By Ebi Kesiena
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has pledged to collaborate and support the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in its efforts to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta Region.
Governor Oborevwari spoke at the Delta State Government House, Asaba, during a courtesy visit by members of the NDDC Management team, led by the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.
The Governor appealed to NDDC to urgently complete all ongoing and uncompleted projects in the state, stressing the need for a strategic and collaborative approach between the Commission and the Niger Delta states to address the challenges confronting the people of the region.
Governor Oborevwari said: “I assure you that we are ready to collaborate with all development agencies committed to the development of the Niger Delta region and we are going to support you to enable you discharge your duties.”
Responding to the NDDC request for collaboration on the execution of the Omadino-Okeronkoko-Escravos Road, Oborevwari noted such a partnership which would involve Chevron was a welcome development.
He assured the NDDC that his government was open to partnership and collaboration in the execution of projects. He urged the Commission to embark on projects that would add value to the lives of the people of the region.
Addressing the issue of duplication of projects, the Governor 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.
Speaking earlier, the NDDC Managing Director said that the Commission would increase its collaboration with development partners, including the state governments and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives.
The NDDC boss assured the Governor that the NDDC Board and Management would work in synergy with governors in the nine states covered by the Commission.
He however stressed the need to re-activate the NDDC Advisory Committee, as provided for in its Establishment Act, to advise and monitor the activities of the Commission.
