Mkpoikana Udoma
Governor Eno who gave advise during a courtesy visit by members of the NDDC Governing Board, led by the Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, said the state government was willing to work with the Commission to bring development to the region which he said, produces the oil resources of the nation.
The Governor charged the NDDC leadership to ensure that the Commission’s intervention were in tandem with the efforts of the state governments, lamenting that this had not been the case in the past.
Eno further advised the Commission to avoid cases of duplication of projects, stating that it was very necessary to consult the states before embarking on projects in their respective territories.
He said, “The Awa Ibom State Government would support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring hope to the people of the state and Niger Delta region. We are moving beyond being the land of promise to the land of fulfillment.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, said the Commission was determined to partner with governors of Niger Delta states to ensure that the oil-producing states enjoy sustainable development.
Ebie said that the NDDC Board was set to do things differently and will operate according to the Act setting up the NDDC for the good of the people of the Niger Delta region.
“We need to create a new life in the NDDC and collaborate more with development partners, including the state governments and other stakeholders in the region to achieve our objectives.
I know that we have had problems with duplication of projects. Henceforth, representatives of the states in the NDDC Board will be in constant touch with their state governments and ensure that projects are based on needs assessment.
“For us to achieve the enormous task of developing the region, it is pertinent that we enhance collaboration with state governments by working closely in our development programmes and projects.
“Akwa Ibom State is one of the key states covered by the NDDC. The state capital has turned out to be the destination for conferences, seminars and agenda setting programmes. This is because of the hospitable nature of the people and a world class infrastructural prowess of the State.
“We have followed keenly the developmental strides of your administration since inception, particularly in the areas of agriculture and aviation sectors. There is no doubt that Ibom Air has become the number one choice for many air travelers.”