**Date:** September 9, 2023
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reappointment of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Governor Diri conveyed his gratitude during a meeting with the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and his delegation, including Dr. Ogbuku, at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Governor Diri praised Minister Momoh and Dr. Ogbuku as illustrious sons of the Niger Delta region and expressed confidence that they would effectively address the challenges facing the region. He emphasized the importance of partnership in achieving the speedy completion of the East-West Road, a critical infrastructure project for the South-South region.
The Governor stated, “I will carry the message of partnership to my brother governors. We all want to see a speedy completion of the East-West Road because the issue has been on for many years. Several other roads like it have long been completed. We will cooperate with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to take the message to wherever necessary to ensure the completion of the road, which is central to all the six states of the South-South region.”
Governor Diri also highlighted the need for inclusive development in the Niger Delta and expressed the desire for the people of the region to experience the impact of the Ministry. He emphasized the importance of addressing urgent issues, such as flood-related challenges that can cut off Bayelsa State from the rest of the country.
Minister Momoh called on the South-South governors to unite in advocating for the completion of the East-West Road, noting that President Tinubu has the region’s interests at heart. He urged Governor Diri to explore areas of partnership between Bayelsa State and the NDDC.
During the visit, the Minister also engaged with members of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council and encouraged them to lend their voices to the call for urgent measures on the East-West Road. The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, expressed concerns about the deteriorating condition of the road, particularly in the aftermath of last year’s flood. He appealed for prompt intervention to prevent Bayelsa from being cut off again.
The discussions centered on the collaborative efforts needed to address critical developmental challenges in the Niger Delta region and ensure the timely completion of essential infrastructure projects.
