The managing director (MD) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, has vowed that the federal government’s interventionist agency was poised to deliver on its mandate of holistic development of Niger Delta as enshrined in the master plan.
Ogbuku, gave the assurance during a courtesy call on Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State at Government House, Uyo, the state capital.
Addressing the governor, Ogbuku, highlighted the diversity in language, culture and traditions inherent in the region, noting that if fully explored and harnessed, the diversity has the potential of engendering seamless peace, unity and togetherness for development to thrive across the zone.
According to him, the commission was currently exploring ways to showcase the beauty through effective harmonisation towards ensuring the region has what he termed “a common identity that enhances the beauty in its diversity as well as the shared needs of the people of the area.
He explained that this would be achieved not only through Infrastructural development, disclosing that “the commission has resolved to further foster unity and promote the abundant sports talents in the area by initiating a regional sport festival.”
The NDDC boss, therefore, disclosed to the governor on the unanimous adoption of Uyo as venue for the maiden sports fiesta, explaining that the board arrived at the resolution in view of the serenity of the state and availability of requisite infrastructure, especially the Goodwill Akpabio International Stadium.”
The event, Ogbuku added, would hold between April 1 to 8, 2025, to commemorate the commission’s 25th anniversary.
“It is not only because Akwa Ibom is the Promise Land, but Akwa Ibom has also been able to provide the right facilities to accommodate the 20 sporting events that we’re putting together for the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
“So, the Goodwill Akpabio International Stadium is the venue for this sports festival. So Your Excellency, we are here to let you know that we the board, management and staff of the NDDC came together to say, we are giving the hosting right of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival to Akwa Ibom State,” Ogbuku stated.
The NDDC chief, also used the opportunity to extend the commission’s condolences to the Deputy governor, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, on the demise of her daughter, Blessing Olumuyiwa, who until her passing about a week ago, was a staff of the agency.
Responding, the governor assured Ogbuku that the state was willing and ready to ensure quality hosting of the maiden regional sports festival, noting that sports remains a veritable source of strengthening the existing bonds among Niger Delta states and its people.
He assured the delegation that the state would set up a working team to drive the process with the NDDC team towards ensuring a grand event.
