The new Acting Managing Director, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says he will ensure that development gets to every community.
He said the Interim Management Committee (IMC) was committed to equitable and efficient resource distribution for the people’s benefit.
Speaking when Niger Delta youths paid him a solidarity visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, on Thursday he said the region’s resources managed by the agency would be used not only for projects but for youth and women empowerment.
According to him, the IMC would strengthen collaboration with all stakeholders, including the youths to fast-track the region’s development.
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Pondei was flanked by NDDC’s Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chief Ibanga Etang, and the Acting Executive Director, Projects, Dr Cairo Ojougboh.
He said: “We must go back to time-tested activities like agriculture. We have left agriculture behind and other people are now coming to Niger Delta to farm and fish for us.
“Going forward, NDDC is going to put more effort to make sure that people who are going into agriculture and any form of business are empowered and given the opportunity to succeed.”
Pondei also stressed the need for peace, saying there would be no development without it.
He said: “You must organise yourselves and be ready to work hard. President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not happy about some of the activities of youths in the Niger Delta. I want to encourage all of you to organise yourselves and be ready to work together.
“We want to make sure that development trickles down to every community in the Niger Delta.
“For that to happen, we need to work together. I urge you to sit up and share ideas with us on ways we can do things differently.”
The NDDC chief also charged Niger Delta youths to pay more attention to modern farming, stating that the potential for growth and development in the area was enormous.
He said: “Let us come together to ensure that NDDC is known for progress. We want a situation where, in the next 10 years, you will be proud to say that you are from the Niger Delta.
“So, let us stop all the fighting and other social vices because we are the ones killing ourselves. Let us try to do things differently.”
One of the youth leaders, General Ocean, hailed President Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akoabio, for listening to their cries for rapid development.
He said the youths were behind the IMC, adding that they would join in the efforts to take development to the rural communities.
Also yesterday, an Ijaw leader and activist, George Tamuno, said Pondei’s choice was the right one.
“President Buhari has again proven to the people of Niger Delta that he is committed to the development of the oil-rich region by appointing Prof Pondei as the new Acting Managing Director of the NDDC.
“The appointment was timely to boost the confidence of Niger Deltans and also to actualise the President-ordered forensic audit of the NDDC,” he said.
Tamuno said he had no doubt that Pondei would perform creditably.
“I want to urge all in the region to stand by the forensic audit. We will continue to support the government for the betterment of our people.”
