President Bola Tinubu has urged the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to sustain impactful projects that empower youth, uplift communities, and transform the Niger Delta region.
Speaking through the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, Tinubu gave the charge at Ogbuku’s 50th birthday celebration and the launch of his two books — Strategies and Imperative for Developing Niger Delta and Rethinking the Niger Delta — held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Tinubu, who is currently attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), commended Ogbuku for his scholarship and service, describing him as a leader driven by values, strategy, and execution.
“The Niger Delta is more than a region; it is the economic heartbeat of this country and central to our energy and environmental future,” Tinubu noted.
“Our administration’s reforms focus on transparency, accountability, infrastructure investment, human capital development, and community empowerment for a sustainable future.”
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Ogbuku’s leadership, recalling that the NDDC under him had completed the long-abandoned Okitipupa electricity project in Ondo State, which had left communities in darkness for over 14 years.
“We are celebrating two years of impactful leadership, focus, and collaboration at the NDDC. You will be remembered for the legacies you leave behind for the good people of the Niger Delta,” Akpabio stated.
In his response, Ogbuku thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with the role, noting that the President’s initial charge to transform the Commission became the “spark” that ignited his team’s commitment.
“Whatever we have achieved today in NDDC, I give the credit to Mr. President for his confidence and guidance,” Ogbuku said, pledging to continue steering the Commission toward sustainable growth.
