The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, emphasized its renewed zeal to accord stakeholders and their priorities the utmost attention in the conception and execution of projects.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, stated this today at the beginning of a one-day working visit to the University of Port Harcourt.
Addressing members of the University’s Governing Council at the Council Chambers shortly after his arrival, Dr. Ogbuku said: “We are here to understand what your priorities are. At the NDDC, we believe it is not enough to conceive projects. We have to interface with the beneficiaries, including stakeholders like state governments, to do meaningful projects and avoid duplication of projects. This is what informed our visit to the University.”
He explained that the paucity of financial resources amidst increasing expectations of stakeholders had necessitated the Commission’s adoption of a partnership approach to developing the Niger Delta. “We have created a provision for partnership in our budget. Partnership breeds more mileage to development where finance and technical limitations will be significantly reduced or eliminated. The Commission is open to partnership with the University regarding research and other benefits it can offer.”
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, of the University of Port Harcourt, Chief Senator Andrew Uchendu, formally welcomed the NDDC Managing Director/CEO, saying: “I know you as a person, and I can tell you are a very focused, humble, and humane gentleman. This charisma is worthy of emulation.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, described Dr. Ogbuku as “one of the Icons that have passed through this university. Your hard work and dedication as an individual have opened higher doors for you.” He said: “The University is very proud of you. That is why we rolled out the drums to receive you. It is very rare for the University to do so and this is one of those rare occasions.”
The NDDC has made several remarkable interventions in the University of Port Harcourt, all of which were more than 80 percent completed and, upon inspection on the 3rd of April 2023, are in good condition.
These projects include:
– Construction of NDDC prototype Hostel at the University of Port Harcourt awarded in 2004 (100% completed)
– Construction of High-Performance Centre at the university of Port Harcourt awarded in 2013 (100% completed)
– Rehabilitation of 8-Lane Base with D-Zone Supply/Installation of Synthetic Athletic running track at the University of Port Harcourt awarded in 2013 (100% completed)
– Emergency Road Repairs of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Complex Access/Internal Roads awarded in 2016 (100% completed)
– Construction of Urgently Remedy Failed and Unmotorable sections of New Gana-Ama Road, University of Port Harcourt, awarded in 2018 (100% completed)
– Emergency Repairs of Failed and Unmotorable sections of Staff quarters internal roads at Uniport, Rivers State/Amadi Wechele Street off Mgbuoshimini Road & Street Lights awarded in 2021 (100% completed).
Dr. Ogbuku’s working visit set the University agog, as the Presedent of the Student Union Government, Comrade Dickson Senibo mobilised the entire student body to accord the visiting delegation a rousing reception. The excitement over his visit is not unconnected with Dr. Ogbuku having obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Port Harcourt.
He was accompanied by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Major General Charles Airhiavbere, the Executive Director, Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola, and a host of directors. They were treated to a command performance at the university auditorium, before they proceeded on a tour of the university.
