NDDC EMPHASIZES NEED FOR COMMUNITIES TO GUARD PROJECTS FROM DAMAGE
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Niger Delta Development Commission has urged residents of Ondo State to protect the commission’s projects in their communities from vandalism.
The commission expressed concern that many completed projects have been stolen or damaged by unscrupulous individuals within host communities.
Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director of Corporate Services at NDDC, made the remarks during a one-day capacity-building programme for stakeholders held in Okitipupa town, Okitipupa Local Government Area, on Wednesday.
Represented at the event by the state director, Mr. Kunle Karaki, Abegunde stressed that vandalism, theft, neglect, and destruction of public assets undermine development efforts and slow progress in critical sectors such as electricity, roads, and other basic infrastructure intended to improve the well-being of the Niger Delta region.
He said, “Regrettably, we have seen cases where vandalism, theft, neglect, and lack of community engagement have compromised valuable assets meant to serve the people. These setbacks delay development and reduce the impact of resources invested for the benefit of our communities.
“Every NDDC project that is commissioned is perceived as a government project. But who is the government? You are the owners and guardians in your community. You are the eyes of NDDC on the ground. We have documented numerous incidents where projects were vandalized in broad daylight, such as the three projects destroyed at Ilaje High School, Igbokoda. Even our solar systems in some communities were removed in the past.”
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Abegunde highlighted that the stakeholders’ meeting was essential for discussing strategies to safeguard NDDC projects. He called on residents to remain vigilant.
“We cannot sit idly by and allow vandalism to continue. That is why NDDC organized this town hall—to brainstorm, identify gaps, and propose solutions. Remember, these projects belong to you. If you see anyone attempting to vandalize them, take action and ensure that your community can proudly say it protects NDDC projects,” he urged.
Dr. Ajibola Shekoni of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies at Lagos State University, in a paper titled Strengthening Community Ownership Framework for Sustainable NDDC Project Monitoring and Protection Against Vandalism and Theft, attributed vandalism and theft not only to security lapses but also to sociological factors.
The paper, presented by Mr. Eniola Akinsola, former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko, explained that communities often feel disconnected from resources produced on their ancestral lands. “When communities are excluded from the initial needs assessment and project design, they see infrastructure as government property rather than communal heritage, making projects vulnerable to vandalism,” it noted.
Mr. Francis Abayomi, Director of Peace and Development Projects at NDDC, urged stakeholders to avoid destroying government projects and encouraged the people of the Niger Delta to support the commission in enhancing service delivery and promoting sustainable development through active participation and advocacy.
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