In a dedicated endeavor to amplify the progress of women and youth in the Niger Delta area, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has introduced an array of projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing their capabilities.
During a momentous interactive session held at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Commission, conveyed the NDDC’s unwavering commitment to forging strategic partnerships with leaders of both women and youth segments across the region. The NDDC’s strategy involves engaging women leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds and collaborating with key stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
“Women constitute the heart of our developmental initiatives,” affirmed Dr. Ogbuku, shedding light on the pivotal role women play in the region’s advancement. He further emphasized the significance of establishing a platform for leaders from various sectors – including politics, tradition, youth, and women – to collectively shape the trajectory of the Niger Delta’s future.
This initiative stems from insights gathered during the Partners for Sustainable Development Forum and the NDDC 2024 Budget of Reconstruction Conference. Women leaders had expressed a sense of exclusion from the Commission’s activities. Dr. Ogbuku reassured that the Commission acknowledges their significance and pledges to ensure their active involvement in forthcoming events.
In a bid to adopt an innovative approach, the NDDC plans to host a Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit. The objective of this summit is to harness the wisdom and proficiency of diverse stakeholders. Grounded in the 2023 Budget, the summit aims to pave the way for setting priorities based on the prevailing realities.
In an effort to address funding obstacles that have impeded the Commission’s progress, Dr. Ogbuku highlighted a transition toward Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). By fostering dependable collaborations with women’s groups, the NDDC seeks to secure sustainable funding channels.
Renowned women’s leader and activist in the Niger Delta, Lady Ankio-Briggs, commended the NDDC’s initiative in seeking alternative funding through its PPP program. She stressed that this approach could rectify the disparities arising from underdevelopment in the region. Furthermore, she welcomed the collaboration with KPMG, a multinational business consultancy, aimed at enhancing corporate governance practices within the Commission.
However, challenges persist as the NDDC grapples with substantial debts. Lady Ankio-Briggs underscored the adverse impact of these outstanding obligations on the pace of development. To expedite progress, she urged the President to constitute the NDDC Board, incorporating the existing management team led by Dr. Ogbuku.
Major-General Charles Airhiavbere, NDDC’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, highlighted the indispensable role of women in propelling the region’s development journey. He emphasized that women are the bedrock of society, and their empowerment is indispensable for the growth of the Niger Delta.
In conclusion, the NDDC’s unswerving dedication to the advancement of women and youth, showcased through strategic partnerships and innovative strategies, signifies a promising transition towards a more inclusive and progressive Niger Delta.
