BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, PORT HARCOURT
The former temporary Headquarters of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, at Aba Road, Port Harcourt, has been handed over to Rivers State Government.
The Interim Administrator, NDDC, Mr. Efiong Akwa who performed the hand over exercise at the Harold Dappa Biriye House in Port Harcourt said that the commission would continue to collaborate with the state government in the development of the state and the entire Niger Delta Region.
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC has been tenant of Rivers State Government, Occupying the Harold Dappa Biriye House for about sixteen years.
The eight Storey building has served as temporary head office of the Interventionist agency while the construction of the headquarters was ongoing at the Marine Base, Port Harcourt Rivers State.
However, completion of the headquarters and subsequent movement of staff to the permanent site necessitated the handing over of the property back to Rivers State Government.
Performing the symbolic hand over of the key of the building the the State government, the Interim Administrator, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Efiong Akwa emphasized the importance of collaboration between NDDC and the State government for the development of the state.
Mr. Akwa while appreciating Rivers State for providing enabling environment for the operation of commission, pledged that NDDC would partner the State government in the construction of Eatern Bypass Road leading to the Headquarters.
“We have left behind the lift, two functional elevators that will carry people from the ground floor to the eight floor of this building.”
“We have left behind the water treatment plant; we have left behind also fire fighting system, in appreciation of what has been going on in the state.”
“We have good relationship with the state and will stop at nothing to ensure that we will continue this cordial relationship with Rivers State government.”
“Governor Wike has given us tremendous support. It is on record that during his tenure, we have not recorded any kidnapping of our staff and we have not had issues with youths disturbing our contractors.”
Responding, the Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo who received the facility on behalf of the State government called on Federal Agencies in Rivers State to liaise with the state government for the overall benefits of the residents.
Dr. Danagogo appreciated the commission for being good tenants and for proper maintenance of the facility over the years.
“As a government and people of Rivers State, we are impressed that NDDC Agency of Federal government has been able to maintain that cordial relationship in utilizing our facility and peacefully handing it over to us.”
“His Excellency the governor has always said, what he wants from every Federal government Agency in the state particularly NDDC, is corporation”
“It shows that you value the relationship NDDC has with the Rivers State Government and that you consider today’s event as a very significant ceremony. I am impressed by your candour and vibrancy.”
“We are happy that the NDDC has been able to maintain a cordial relationship with the state government. I hope that this synergy will continue.”
The event was attended by NDDC directors and top government officials of Rivers State government.
