The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commissioned the 4.595-kilometre Internal Roads built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on the campus of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Governor stated that the Internal Roads were much more than concrete and asphalt, as they meant better access in and around the campus for students and staff.

He declared: “By investing in the Polytechnic, the NDDC has invested in the future of our children. This intervention is a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.”

Okpebholo commended the NDDC for its commitment to developing the Niger Delta region. He urged the Commission to continue partnering with state governments to execute more infrastructure projects.

In his speech, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubarka Momoh commended the NDDC Board and Management for responding appropriately to the directives of President Bola Tinubu’s charge to deliver impactful projects in the Niger Delta region.

He lauded the NDDC for collaborating with the state governments in the interest of developing the Niger Delta region.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said that the completion of the road network reflected the President Tinubu administration’s desire to transform the Niger Delta region.

He stated that the Commission was determined to partner with the governors of the Niger Delta states to ensure that the oil-producing states enjoy sustainable development.

Also speaking, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, restated the Commission's commitment to the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

Ogbuku has reassured that the commission is willing to go into a wide range of partnerships with the Edo state government on the provision of socio-economic infrastructure that brings additional value to the people of the state

The Managing Director stated that the commission is committed to spreading the joy of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present government through infrastructure development and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Edo State Government for their support and cooperation, which have led to the feats recorded.

"NDDC is willing and prepared to entering into more partnerships with the government such that immense value is added to life of the people.

“We will continue to celebrate the dividends of NDDC’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Earlier in the year, we commissioned a series of projects as part of the ‘NDDC Dividends of Renewed Hope’ initiative, as these projects were awarded during Mr President's tenure, demonstrating that he is working for the region across all nine states," he said.

The NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai, gave the brief and explained that the road network comprised 4.8km of asphalt pavement, including 4.595km of internal roads, 205 dual-carriageway main entrance gates, 4.205 reinforced concrete drains, and a 32m by 900mm reinforced concrete ring culvert.

He stated: “For 23 years, this institution stood as a centre of learning without a single meter of tar on its grounds. For over two decades, students and staff battled dust and mud to access classrooms. Today, NDDC is manifesting its establishment as an interventionist agency in this institution of higher learning in Edo State.

“This project is a testament to the NDDC’s 'Making a Difference' mantra. We are not just building roads; we are paving the way for academic excellence. I must commend His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his administration's synergy with the NDDC. When the state government and the Commission work in harmony, it is the people who win. “

Antai stated t hat the project had created motorable access to various departments in the polytechnic. It has also enhanced the transfer of goods and services, thereby boosting the community's economy.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, thanked President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He pledged that the Senate Committee on NDDC that it would continue to ensure diligent oversight of the Commission’s activities.

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