The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, says the Commission is focused on deepening partnerships and promoting investments to secure the future of Niger Delta people in the years beyond oil-driven economy.
Speaking during a three-day “Develop Ondo 2.0 Investment Summit” at the Dome International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, Ondo State, Ogbuku said that partnerships with private sector and development partners would boost the funding for accelerated development in the Niger Delta region.
He noted, “Thinking beyond oil is not only a pathway to sustain development in the Niger Delta region, but it is also becoming inevitable as the reality of energy transition and global climate crisis continue to stare us in the face.
“We need meaningful engagement of stakeholders to form relevant and sustainable partnerships. That is why, in NDDC, we take time to listen to our stakeholders to know their priorities and ensure that our interventions adequately reflect them.”
The NDDC boss acknowledged the key role of state governments as stakeholders, noting that the Advisory Committee, made up of governors from NDDC member states, was an important consultative body that ensure collaboration. NDDC will ensure that there is synergy with the state governments to reduce waste and inefficiency.
Ogbuku said further, “We need to be innovative in responding to the fast-changing landscape. The issues confronting us now demand more partnership and collaboration.
“In line with the partnership drive in NDDC, we hosted a Public Private Partnership, PPP, summit in Lagos on April 25, with the theme: “Rewind to Rebirth,” which attracted stakeholders from across the country and continent.”
In his address, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said that the state was targeting $2 billion through investments that would transform the state into an industrial hub.
He stated, “The response from potential investors thus far has been highly encouraging, with growing interest in exploring the investment opportunities that Ondo State offers.
“Our previous summit has borne witness to remarkable success stories, illustrating the effectiveness of this platform in attracting investments and fostering economic growth in our State and enormous values to our partners and investors.”
According to him, “One such success story lies in the corridor of agriculture. Several investors have shown keen interest in agricultural projects, leading to the establishment of large-scale farms, agro-processing facilities, and fruitful partnerships with local farmers. Notably, the ‘Red Gold Project,’ an agricultural initiative implemented by the Ondo State Government, has gained significant traction.”
Aiyedatiwa said the state had made significant progress in establishing the “Port Ondo” Project, located in Erruna/Ogboti, Ilaje Local Government Area. He noted: “The ‘Port Ondo’ has received Federal Executive Council approval, and its development is set to revolutionise trade and industrial growth in our State.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engineer Razaq Obe, who also doubles as the Chairman, Develop Ondo 2.0 Organizing Committee, remarked that the summit was an eye opener to the various investment opportunities in Ondo State.
While appreciating the sponsors of the summit, Obe stressed that the time was ripe for transformative investment in the state.
In her goodwill message, the Deputy Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, Fati Attahiru, commended the Ondo State government for its various investments, especially in infrastructural development.