Group Hails Confirmation Of NDDC Board

A socio-cultural organisation in Orashi , The Orashi Youth Organisation in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers State has lauded the Senate for its quick confirmation of nominees of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The Chairman of the group, Mr Napoleon Adah, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, over the weekend, that the board’s confirmation was a step in the right direction and said that the gesture showed the National Assembly’s seriousness and commitment in the development of the Niger Delta region.

Adah noted that funds released to the NDDC had improved the living standard of the people and assisted economic growth of the region adding that the people of the Niger Delta are excited at the speed with which the Senate confirmed the nominees, and which underscores the importance of the NDDC to the nation’s development.

According to him,’’We are particularly happy with the appointment of Chief Bassey Dan-Abia, as the Managing Director of the NDDC going by his wealth of experience and contributions to the development of the region.

“The NDDC, an interventionist agency, tasked with the responsibility of developing the Niger Delta region should be left in the hands of experts to implement its masterplan.Dan-Abia, an advocate of transparency and accountability, will actualize and fast-track the development of the region’s masterplan,” he said.

He called on the public to support the board in its bid to fast-track the development of the region , arguing that Orashi region, being the highest producer of oil and gas in the Niger Delta, was a major revenue contributor to the nation’s economy.

The Senate on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of Sen. Bassey Ewa-Henshaw as Chairman, Mr Bassey Dan-Abia as Managing Director, while 12 others were confirmed as members.

The members are, Mr Itotenaan Ogiri, Executive Director, Finance and Admin (Rivers); Mr Tuoyo Omatsulu, Executive Director, Projects (Delta); Mr Ball Turofade Oyarede (Bayelsa), and Chief Ephraim Etete (Rivers).

Others are: Mr Etim Inyang Jnr. (Akwa Ibom), Mr Adah Andeshi (Cross River), Mr Tom Amioku (Delta), Mr Samuel Nwogu (Abia), and Mr Uchegbu Kyrian (Imo).

Others include Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Said (Niger), representing North-Central and Alhaji Abdulmalik Mahmud (Bauchi), representing North-East