Samuel Ogbuku, managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has recommitted to the transformation of the oil region. This came after the people of Ogu in Ogu-Bolo LGA of Rivers State bestowed a chieftaincy title on him.
The paramount rule of Ogu and the people said this is to encourage the man they described as a catalyst for “abundant development” in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking during the installation ceremony at the palace of Lawrence Egbelekpeke, the Amanyanabo of Ogu, who is the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, the monarch said Ogbuku was being honoured for his exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to community development in the Niger Delta region.
He declared: “By the authority vested in me as Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, and acting on behalf of the Amanyanabo-in-Council of Ogu Kingdom, I hereby install you as a Chief of Ogu Kingdom, and confer upon you the revered title of ‘Pere Se Bobo, meaning ‘He Who Comes with Abundance.’
Egbelekpeke stated: “Among the Wakirike, abundance is measured not only in wealth, but in peace, goodwill, unity, progress and development.”
Reviewing the attainments of the NDDC Managing Director, George Sekibo, the Chairman of the Installation Planning Committee, stated that under Ogbuku’s stewardship, the NDDC had been repositioned from a transactional agency to a transformational institution, anchored on transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and sustainable growth.
Sekibo said: “His administration has strengthened corporate governance, enhanced service delivery, fostered stakeholder confidence, and deepened collaboration with oil companies, state governments, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth groups, and development partners across the Niger Delta.”
He said further: “The visible commitment of this distinguished son of the Niger Delta to infrastructural development, institutional strength, and community empowerment aligns perfectly with our values, traditions, and aspirations.”
Responding, Ogbuku said that the honour done to him was an expression of appreciation by the people and a call on him to do more in developing the Niger Delta region.
He thanked the people of Ogu Kingdom for recognising his contributions and honouring him, stating that the credit should be given to President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku restated the commitment of the NDDC to positively transform the region, reassuring that he would continue to work hard to drive the sustainable development of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
He stressed: “We must unite and work in one accord to surmount the development challenges that confront our people. We are determined to succeed, and with your support and cooperation, we will achieve our goals.”
In his remarks, Boma Iyaye, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, described Ogbuku as a visionary and a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the development of the region are said to be commendable. “We are privileged to have him as the NDDC Chief Executive Officer.
According to Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Iyaye had said: “We celebrate Ogbuku not only for his personal achievements but also for his unwavering dedication to the betterment of our region. Through his visionary leadership, we have witnessed tremendous strides in infrastructure development, community empowerment, and sustainable growth.”
In his goodwill message, Vincent Nemieboka, the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, commended Ogbuku’s achievements in the infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region and Ogu-Bolo communities in particular.
