NDDC saves Rivers Community From Darkness

Omerelu has finally seen the light.

The people of Omerelu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers state, were thrown into euphoria yesterday, following the inauguration of a world-class Hybrid Solar-powered streetlights setup across villages in the community by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

In accordance with its outreach titled “Operation Light Up Niger Delta”, NDDC provided the solar power to lighten the once darkness-ridden Omopi – Omerelu community. Inaugurating  the project, the Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board, Mr Tony Okocha, said  it will provide economic value to the community, reduce criminal activities, and also provide an aesthetic night view in the community.

Okocha thanked the Board and Management of the NDDC, headed by Mr Chiedu Ebie and Dr Samuel Ogbuku, “for rewriting the history of NDDC from widely being viewed as a cash cow to a vibrant and vivacious interventionist agency that is attracting immeasurable people-oriented projects to the good people of the Niger Delta”. In appreciation, Chairman of Omerelu Council of Chiefs, Chief L. O. Didia, thanked the NDDC Board, particularly, the Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board, for bringing the project to the community. He also thanked their son, Dr. Anosike Orduwa, for attracting the project to the community.

Furthermore, the Commission has disclosed that communities spread across four states of the Niger Delta region have already donated parcels of land to NDDC, for the agricultural component of its  Opportunities for Programme and Engagement, titled  Project HOPE.

Lecturing at the on-boarding exercise at the NDDC Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Ogbuku, said the formal engagement with the communities spread across four states of the region, (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Imo, and Rivers) was preparatory to the commencement of the second phase of Project HOPE, expected to kick-off in June.

He explained that Project HOPE was born out of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stating: “The program is holistic because it is all-encompassing and sustainable.” He said that the database would serve as a plank for data-driven planning, enabling the formulation of impactful policies and programs targeted at the youth.

He profusely thanked the community for the hospitality and support they gave the contractor who handled the project, which led to the completion of the project in record time.

NDDC has been providing social amenities such as electricity and water in LGAs in the state such as Etche, Ikwere, and Tai.

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