A public affairs analyst, Martins Ogolo, has described the current board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as truly unique, adding that the members are round pegs in a round hole.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Ogolo said the board has succeeded because of the camaraderie amongst its members.
He hailed Chief Tony Okocha, a board member and representative of Rivers State, for understanding the importance of stakeholders, adding that Okocha started his journey by engaging critical stakeholders.
The analyst said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed the 7th Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on the 29th day of August 2023. This appointment was greeted with mixed signals, as many did not know what to expect from the Board, especially as several boards before them underperformed for different reasons.
“The current board of the NDDC is truly unique as it parades itself with round pegs in round holes,” beginning with the Chairman Chiedu Ebie Esq learned fellow with vision and foresight,
MD/CEO Dr Samuel Ogbuku, a workaholic administrator, and every other member of the board who are distinguished personalities in their spheres of life which is obviously why the President carefully handpicked and assembled the Niger Delta reform ‘Galacticos’ to lead the region to the next level of prosperity and the promised land.
“An important reason why the board has succeeded so far is the camaraderie relationship they share so much that board meetings and gatherings look more like a family reunion. The cooperation and cohesion are visible even to the blind, hence the accelerated development around the region. Their cordial relationship is healthy and is why they are making significant progress.
“Like a world-class football team, the success of “the team” relies on the quality of players and their abilities to perform in their respective” wings”. This is exemplified by all 23 members of the “Renewed” 7th board of the NDDC which has been performing because of the synergy amongst the board members and the sterling performance of State Representatives, particularly that of Rivers State; Chief Tony Okocha, KSC DSSRS, JP.
“Sir Tony, a former Local Government Chairman and Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government, isn’t new to public office and understands the enormous task before him regarding delivering the dividends of NDDC to his State. There was and still is a high expectation for the NDDC through its state offices.
“Since Sir Okocha understands the importance of Stakeholders, he started his journey by engaging critical stakeholders: traditional rulers, captains of industries, women and youths to have an in-depth discussion with them as regards the challenges they faced, their concerns, fears and advice from their groups as to how to bring the NDDC closer to Rivers communities fully.
“He also hosted some contractors of NDDC, assuring them of the Commission’s resolve to clear their outstandings, while reiterating the 7th Board’s resolve not to entertain laxity of any form, especially regarding the quality of projects.”
