The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has assured the Nigerian Army of the Commission’s unwavering support in fostering security and development across the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku made this commitment when the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Rivers State, Major General Emmanuel Ejim-Emekah, paid him a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku expressed appreciation for the GOC’s decision to make the NDDC his first point of call upon his arrival in Rivers State, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the Commission and security agencies. He said, “For us in NDDC, we have done a lot to ensure that we collaborate with security agencies because we believe that security, peace, and development are intertwined. Where there is no security, there will be no peace, and where there is no peace, there will be no development.”
He further reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army’s operations. “We will do our best to support the security agencies to succeed because, when they succeed, we will also succeed,” Ogbuku stated.
Highlighting ongoing and future initiatives, Ogbuku noted, “For the Nigerian Army, we have done a couple of things to support your operations. Our commitment is unwavering. Recently, we made significant contributions to various operations, particularly the 16th Brigade in Bayelsa. We are also working on improving the facilities at Bori Camp, including installing solar inverters to reduce the cost of diesel, a burden for many federal agencies.” He also mentioned similar projects for Elele Barracks and upgrades to educational facilities in military installations.
Commending the Nigerian Army for their efforts in maintaining peace in the region, Ogbuku praised the Army and other security agencies for making the Niger Delta one of the most peaceful areas in the country, while also urging them to remain vigilant in addressing pockets of criminality.
“The Niger Delta region has seen significant improvements in peace and security, thanks to the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. We applaud these efforts and urge continued vigilance until we win the battle over criminality,” Ogbuku added.
Earlier, Major General Emekah expressed his gratitude to the NDDC for its partnership with the Nigerian Army. He stated, “I think the partnership between the Commission and the Nigerian Army has been very instrumental in enforcing peace and stability within the Niger Delta region. I want to acknowledge the Commission’s tireless efforts in executing various community development projects, thereby improving the lives of the people in the region.”
The GOC also highlighted the visible impact of NDDC interventions in military installations, particularly in Bayelsa, Delta States, and Port Harcourt, and thanked the Commission for its continued support. “On behalf of the Chief of Army Staff and the entire Army, particularly the 6 Division, I want to thank you, the MD, and your whole team for your assistance. Like Oliver Twist, I will continue to ask for more and pray that you do not get tired of our requests,” Emekah said.
He assured that the Nigerian Army will continue working closely with the NDDC to ensure the provision of a secure environment, facilitating the Commission’s development efforts in the region.