NDDC, traditional rulers to work for development of Niger Delta

The Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof. Nelson Brambaifa, has given an assurance that he will work with traditional rulers in providing sustainable development for the Niger Delta.

Brambaifa, according to a statement by NDDC’s new Director, Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, stated this during a courtesy visit by members of the Izon Elders’ Council, Delta State, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

He challenged the monarchs to continue to support the development process in the crude oil and gas-rich region, noting that they would always play crucial roles in ensuring peace and providing a platform for dialogue.

The NDDC chief noted that efforts were being made to revive the Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD) forum, in order to serve as a clearing house for the commission’s projects.

He reiterated that the PSD forum was an important organ for bringing all the stakeholders under one umbrella, to aid the process of harmonising development projects, as enunciated in the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan (NDRDMP).

Brambaifa underscored the role of NDDC as an interventionist agency, charged with the responsibility of fast-tracking the development of Nigeria’s oil rich region.

He said: “Our goal is to uplift the living standard of our people, engage in infrastructural development and drive a robust capacity building. These are the things we are doing to promote the stability of our region and we urge you to be partners with us.”

The acting managing director also urged key stakeholders in the Niger Delta not to relent in their efforts to address the challenge of restiveness, thereby creating the right environment for the commission to complete all its projects and thus take the region to the next level.

The Chairman of Izon Council of Elders, Chief Bare Etolor, in his address, felicitated with Brambaifa and the other executive directors on their appointments, while expressing eagerness to partner with NDDC in bringing sustainable development to the Niger Delta.

Etolor said: “Our voice has been heard across the country on issues concerning peace, development, youth restiveness, inter-ethnic/multi-national community relationship, resource control and good governance.”

Chairman of Izon council of elders also pleaded with the NDDC chief to ensure the completion of the commission’s projects, especially in all the Ijaw communities and requested the award of contract for the Phase 2 channelisation of the Ogbe-Ijoh Bututu River creek.