The Niger Delta Development Commission has restated its dedication to finishing all ongoing projects in the Niger Delta region, including those in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, expressed this commitment after inspecting the canalization of Oporoza Creek. He emphasized that the project would facilitate easy access and navigation for the local communities and the oil company operating in Gbaramatu Kingdom.
In a statement released by Dr. Ibitoye Abosede, the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, the NDDC boss, accompanied by Mr. Charles Ogunmola, the Executive Director of Projects, and other commission directors, assured that the infrastructure projects would be completed to positively impact the lives of the people.
During the inspection, the NDDC team also visited the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, King Oboro Gbaruan II, at his palace in Oporoza.
Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the significance of Escravos as an area of special economic priority, expressing the NDDC’s efforts to enhance accessibility by fostering a broad partnership with stakeholders to expedite the construction and completion of the Warri-Omadino-Escravos Road.
He stated, “We have been engaging with Chevron Nigeria Limited and other stakeholders, seeking partnerships to complete this road and other projects. We have adopted the Public Private Partnership model as an alternative source of funding for the commission, actively seeking funding partners to finalize our current projects and initiate new ones.”
Dr. Ogbuku also advocated for replicating the successful partnership between the NDDC and the Shell Petroleum Development Company in constructing the 25.735-kilometer Ogbia-Nembe Road for future projects.
Furthermore, he announced that the 2024 NDDC budget would involve major stakeholders in the region, emphasizing that it should not be solely the commission’s budget but rather a budget for the people of the region.
King Oboro Gbaruan II, the traditional ruler of Gbaramatu Kingdom, urged the NDDC to ensure the completion of all its projects, stating that the non-completion of projects was hindering the region’s development.
The spokesperson for the Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs, Chief Godspower Gbebekama, acknowledged the ongoing projects by the NDDC in the area and appealed for adequate funding to ensure their completion, emphasizing that the NDDC was established to address the unique developmental needs of the Niger Delta region.
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