NDDC Commissions Projects In A’Ibom

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has inaugurated the 5.15-kilometre Oku Iboku internal
road project in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
It also inspected the road and erosion control project, which it is executing at the University of Uyo.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Oku Ibokun roads and drainage, the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, urged the benefiting communities to be grateful to the present administration for bringing the project to fruition.
The NDDC managing director was accompanied by the commission’s Executive Director Projects, Engr Samuel Adjogbe, Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Dr Samuel George Frank, and other directors from the commission.
A statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Dr Ibitoye Abosede, quoted Ekere as saying: “I am very happy with what I am seeing today in this community. Oku Iboku is one of the very prominent towns in Akwa Ibom State. It has a history and pedigree. It is not wrong that the community was not even remembered before now.
“Recall that we have had various vilifications and attacks by the government of Akwa Ibom State. They have repeatedly said that NDDC has not constructed even one kilometre of road in Akwa Ibom State.
“Earlier today, we inspected the road that links Nsasak Junction-Akon in Essien Udim Local Government Area that connects Abia State. This is a 30-kilometre road project, out of which 15 kilometres have been completed. The contractor is currently working on the bridge to link both states. I saw 15-km of solid and quality road being handled by an indigenous contractor, who is also from Akwa Ibom State.”
The NDDC boss noted that the commission also engaged a local contractor to execute the Oku Ibokun internal roads, and expressed satisfaction with the quality, stating that it would compete with roads in any part of the world.
Ekere expressed disappointment with the attitude of some officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government whom he accused of misleading people.
He said: “Somebody needs to educate some of the officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government that as responsible officers of government, they should not speak until they are sure of their facts. Again, I repeat, NDDC is not competing with any of the state governments in the region. We are just here to complement the efforts of the state governments.”

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana