The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has celebrated its newly retired Directors and other staff by presenting service awards to them for their contributions to the Commission's progress and success in the discharge of its mandate to develop the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the ceremony at the NDDC Club House in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stressed the need to recognise and honour retired staff for their various roles in driving the development process.

Ogbuku commended the retirees for the meritorious service they had given to the Niger Delta region, in particular, and to Nigeria as a whole, noting that it was a great honour to be recognised by one’s organisation.

He urged the retired Directors and staff to see themselves as ambassadors of the NDDC in whatever post-retirement activities they undertake.

Ogbuku said that the NDDC management would continue to reward those who served the Commission well, noting that it was essential to recognise and reward the efforts of staff and retirees who served without blemish.

The Managing Director told the retirees, "You have an institutional memory of the NDDC that is invaluable to those still in service. We will, therefore, continue to tap into your wealth of experience by engaging some of you as consultants.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, commended the retiring Directors for serving the Commission well. Stating: “You’re leaving the NDDC is not because the Commission does not want you again, it is just the nature of public service.”

“Without you, the Executive Management would not have been able to perform optimally. Your loyalty and dedication have helped us to succeed. We will still need your services as consultants and contractors because you are a rich repository of invaluable institutional memories for the NDDC.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, the retiring Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr Patrick Ekade, described the ceremony as a celebration of the retirees' service.

He said that the current NDDC management thought it wise to make the retirement process less stressful: "The honour the NDDC bestows on the retirees is to give hope to those still in service. It is a celebration of hope for the retirees.”

Responding on behalf of the retirees, the former Director, Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Nelson Onwo, thanked the NDDC Board and Management for recognising their contributions and celebrating them even in retirement.

He promised they would continue to support the NDDC whenever called upon to assist.

He remarked: “I am excited to be leaving because it allows me to explore other areas of my life. But again, I am going to miss the warmth of the NDDC family and friends of many years.”

Also responding, the former Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr George Uzonwanne, observed that the NDDC, apart from being a “wonderful family,” had provided the retirees with the best training throughout their service to the Commission.

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