The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships with educational institutions in the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, restated the support during a courtesy visit by members of the University of Port Harcourt’s Governing Council, led by its Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuanbunwa, to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku emphasised the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with the University of Port Harcourt and other educational institutions to achieve mutual benefits.
He stated: “We have undertaken various projects at the University of Port Harcourt, and we look forward to building more partnerships. Let us work together so the region can benefit.”
The NDDC boss assured the delegation that the Commission would construct new hostel blocks and provide the university’s Senate with a 300 KVA solar inverter system to reduce diesel expenses. Additionally, he announced plans to dispatch a team of engineers to assess the university’s roads and hostels for possible rehabilitation.
Highlighting NDDC’s commitment to results, Ogbuku remarked, “In NDDC, we believe in action. We do not make empty promises, as we are determined to bring the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reality.”
He said that as NDDC marked its 25th anniversary, the Commission remained steadfast in its mission as an interventionist agency, dedicated to driving development and promoting partnerships across the Niger Delta region.
Senator Ohuanbunwa commended the NDDC’s progress under its current leadership and appealed to the Commission to continue its support for the university.
He expressed concerns over the university’s infrastructural challenges and noted that the total student population was 50,000, while the hostel accommodation capacity was only 5,000. He appealed to the NDDC to assist the university in the areas of electricity and transportation. He also requested help in getting gas turbines to ensure a reliable power supply for the students.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for its impactful contributions and congratulated the NDDC boss on the commendation received from President Tinubu. He expressed optimism about future collaborations and invited the NDDC to the university’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs
March 26, 2025
