Others in the NDDC team that visited Emmanuel were the Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Maj-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd); Executive Director, Projects, Charles Ogunmola, as well as other directors of the commission.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Friday paid a courtesy visit to Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel at the Government House in Uyo.
Led by its Chairman, Lauretta Onochie, the board sought the support of the government, promising to work for the good of the entire Niger Delta people.
“We want to do things differently. NDDC will no longer be for just a few people. We want to serve the entire Niger Delta,” Onochie said.
“We are here to ask that you to support us as we do the right things. We also want to assure you that NDDC will not be partisan. We will serve the Niger Delta. One thing we ask from you is your support.
“We appeal to all and sundry to desist from pressuring us to do things in the same old way that has not helped the Niger Delta.
“We are determined to do things differently. But the elite must desist from pressuring us to do the wrong things. We plead that you give us breathing space to do things differently.”
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Governor Emmanuel, represented by his deputy Moses Ekpo, pledged his support to the board.
“It’s so soothing to hear your assurance that you will work with us, irrespective of party affiliation, for the benefit of our people. We will collaborate, we will work with you to ensure that you succeed in this gigantic assignment,” he said.
Others in the NDDC team that visited the governor were the Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Maj-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd); Executive Director, Projects, Charles Ogunmola, as well as other directors of the commission.
Following the visit, the NDDC board and management kicked off a retreat.
Ogbuku said at the opening ceremony that Uyo was chosen for the retreat because “Uyo is the window of development.”
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana, who was present at the ceremony, expressed certainty that the “new board made up of experienced professionals will not fail, especially with the confidence reposed in them.”
Speaking on the Guidelines to Accounting Procedures and Imperative in Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) at the retreat, Omoniyi Fagbemi said, “Utilise the resources the way government wants NDDC to use it and follow the financial regulations, public service rules and its strategic provisions knowing that someone will come to look at your books.”
