The Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku says the commission will continue to uphold interactive dialogue among NDDC strategic stakeholders.
DR. Ogbuku who made this known during a consultative dialogue with Traditional Rulers from NDDC mandate states in Port Harcourt Rivers State, asked the traditional institution to own NDDC projects in their localities and protect them against vandalism.
With the theme: “Peace Building and Conflict Management in Communities,” the Strategic Consultative cum feedback Forum was put up by Community and Rural Development Directorate NDDC, to feel the pulse of the traditional institution towards NDDC Projects in their localities.
Addressing the Monarchs, Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku who emphasized peace and Conflict Resolution in the rural areas to facilitate project delivery, told the gathering that NDDC believed in needs assessment while siting projects.
Represented by the Executive Director Corporate Services, Otumba Ifedayo Abegunde, the Managing Director solicited sincere feedback from the traditional Rulers.
He told them that their responses would be a guide towards budget preparation and implementation.
“This forum is crafted to gather valuable feedback from our traditional institution, allowing us to grasp the needs and priorities of your communities first hand.”
In a Keynote address, former Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Stephen Okodudu who spoke on Community Development and Expectations, Distinguishing
Needs from Wants, harped on the importance of sustainable development by evaluating and renovating projects that have been put into use over time.
On his part, the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, His Royal Majesty, Alfred Diete-spiff, who stressed on the need of development at the grassroots and hinter land, called for attention to be given to the blue economy in the maritime domain.
The monarch enjoined the traditional Rulers to form a think tank assemblage for NDDC programmes and projections.
“We have so many natural resources but the blue economy is one area we have neglected for a long time. If we pay attention to it, we will surprise the world.”
Similarly, First Deputy National Chairman, Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Obafemi OGBARO pledged the readiness of the traditional Rulers to create enabling environment that would facilitate project delivery in their localities.
Dr. OGBARO who is the Odoka of Ogbaro Kingdom explained that the traditional Rulers mediate between contractors and communities to resolve issues affecting projects execution.
“This engagement is good, NDDC is trying to interact with traditional Rulers to know their feedback in areas that there are shortcomings.”
“We also collaborate with NDDC to sustain peace and area of conflict Resolution, which is naturally our work.”
The Stakeholders while appreciating NDDC for the gesture, suggested that the feedback Forum be made regular.
