NDDC MD, DR. OGBUKU ENCOURAGES IJAW NATION TO EXPLOIT INTELLECTUAL AGITATION OPTION

BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, FRCN PORT HARCOURT

Ijaw Nation and Stakeholders have been advised to exploit the option of intellectual engagement as against violent agitations while seeking their rights. 

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr.  Samuel Ogbuku who gave the advice while speaking to Ijaw Leaders and Critical Stakeholders at NDDC headquarters, maintained that when they started the struggle for Niger Delta, it was not done for personal reasons, but for Social Justice. 

Dr. Ogbuku while calling on Federal Government to give more lofty appointments to people of Ijaw extraction, stressed  that it was time to translate the struggles into meaningful development. 

The Managing Director, who admitted that many people have sacrificed for the good of the region, promised that as an Ijaw man, he would deliver on his mandate, knowing that his Ijaw nation is behind him. 

He noted that NDDC is of one nationality, as such, every Niger Delta person is one, showing unity in diversity. 

The leader of Ijaw stakeholders’ delegation, Chief Timi Ogoriba while presenting their address, called for the publication of the outcome of the forensic audit to serve as detriment to others that might want to toe the same path. 

The group asked for construction of different projects in oil producing communities and training of youths in oil related skills to justify their contribution to the nation. 

In his contribution, Chief Nengi James requested that the Managing Director be allowed to carry out his functions as contained in the act, while High Chief Anabs Sera-Igbe called for NDDC headquarters to be named after a veteran of the Ijaw struggle and employment of youths of the region. 

The Ijaw leaders were emphatic of their  support for the MD/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

High point of the event was decoration of the MD on traditional Ijaw regalia and presentation of a gigantic plaque with the inscription: “Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, soar like an Eagle and Roar like a Lion.”