Abuja: The Forum of Concerned Youths of Niger Delta Oil Host Communities has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the establishment of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the forum’s Secretary, Romeo Bekeyei, described NDCCITMA as a crucial platform for business development and investment. He highlighted that the initiative aims to support local businesses, provide skill training, and boost economic activity across the Niger Delta, marking a significant step towards economic development and job creation in the region.
Bekeyei emphasized that under Dr Samuel Ogbuku’s leadership, the NDDC is committed not only to infrastructure development but also to promoting business and enterprise. Since its launch on April 4, NDCCITMA has engaged various stakeholders, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), incubation centres, academics, professional bodies, and trade groups, focusing on skills development and promoting the export of goods and services.
The forum also expressed its support for the chamber’s planned collaboration with the Bank of Industry, which is expected to ensure the sustainability of youth development initiatives. Bekeyei praised the NDDC’s ‘Light Up the Niger Delta Initiative’, a renewable energy project deploying solar-powered streetlights across Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa states, noting that residents have reported improvements in security and night-time commerce.
Upon Ogbuku’s appointment as NDDC CEO on January 5, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu, he pledged to restore credibility to the agency, previously troubled by abandoned projects and leadership issues. Under Ogbuku’s stewardship, the NDDC secured National Assembly approval for a budget dedicated to completing ‘legacy projects,’ a historic first for the agency.
Official records show that the 2024 budget includes 1,006 projects across the nine oil-producing states, encompassing roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and power infrastructure. In May 2024, the commission announced ‘five flagship projects in 10 days,’ including the 27.5km Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa, a 9km road in Abia, a 45km power feeder line in Ondo, and the 600m Ibeno Bridge in Akwa Ibom.
Bekeyei noted that the Bonny Ring Road in Rivers, conceived over a decade ago, is now progressing under Ogbuku. Additionally, the Kaa-Ataba Bridge and Okrika-Borikiri Bridge, previously delayed due to mismanagement, have been revived under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bekeyei also addressed rumours concerning Ogbuku’s 50th birthday, denying allegations that state funds were used for the celebration. He stated that Ogbuku’s associates, friends, and family honoured him for his transformative initiatives and significant contributions to revitalising the agency. He urged those spreading false narratives to cease and instead support ongoing development efforts in the region.