APC SouthEast Leadership Seeks Increased Funding of NDDC to Tackle Environmental Challenges
The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) SouthEast, Arodiogbu, has praised the leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), highlighting the commission’s significant development achievements under his stewardship.
Speaking to journalists about the NDDC’s performance and his expectations from the recently established South East Development Commission (SEDC), Arodiogbu characterized Ogbuku as a visionary technocrat whose initiatives have had a transformative impact on the Niger Delta region. Notable among these initiatives is the “Light Up the Niger Delta” project, along with a range of pioneering road infrastructure developments spanning the nine states of the Niger Delta. Arodiogbu underscored that many initiatives that could have brought about substantial improvements in the region were unfortunately not implemented since the commission’s inception.
Arodiogbu urgently called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, and the National Assembly to allocate increased funding for the NDDC. He pointed out that with adequate resources, the commission could effectively address pressing issues affecting the region, particularly those related to environmental remediation—a critical component of its mandate as outlined in Section 7, Subsection 1(H) of the NDDC Act. He cited recent oil spills from major oil companies, including Shell, which have devastated local communities and impoverished countless residents.
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“As the National Vice Chairman of the APC SouthEast, I feel compelled to commend Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, for the significant strides the commission has made in our region,” Arodiogbu stated. “The ‘Light Up the Niger Delta’ initiative has illuminated communities and provided essential infrastructure, connecting areas that were previously isolated. Furthermore, the commission’s commitment to human capital development is commendable, as it aims to empower our youths, alleviating unemployment and poverty and enabling them to forge their own paths.”
He emphasized the need for President Tinubu to ensure that the NDDC receives the necessary funds not only to undertake impactful projects that will benefit the region but also to facilitate comprehensive environmental remediation in areas affected by oil spills from multinational corporations like Shell. “It’s imperative that we fully empower the NDDC to tackle these challenges, which lie at the heart of its mandate. I also urge the National Assembly to provide legislative support that will enhance the commission’s effectiveness in this regard.”
Additionally, Arodiogbu urged Ogbuku to continue to prioritize the needs of Imo and Abia states, despite the establishment of the SEDC. He highlighted that given the SEDC is still in its developmental phase, it is crucial for the NDDC to maintain its focus on supporting these states to ensure no existing needs go unaddressed.
In conclusion, Arodiogbu’s remarks reflect a strong commitment to fostering unity and development in the region, while advocating for the necessary resources to empower the NDDC and enhance its role in environmental sustainability and regional progress.
By PRNigeria
