*Port Harcourt, January 3, 2024* — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced a heightened commitment to illuminate communities across the nine states of the Niger Delta with solar-powered street lights. This initiative is a strategic move aimed at curbing criminal activities and fostering peace in the oil-rich region of Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with newsmen at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, emphasized the pivotal role of the “Light Up the Niger Delta” campaign in enhancing security. Ogbuku expressed satisfaction with the positive impact of the campaign, noting a significant reduction in criminality and increased commercial activities in various communities.
“We decided to adopt the clean energy approach which not only provides light but helps in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment. I can assure you that the incidence of crime has reduced in most of these communities,” said Ogbuku.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer pledged that numerous communities across the Niger Delta region would benefit from ongoing solar-powered street light projects as the Commission pursues this initiative with renewed vigor.
Addressing the importance of stakeholders’ engagement, Ogbuku emphasized its instrumental role in maintaining peace in communities, asserting that no development could occur in a crisis-prone environment. He underscored the commitment of the NDDC to the cardinal policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which emphasizes stakeholders’ engagement for positive results.
Ogbuku urged Niger Delta youths to support the policies and programs of the Federal Government, emphasizing the importance of peace for development and prosperity in the region. He stated, “Mr. President sent us to the NDDC to make a difference and not to be bogged down by the ills of the past.”
Turning to the 2024 budget, Ogbuku highlighted that the Commission’s income sources were the Federal Government and International Oil Companies (IOCs). He expressed hope that IOCs would consistently contribute, while the government would enhance its allocations to the Commission.
Discussing the youth empowerment program, Holistic Opportunities Programme of Engagement (HOPE), Ogbuku revealed that over 300,000 youths from the Niger Delta region have registered in the NDDC database. He encouraged more registrations, emphasizing the importance of knowing the areas of competence of the registered youths for effective training and empowerment.
As part of debt management, Ogbuku explained the Commission’s plan to create a threshold for old debts in the 2024 budget to ensure a balance between debt payments and financing new projects. He assured that funding for new projects would not be compromised, and discussions with international organizations would include a clear plan for debt liquidation.
Ogbuku urged unemployed youths to register for the HOPE program, emphasizing that it is a platform for data collation and selection for training and empowerment. The Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, released this statement on January 3, 2024.
