Dr.-Samuel-Ogbuku-Applauds-God-and-President-Tinubu-at-NDDC’s-25th-Anniversary-Thanksgiving in-Akure

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku Applauds God and President Tinubu at NDDC’s 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving in Akure

NIGER DELTA-PROGRESS-REPORTERS 

July 6th, 2025

By Dave Ikiedei Asei

Introduction 

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has offered heartfelt praises to God and commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Commission, during the Commission’s 25th anniversary thanksgiving service held in Akure, Ondo State.

A Spirit of Gratitude Marks a Milestone Celebration

Held at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church, Isikan, Akure, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, the thanksgiving service was a key highlight of the NDDC’s week-long silver jubilee celebration. The event gathered dignitaries, board members, management staff, political leaders, religious figures, and members of the public in a solemn and spirited celebration of 25 years of impactful service to the people of the Niger Delta.

Dr. Ogbuku, visibly moved by the milestone, began his remarks with an expression of deep gratitude to God Almighty for sustaining the NDDC through its journey over the last two and a half decades. He described the Commission's endurance and evolution as a testimony to divine grace and purposeful leadership.

Commending Presidential Support and Strategic Appointments

In his address, Dr. Ogbuku gave special thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to advancing development in the Niger Delta region. He applauded the President for his strategic appointment of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, a prominent son of Ondo State and a respected leader, to the NDDC board. According to Dr. Ogbuku, this appointment reflects President Tinubu's inclusive leadership style and commitment to regional representation and equity.

“The President's wisdom in constituting a board that reflects the diversity of the region is commendable. Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde's contribution is already being felt, and his inclusion in the board ensures that Ondo State continues to have a strong voice in the developmental direction of the Commission,” Dr. Ogbuku said.

A Unified Team Committed to Service

The Managing Director emphasized the unity and dedication within the current NDDC leadership, describing the board and management as a close-knit family. He expressed appreciation for the presence of board members at the thanksgiving service, stating that their attendance—despite demanding schedules—demonstrated a shared commitment to the Commission’s vision and a collective sense of gratitude.

“Our board is not just a collection of professionals; we are a family bound by a common purpose—to uplift the Niger Delta. Their presence here today underscores our shared values and sense of responsibility,” he said.

The service was characterized by spiritual reflection, hymns of praise, and sermons calling for accountability, service, and humility among public officeholders. The Primate of the Anglican Church in Ondo Province, who presided over the event, lauded the NDDC for recognizing the need to begin its silver jubilee with thanksgiving to God. He called on leaders to always reflect on their responsibility to the people and serve with sincerity and purpose.

Infrastructure Development at the Heart of the NDDC Agenda

Dr. Ogbuku used the occasion to highlight some of the Commission’s recent accomplishments in infrastructure development, particularly in rural communities where intervention is most needed. He referenced his recent inspection tour of the 24-kilometre Gbaregolor–Ogualaha Road and the 576-meter bridge project in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

“These are not just roads and bridges; they are lifelines for our people. This particular project will open up access to several isolated communities and improve economic activity. Our goal is to connect, empower, and uplift,” he explained.

He affirmed that under his leadership, the NDDC would continue to prioritize projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people—emphasizing the importance of sustainability, local content, and accountability in project execution.

Silver Jubilee: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

The NDDC’s 25th anniversary is being marked by a series of events, including town hall meetings, project commissioning, stakeholder engagements, exhibitions, and symposia. Dr. Ogbuku noted that the celebrations are not just ceremonial but are opportunities for the Commission to reconnect with stakeholders, reflect on past lessons, and chart a renewed course for development.

“As we mark 25 years, we are not just celebrating the past—we are taking stock. We are listening to the people, evaluating our strategies, and setting bold targets for the future. The Commission is entering a new era of accountability, innovation, and people-centered development,” he added.

A Renewed Call for Partnership and Prayers

Dr. Ogbuku called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and community members to continue to support the Commission’s efforts. He emphasized that development in the Niger Delta cannot be achieved by the NDDC alone but requires the partnership of all stakeholders.

He also urged continued prayers for the leadership of the country and for peace in the region, noting that stability is crucial for sustained development. “We cannot do this alone. We need your prayers, your partnership, and your patience,” he stated.

Honouring Founding Fathers and Past Leadership

The Managing Director paid tribute to the founding fathers of the NDDC and the various past leaderships that have contributed to the Commission’s growth. He acknowledged their efforts in laying the foundation for what has now become a central institution for regional development in Nigeria.

“Each administration has played a role in bringing the NDDC to where it is today. We honour their service, even as we raise the bar and aspire to greater heights,” Dr. Ogbuku remarked.

Closing with Hope and Vision

The thanksgiving service concluded with symbolic prayers for the Niger Delta region and the Commission. As the congregation dispersed, there was a shared atmosphere of hope and renewed enthusiasm. Dr. Ogbuku left the church with a clear message: the NDDC is ready to do more, serve better, and build stronger.

“With God on our side, with the continued support of President Tinubu, and with a team united in purpose, the next 25 years will be even more impactful,” he declared.

As the silver jubilee celebration continues across the region, the tone set at the Akure thanksgiving service reflects not only reverence for the past but also the Commission’s bold resolve to achieve transformative growth in the Niger Delta. Under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s leadership, the NDDC appears poised to redefine its legacy of service and development.

Ondo state governor, lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the current board and management of the Niger Delta development commission NDDC, for repositioning the interventionist agency to be more result oriented.

The governor gave the commendation during the celebration of the twenty years anniversary special thanksgiving service of the NDDC in akure, ondo state

The special anniversary Thanksgiving service at St Thomas anglican church, diocese of akure, ondo state was in celebration of the twenty five years of establishment of the Niger Delta development commission, NDDC, and the implementation of sustainable development within the region

In his sermon, the most reverend Simeon borokini admonished members of the NDDC board and management team not to be distracted for the purpose for which the commission was created.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, noted that despite the huge challenges faced by the NDDC in the past, the current board and management have lived to the expectations of the people.

The managing director of the NDDC, Samuel ogbuku, noted that the celebration was to thank God and the people of the Niger Delta region for supporting its activities in the past 25 years and assured them of the commission’s resolve to continue to address the challenges faced by the people.

The NDDC special anniversary Thanksgiving service marks the beginning of a week-long celebration