NDDC PROJECTS ENHANCING SECURITY IN NIGER DELTA

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has praised the current Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies operating in the region.

Air Marshal Aneke made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, where he highlighted several development projects carried out by the commission to assist security operations.

The remarks were contained in a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, and shared with newsmen.

“Let me seize this opportunity to commend the NDDC for its unflinching support to us,” he said.

Air Marshal Aneke commended the NDDC for its initiatives, citing the installation of solar lights, the provision of 713 solar inverters that have improved safety and operational efficiency in the region, and the donation of a multi-purpose facility to the Nigerian Air Force in Kolo-Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

“At that facility, we now have one of the Administrative and Management Schools, a physical education and skills acquisition centre, and several other centres intentionally relocated from Kaduna State as a mark of appreciation for the commission’s efforts,” he said.

Air Marshal Aneke noted that the NDDC’s mandate to drive socio-economic development in the Niger Delta aligns closely with the Nigerian Air Force’s strategic role in ensuring a secure environment for national growth. He added that the learning centre would offer opportunities for Nigerians, foreigners, and interested NDDC staff members.

He urged the NDDC board to consider rehabilitating and equipping the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) centres with modern, reliable systems to transform them into functional training hubs.

The Chief of Air Staff emphasized the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to a long-term partnership aimed at promoting peace and stability, while requesting the NDDC’s support in providing accommodation for its personnel stationed in Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Benin, Asaba, and Warri.

In response, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness, as an interventionist agency, to collaborate with both public and private organisations on development projects, particularly in the area of security.

“Terrorism is like a virus, and if not checked, it can spread to other parts of the country. But I want to commend you because, since assuming office, you have met the challenges posed by insecurity,” Ogbuku said.

He added, “Our role in the Niger Delta is to support you, because development cannot happen without peace. This is a collective responsibility between us and the security agencies, and we are ready to support you, as the President desires stability in this region. All we ask is that you maximise the benefits, just as we have brought development to the nooks and crannies through initiatives like ‘Operation Light Up the Niger Delta,’ which has illuminated almost every community, significantly reducing militancy and crime, while boosting commerce.”

Ogbuku also commended the Nigerian Air Force for maintaining the facilities donated over the years and appreciated its gesture of allowing NDDC staff to participate in the newly relocated School of Administration and Management from Kaduna State, aimed at enhancing staff training in the region.

He assured that the collaboration between the NDDC and the Nigerian Air Force is built to endure and will stand the test of time.