The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said it is building six multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the event of flood in the Niger Delta region.
NDDC managing director Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who disclosed this while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the commission was taking proactive steps to ameliorate the impact of the perennial flood in the region.
Ogbuku observed that the project was conceived as a response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans.
He noted that facilities at the emergency shelter would include essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre, providing comprehensive support to the communities in times of distress.
The NDDC boss said: “We have six of these facilities currently under construction in Otuokpoti and Odi, in Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”
Ogbuku assured that the commission would intensify its efforts to light up communities across the nine states of the Niger Delta, with solar-powered street lights, as part of measures to fight criminality and maintain peace in the region.
He expressed delight at the positive impact of the “Light Up the Niger Delta” campaign, which he observed had reduced criminality in the various communities and enhanced commercial activities in the areas.
The NDDC managing director said: “We decided to adopt the clean energy approach, which not only provides light but helps in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment.”
Speaking on the youth empowerment programmes of the commission, Ogbuku announced that the Holistic Opportunities Programme of Engagement (HOPE) would be launched at the end of this month in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, he affirmed that entrepreneurial and skills enhancement were key components for unlocking the potential of the youths in the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku said that the objective was to get the youths to acquire meaningful and self-sustaining skills that would improve their lives, support their families and communities and thus ensure peace in the Niger Delta region.
