By; Jerome-Mario Utomi

As Niger Deltans and others Nigerians continue to felicitate the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC for clinching the Daily Independent Newspaper Interventionist Agency of the Year 2024 Award in recognition of its landmark accomplishments and transformative impact on the Niger Delta region, analysts and stakeholders are of the view that the feat was a crystallization of the teamwork, collaboration and commitment to the development of the region shared by the NDDC governing board led by Barrister Chiedu Ebie and Management led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku.

Many also believe that the Award signifies more vigour, coordinated, outstanding and sustainable development to the Niger Delta region and its people.

Speaking at the colourful ceremony which was held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and which the organizers said aimed at celebrating individuals and organizations that have contributed to national development, Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Barrister Ebie, stated that the award was a call to more outstanding service.

His remark: “The reward for hard work is more work. For us at the NDDC, this award means we must redouble our efforts. We will continue striving to positively impact the lives of Niger Delta people through sustainable development and infrastructure.”

Similarly, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, acknowledged the Commission’s achievements and noted that there was still much more to accomplish.”This award is an encouragement to do more. The Niger Delta still needs more infrastructure and more development. If a newspaper of this magnitude recognizes our efforts, we must work even harder for the people”, Dr Ogbuku said.

The NDDC Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde on his part highlighted the Commission’s shift from transactional to transformational engagements. “This award reflects the recently completed and commissioned projects across Rivers, Imo, Delta, and Abia states. It will inspire us to keep delivering. We see this as a challenge to achieve more and not to slow down,” he said.

For me, what the award ceremony which was graced by notable Nigerians, including the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai and directors of NDDC, signifies is that Niger Deltans should brace up to witness more developmental strides, more life changing reforms and policies coming from the NDDC.

Very key; a cursory look at the spate of effusive praises, endorsement and goodwill the present governing board and management of NDDC have been receiving from a broad spectrum of Nigerians, including highly place individuals, clearly signify the need for critical stakeholders to rally support for the Commission and its Board and management team for more refreshing and transformational achievements.

Utomi, a Media Specialist writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He could be reached via Jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374.