…As agency vows to devolve operational powers to states
Oscarline Onwuemenyi
27 November 2016, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere has urged that the people of the Niger Delta region, to cooperate with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari towards the provision of infrastructure in the region.
Ekere, who made the call at the weekend during the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State caucus of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), lamented that the Niger Delta region had little to show in terms of development for the five years a son of the soil presided over the affairs of the country.
Ekere said it was clear that the President had the interest of the region at heart from the steps he has taken so far to solve the problems of the region.
The NDDC boss pledged that the commission will work vigorously to bring sustainable development to the region in line with President Buhari’s vision to develop the region.
Meanwhile, Ekere has disclosed that a policy shift to devolve more operational powers to NDDC State Offices is ongoing.
Ekere stated this during a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Edidem Etim Daniel Charles Abia, Paramount Ruler of Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, “The process of devolving more powers to NDDC State Offices to make them more operationally efficient is ongoing. We want to have a situation where State Offices do not need to run to the Port Harcourt headquarters for everything they need.”
Ekere who also congratulated His Majesty on his recent coronation noted that His Majesty’s antecedents made him a suitable candidate for the throne.
“Your contributions of Eket, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria marks you out as a leader of the people. We are proud of your legacy and will support you at NDDC.”
Speaking, His Majesty, Edidem Etim Charles Abia commended Ekere on his appointment as Managing Director of the NDDC noting that the appointment is a deserved one. He called for increased NDDC presence in Eket which he said was not impressive.
Responding, Ekere promised to ensure that NDDC projects in Eket will be impactful.