Mkpoikana Udoma
NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during a meeting with representatives of USAID, explored collaborative strategies that align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, such as empowerment of women and youths, action on climate change, amongst others.
Ogbuku said the discussions with USAID representatives mirrored the aspirations of SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and building strong institutions, and SDG 17, which advocates for partnerships to achieve these goals.
He also stressed the need to rebuild public trust and enhance service delivery in the Niger Delta region.
According to him, the new management of NDDC was keen on doing things differently, stating that the new approach signified a commitment from the Commission to revitalise its image and operations and align itself more closely with global sustainable development objectives.
He informed USAID of the willingness of NDDC to partner with them in the empowerment of women and youths of the region, in order to sustain the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed in the region, specifically in agriculture, technology, climate change and potential windows through which the agency could explore cooperation in a mutually beneficial manner.
Responding, the USAID Office Director, Daniel Morris, applauded the Commission’s quest to establish productive partnerships,, noting that it was indicative of a shift from traditional practices.
Also, the Deputy Office Director of USAID, Melissa Desai, affirmed that the agency would consider the areas suggested as they plan the new programme in order to reestablish their footprint in the Niger Delta.
