…wants FG to release NDDC funds for projects
Former spokesman of the ljaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for successfully hosting the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit. It will be recalled that the three-day event took place in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Ekerefe who is the national leader of the Niger Delta Advocacy Group also known as New Era Movement noted that the summit became a huge success because of the commitment of the leadership of the Commission.
In a statement released to newsmen on Thursday, Ekerefe stated that the summit has shown the reinvigorated capacity of Chief Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Commission.
“This clearly demonstrates his deep insight and knowledge about the Niger Delta as a former rights activist. Ogbuku is an intellectual game changer whose approach in developing the region is yielding positive results,” he said.
The youth leader who thanked President Bola Tinubu for Ogbuku’s appointment, also urged him to release funds for the development of the region.
According to him, “This call has become imperative as Dr. Ogbuku and his management team have shown unprecedented commitment to the development of the region.”
“The government should give all the necessary support and legislative backing to the Commission to succeed. This call has become imperative as Dr. Ogbuku and his management team had shown unprecedented commitment to the development of the region.”
While applauding the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio for delivering a powerful speech on behalf of Tinubu, Ekerefe admonished that all resolutions reached at the summit should not be swept under the carpet.
“Funds should be released immediately to enable the Commission carry out erosion control, canalization, erosion management, land reclamation and shoreline protection projects.”
The youth leader further cautioned groups and ethnic nationalities against acts that could distract the leadership of the Commission from performing optimally, but rather channel their concerns through appropriate means.