The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced celebrations marking its 25th anniversary with a thanksgiving service, drawing commendations for its contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural advancement of the Niger Delta region.
The service, which signalled the beginning of a week-long series of events commemorating the milestone, was attended by top government officials, dignitaries, and stakeholders.
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who joined the NDDC Governing Board and Management at the event, praised the agency’s performance under its current leadership. He noted that the region had witnessed significant development despite the challenges confronting the Commission.
“The current board of the NDDC has made an encouraging start, and this celebration is well deserved. The Commission has met the expectations of the people by completing abandoned projects and making visible impact across key sectors. These achievements deserve recognition and gratitude for what has been accomplished through the dedication of the Board and Management,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated.
He acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast support for the development of the Niger Delta and credited this backing as instrumental to the Commission’s recent accomplishments.
The governor encouraged the NDDC not to become complacent but to adopt needs assessments as a guiding principle for future interventions. He also advocated for stronger collaboration between the Commission and state governments, affirming Ondo State’s readiness to work with the NDDC to deliver democratic dividends to the people.
Members of the NDDC leadership present included the Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie; Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai; and Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, alongside several directors and staff.
Delivering the sermon, the officiating cleric, Most Rev. Simeon Borokini, reminded the Commission of its mandate to accelerate development and prioritise the welfare of vulnerable populations across the region.
“You are called to fulfil your mission as an interventionist agency. While upholding values that transcend the temporal, I urge you to focus on the plight of the 30 million people in the region, especially the underprivileged, persons with disabilities, and the marginalised,” he said.
Rev. Borokini acknowledged the agency’s accomplishments over the past quarter-century but appealed for continued support in youth development and skills acquisition, particularly in partnership with churches and community groups.
He also commended President Tinubu for appointing an Ondo State indigene to the NDDC board, describing it as a gesture of inclusion.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, senior government officials, and other distinguished guests.
