NDDC Has Been Repositioned To Inspire Hope – MD

• Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the MD of NDDC, emphasized the commission’s focus on sustainable development, particularly through Project Hope involving tech hubs and agriculture
• The NDDC is compiling a comprehensive youth database to tailor its empowerment programs and is working on internal governance reforms

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), says the commission has been repositioned to bring much-needed growth and development to inspire hope in the Niger Delta region.

According to Ogbuku, the NDDC is now primarily focused on long-term partnerships in manpower and infrastructure development, with a short, medium, and long-term strategy.

This assurance was given by the NDDC MD on Wednesday during a meeting in his office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to the Chairman of Nigerian Young Professionals Forum and Convener of Niger Delta Young Professionals, Moses Siloko Siasia, and members of his team.

He revealed that the commission has launched a ‘Project Hope’ initiative as part of its strategic plan to create job opportunities for young people in the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku explained that Project Hope will focus on agriculture and tech hubs for young people to provide them with a sustainable source of income.

We have a new thinking and a new way of doing things. We are moving away from the past because times are changing and we need to catch up.

Our deliberate and strategic plans are geared towards sustainable development. We are committed to ensure that we build the capacity of our youths in areas that they can have comparative advantage.

We have set up what we call Project Hope. This initiative that is focused on tech hubs and agriculture. It will take our youths out of poverty and help to create sustainable livelihood. They will be their own bosses and also employers of labour, he said.

The NDDC CEO said the commission is compiling a database of youths in the region to help with planning and manpower development.

He claimed the comprehensive database would allow the NDDC to tailor its empowerment program.

Ogbuku stated that the commission had engaged KPMG to develop an Internal Corporate Governance System as part of its innovative plans to change its operations.

While lamenting the number of abandoned projects in the region, he stated that the NDDC was collaborating with Niger Delta state governments, individuals, and institutions to maximize its development agenda.

“The partnership will improve the region’s ability to deliver critical infrastructure quickly,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Siasia praised the NDDC boss for his reforms, which he claimed had made the commission more result-oriented.

Siasia stated that they were in his office on a familiarization visit to congratulate him on his new position and that they had no doubt in his ability to perform.

He described the NDDC’s new thinking and vision as the result of purposeful leadership under Ogbuku and urged people in the region to support him for him to succeed.