The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has consecrated its new headquarters building along Eastern By-Pass, Marine base, Port Harcourt.
The new office complex, estimated at 16 billion naira, was dedicated to God by the Commission.
Speaking at a praise and worship ceremony attended by directors and staff of the Commission, the NDDC Interim Administrator, Dr. Efiong Akwa, said that the Commission was at the dawn of a new era.
According to him, “Except the Lord builds a house, the builders build but in vain. That is why we have come here to surrender and thank God for preserving us and giving us peace in Rivers State and indeed, the Niger Delta region.”
While praying, the Administrator appealed to oil companies that were not forthcoming in discharging their statutory obligations to the NDDC to do so earnestly.
“God will touch their hearts to make their remittances to the Commission to enable us to fulfill our mandate and the purpose for which the NDDC was established,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission expressed that the dedication is a good way to secure the preservation of the new complex, noting that “whatever is dedicated unto God is preserved forever.”
“We have collectively prayed that no calamity will befall any person here. No evil will take place here, and the almighty God will protect all our staff and contractors.
“With God, nothing shall be impossible for NDDC.” It is the almighty God that rules in the affairs of men. As we have come together to seek the face of the Lord, nothing shall hinder our progress.”
On his part, the Special Adviser on Technical Matters to the Interim Administrator, Engr. Ubong James said that the dedication confirmed that the NDDC was repositioning for better service delivery to the people of the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC Director Administration, Dr. Charles Akpan, said that the dedication was significant for the Commission. He further disclosed that provisions had been made for the Commission’s fellowship group to worship God in the Commission’s Christian complex.
Recall that Wike had threatened to stop officials of the Commission from accessing the road leading to their new headquarters if the Commission fails to pay its counterpart funding meant for the construction of the eastern bypass.
According to the governor, “For the headquarters, Mr minister you’re here with the MD, you told me in government House that you’ll partner with the state government, that you’re going to bring 2.5 billion naira, the state government will bring 2.5 billion for the dualization of the eastern bypass, as I speak, you have not brought one naira, meanwhile, the road is almost 95% ready. If you don’t pay I will make sure you won’t use that road to your headquarters because I’m going to be the one that will block that road”.
