Niger Delta
Partnership With Security Chiefs’ Excites Ogbuku … As NDDC Unveils Naval Outpost In Bayelsa
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has commended security Chiefs’ partnership with the Commission in ensuring peace and security of lives and properties in the Niger Delta region.
He gave the commendations on Friday in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, at the inauguration ceremony of the State-of-the-art Naval Outpost built by the commission for the Nigerian Navy.
The NDDC MD/CEO noted that no meaningful development could take place in an environment devoid of peace and tranquility, saying that Men and officers of various security formations were strategic partners in the Commission’s quest to peacefully executing developmental projects and programmes in the region.
“This is not the first time the NDDC is partnering the Nigerian Navy. In fact, the Central Naval Command has benefitted from the solar light projects of the Commission and others.
“But we’ve also benefitted from the security initiatives across the region, and that’s why NDDC contractors are fearlessly executing projects in the Niger Delta region.
“The essence of partnering to build this Naval outpost is to curb criminal activities along this river and nearby areas, especially oil bunkering, which before now comes through nearby routes to this river.
“According to the President’s 1st of October speech, oil production in 2023 was about 1.6m barrel p/d, but due to strengthening security in the Niger Delta region and across Nigeria, oil production has risen to about 2m barrel p/d in 2025”, he said.
“I want to thank President Tinubu for the love he has for the Niger Delta, and for using the NDDC to transmit the Renewed Hope Initiative in the Niger Delta through the execution of projects in all communities of the region.
“Today, we’re commissioning a fully furnished administrative Block with fully furnished accommodation Block. We’ve two units of Gun Boats, each powered by twin 200Hp Yamaha engines.
“We’re also commissioning a fully furnished 40-man House Boat, equipped with two units of 100KVA generators, and today, we’re also receiving hectares of land gifted by Ayakoro, host community to the Nigerian Navy for the establishment of a Naval School.
“We’ll also commission a 60KVA solar inverter systems installed in both administrative and accommodation blocks as backup power, 30KVA solar inverter system installed on the 40-man house boat as backup power, a fully equipped Toyota Hilux vehicle for operational use, and a newly constructed operational floating jetty”, Ogbuku added.
In his remarks, the representative of the Chief of Naval Staff and Commander, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, lauded the Commission for the partnership.
He said the handing over of the newly built Outpost to the Navy would stem the tide in crime and criminality in the water ways of the area, especially sea piracy, illegal oil bunkering, arms struggle and kidnapping.
In the same vein, the Ayakoro Community, through the Chairman of their Council of Chiefs, Chief Puraziba Akpoti, also praised the NDDC and the Navy for the building and unveiling of the Outpost in the community.
He restated commitment towards a continued maintenance of cordial relationship with the Navy, saying that the plans by the military formation to build a Naval School in the community was a welcome development as the presence of the Outpost would curb the menace of crime and criminality in the area.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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