The people of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State have bestowed a prestigious chieftaincy title on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, describing him as a catalyst for “abundant development” in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the installation ceremony at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Ogu, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Egbelekpeke, said Ogbuku was being honoured for his exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to community development in the Niger Delta region.

He declared: “By the authority vested in me as Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, and acting on behalf of the Amanyanabo-in-Council of Ogu Kingdom, I hereby install you as a Chief of Ogu Kingdom, and confer upon you the revered title of 'Pere Se Bobo, ' meaning 'He Who Comes with Abundance.’

Egbelekpeke stated: “Among the Wakirike, abundance is measured not only in wealth, but in peace, goodwill, unity, progress and development.”

Reviewing the attainments of the NDDC Managing Director, the Chairman of the Installation Planning Committee, Senator George Sekibo, stated that “under Ogbuku’s stewardship, the NDDC had been repositioned from a transactional agency to a transformational institution, anchored on transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and sustainable growth.”

“His administration has strengthened corporate governance, enhanced service delivery, fostered stakeholder confidence, and deepened collaboration with oil companies, state governments, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth groups, and development partners across the Niger Delta.”

He said further: “The visible commitment of this distinguished son of the Niger Delta to infrastructural development, institutional strength, and community empowerment aligns perfectly with our values, traditions, and aspirations.”

Responding, Ogbuku said that the honour done to him was an expression of appreciation by the people and a call on him to do more in developing the Niger Delta region.

He thanked the people of Ogu Kingdom for recognising his contributions and honouring him, stating that the credit should be given to President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku restated the commitment of the NDDC to positively transform the region, reassuring that he would continue to work hard to drive the sustainable development of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

He stressed: “We must unite and work in one accord to surmount the development challenges that confront our people. We are determined to succeed, and with your support and cooperation, we will achieve our goals.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, described Ogbuku as “a visionary and a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the development of our region are commendable. We are privileged to have him as the NDDC Chief Executive Officer.

“We celebrate Chief Ogbuku not only for his personal achievements but also for his unwavering dedication to the betterment of our region. Through his visionary leadership, we have witnessed tremendous strides in infrastructure development, community empowerment, and sustainable growth.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, Chief Vincent Nemieboka, commended Ogbuku’s achievements in the infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region and Ogu-Bolo communities in particular.

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