The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC has called on youths and leaders in the Niger Delta region to collectively safeguard projects sited in their communities.
Speaking at a one-day capacity building program for stakeholders in Port Harcourt, The Director in charge of NDDC Rivers State Office, Dr. Okezie Ule said the amount of money expended to put these projects in place cannot be jeopardized by the actions of vandals and other misguided actors.
“We have seen with dismay how a lot of our lofty projects which even the communities solicited for are left to ruin.”
“All these things are happening because nobody is taking responsibility to at least protect this projects so that is the attitude that has necessitated this gathering to let the people know that is everybody’s business.”
He called for collaboration between leaders, youths and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that projects are protected
The Rivers State Representative on the NDDC board, Chief Tony Okocha who was represented by Mr. Chibuzor Kwelle thanked security agencies and the people at the grassroot for playing a greater role in protecting projects.
He added that the commission can only site more projects when the ones built are fully utilized and protected.
One of the resource persons, Mr. Stanley Okereke reiterated that vandalization can lead to project relocation, while urging community leaders to prioritize safeguarding projects in their domain.
Mr. Okereke noted that when projects are vandalized, the community bears the pain of not benefiting from such infrastructure.
Some of the participants at the program appreciated the commission for the timing of the engagement and pledged to cascade the message to their communities.
