NDDC Celebrates 25 Years of Service with Youth and Women Conference in Owerri…. Tonte Igbikialabo

Owerri, Imo State — It was a convergence of youth leaders, women groups, policymakers, and stakeholders across the Niger Delta region as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) marked its 25th anniversary with a high-impact Youth and Women Conference in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The event brought together key decision-makers from the commission, community representatives, and development partners in a forum designed to review NDDC’s journey, showcase achievements, and outline future goals.

Delivering his keynote address, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted the Commission’s transformation from a transactional to a transformational body. He emphasized the commission’s renewed commitment to sustainable development, stating:

“NDDC is no longer transactional. We are transformational, and we are poised to do more with the support of all Niger Deltans.”

Dr. Ogbuku used the occasion to announce the imminent launch of the Youth Skill-Up Program, a flagship empowerment initiative aimed at equipping Niger Delta youths with market-ready skills. He emphasized that youth development remains a key priority for the Commission.

Ogbuku announced that the Commission would organise a retreat and agricultural summit for the Niger Delta region, in line with the President Tinubu administration’s agrarian programme.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Ogbuku conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s encouragement to the region, reaffirming the President’s commitment to the Niger Delta and urging attendees to support his re-election bid in 2027, assuring that the welfare of the region remains a central agenda of his administration.

Calls for Inclusive Empowerment.

Speaking at the conference, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents the NDDC in the National Assembly, called on the Commission to prioritize women empowerment across its programs. He emphasized that equipping women with tools for success is key to building a prosperous Niger Delta:

“Empowering women is not just a social responsibility; it is a strategic investment in the future of the region.”

The Governor of Imo State Uzodimma, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru, congratulated the NDDC for 25 years of impactful work and urged the Commission to partner with the state’s Skill-Up Imo program to further enhance youth development and job creation in the region.

He urged the NDDC to give priority to the development of the young ones, stating: “Imo State will continue to partner with you and give support where necessary to ensure that we meet the mandate of President Bola Tinubu. We call for more collaboration in the area of flood control and other infrastructural development.”

Community-Centered Development Advocated.

In a recurring theme throughout the conference, key speakers Otunba Adele Kelvin urged the NDDC leadership to focus on community-based projects that align with the immediate needs of the people, rather than pursuing large-scale projects with limited local relevance.

There was also a strong endorsement of the recent creation of NDICCIMA (Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture). Stakeholders encouraged Niger Deltans to register with the body and access business loans, commending the NDDC for establishing a platform that promotes entrepreneurship and private sector growth in the region.

A keynote speaker, Dr (Mrs) Chinyere Uchenna Ordu, stressed the need to treat women specially, noting: “Gender equality is not a favour for women, it is a strategy for development.”

Ordu, who spoke on Directing Gender Issues Towards Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in the Niger Delta, emphasised the importance of empowering the youth and women of the Niger Delta Region with essential skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and job creation opportunities.