Rethinking the Niger Delta_, reflect Ogbuku’s vision for the region. Edun, speaking on behalf of the President, commended Ogbuku’s leadership and urged him to sustain efforts to transform the NDDC.
“The Niger Delta is Nigeria’s economic heartbeat, critical to our energy and environmental future,” he said, highlighting the administration’s focus on transparency, infrastructure, and community empowerment to address longstanding challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised Ogbuku’s tenure, noting the NDDC’s turnaround under his leadership.
He cited the completion of a major electricity project in Ondo State’s Ilaje area, which restored power to four local government areas and numerous villages after 14 years of darkness.
Akpabio contrasted past NDDC boards, which often lasted less than 10 months due to corruption, with Ogbuku’s two years of impactful, collaborative leadership.
“You will be remembered for the legacies you leave in the Niger Delta,” he said.
In his remarks, Ogbuku expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to lead the NDDC and for inspiring his team’s achievements. Recalling his first meeting with the President, Ogbuku noted Tinubu’s encouragement as a catalyst for progress.
“The President’s charge sparked a movement in the NDDC,” he said, crediting Tinubu’s personal interest and oversight for the commission’s successes. Ogbuku vowed to continue delivering on the President’s vision for a transformed Niger Delta.
