•••Governor celebrates Commission’s achievements at silver jubilee thanksgiving in Akure
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, particularly the contributions of Ondo State’s representatives, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde and Hon. Otito Atikase, for their dedication to the Commission’s vision of sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
Speaking on Sunday at a Thanksgiving Service held at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Akure, to mark the Commission’s 25th anniversary, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the NDDC as a cornerstone institution in the region’s transformation journey. He lauded the Commission’s Board and management, led by Chief Samuel Ogbuku, for steering the agency with a renewed sense of purpose and accountability.
“We in Ondo State, particularly those from the oil-producing areas of Ilaje and Ese-Odo, are witnesses to the positive strides of the NDDC. I commend our own representatives on the Board, Abegunde and Atikase for their unwavering commitment and for ensuring that the State continues to benefit meaningfully from the Commission’s interventions,” the Governor said.
Dr. Aiyedatiwa, who once served on the NDDC Board between 2018 and 2019, expressed pride in being part of the agency’s history and progress. He noted that the Commission had significantly contributed to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability across the region.
The Governor also praised the current leadership of the NDDC for revitalizing its mandate through impactful projects and people-oriented programs. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Commission and state governments to address region-specific challenges and unlock greater economic potential.
“We must continue to refine our strategies, build synergy, and deliver development that truly transforms lives. The Commission has laid strong foundations, and it is up to us to build on them,” he added.
He further highlighted his administration’s efforts through the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), stating that it has been restructured to deliver efficiently on ecological and infrastructural development in oil-bearing communities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Niger Delta and for prioritizing transparency and performance in the NDDC.
Earlier in the service, Rt. Revd. Dr. Simon Oluwole Borokini, Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, delivered a powerful sermon urging public officials to remain accountable to God and use their positions for the greater good.
NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, in his remarks, reiterated the Commission’s renewed commitment to purposeful and transparent development across the region.
The thanksgiving event, which drew dignitaries from across the Niger Delta, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and stakeholders, concluded with a grand reception at The Dome, Akure.
