Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has reiterated the Commission’s dedication to supporting security agencies operating in the Niger Delta region.
This commitment was emphasized during separate courtesy visits to the NDDC headquarters by Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, and Commodore Desmond Okechukwu Igbo, the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, Pathfinder.
Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the crucial link between development and security, stressing that collaboration was essential to maintaining peace in the Niger Delta.
He stated, “Development and security are intertwined because without security there will be no development and where there is security and development, there will be prosperity. For the Niger Delta to be peaceful, we need both development and security.”
Expressing the NDDC’s obligation to support security agencies, Ogbuku noted the importance of a secure environment for the effective discharge of the Commission’s intervention mandate.
He commended the security agencies for their efforts in maintaining relative peace in the region and pledged continued support.
Ogbuku advised security agencies to be proactive and rely on intelligence gathering to address security challenges promptly. He emphasized the NDDC’s commitment to engaging youth in the region by providing training in various skills to ensure gainful employment.
Major General Jamal Abdulsalam acknowledged the symbiotic relationship between NDDC and the Army, emphasizing that peace is a prerequisite for the development of the Niger Delta.
He commended the NDDC for initiatives such as providing solar-power streetlights at Army Barracks and sought further collaboration in enhancing facilities in the barracks.
Commodore Desmond Igbo, Commander of NNS Pathfinder, lauded the NDDC for cooperation with security agencies, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to protecting national assets and maintaining peace in the Niger Delta. He urged continued support from the NDDC and pledged to sustain the cordial relationship between the Navy and the Commission.
