The Commodore Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard Limited, Commodore Abolaji Orederu, (left) presenting a plaque to the Acting Managing Director of theNDDC, Professor Nelson Brambaifa, during a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The Nigerian Navy has commended the Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for its efforts to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, noting that the interventionist agency was helping to alleviate the sufferings of the people.
The Commodore Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard Limited, Commodore Abolaji Orederu, stated this when he led a team on a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt to thank the Acting Managing Director of the Commission, Professor Nelson Brambaifa, and its leadership for rehabilitating Reclamation Road, Port Harcourt, and reviving the fortunes of the shipyard and businesses in the area.
“We are here to say thank you to the Acting Managing Director, directors and entire staff of NDDC for rescuing us from the many years of discomfort and hardship,” Commodore Orederu said. “The road has been in a very bad state. I sought the permission of the Chief of Naval Staff to approach your organisation and eventually approval was given, the contract was awarded and the road has been done.”
He added: “The road was done in an area where there is a lot of socio-economic activities. The completion of the road has given us a brand new life. NDDC has alleviated the sufferings of thousands of people living in that area and we can’t thank the NDDC enough. We can’t thank the Acting Managing Director enough. NDDC is indeed doing an outstanding job in the region, by creating the enabling environment for economic growth. As I speak, the Nigeria Navy has entered into a joint venture with a Chinese company to build ships at the Naval shipyard. This road is a Godsent.”
Commodore Orederu called on NDDC to partner with the Naval Shipyard on ship building and repairs, to generate employment and boost economic activities in the region, stating: “We intend to build boats for you; hospitals boats that can go to the creeks and do medical missions where you cannot easily set up hospitals, as well as transport and passengers boats.”
Responding, the Acting Managing Director of the Commission, Professor Nelson Brambaifa stated that NDDC was committed to creating wealth and reducing poverty in the Niger Delta, as a strategy to resolving all the developmental challenges in the region.
Professor Brambaifa commended the Navy and security agencies for their efforts to maintain peace and security in the region, especially on the waterways, stating: “No development can occur in a state of discord and unrest and NDDC has benefited from the work of the Navy and other security agencies.”
He disclosed that “NDDC has partnered with the Navy to undertake 17 projects, out of which 11 have been completed. These include eight building and three road projects. NDDC understands the importance of these projects and we will continue to partner with the Navy and our security agencies to maintain peace and security in the region and, in the case of the Naval Shipyard, help in creating job opportunities and wealth for the people.”
The NDDC boss noted that for over 25 years, Reclamation Road “had remained impassable and I am proud, as a true Niger Deltan, to have been part of the team that rebuilt it.” He added: “Even though it only covers 2.6 kilometres, the significance of the road is multifaceted. I am happy to note that, besides the shipyard, the Port Harcourt Boat Club and other industries in the Macobar area are coming back to life.”
Professor Brambaifa stated that this was “why NDDC was established. We are to intervene in the Niger Delta to facilitate a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, politically peaceful and ecologically regenerative. President Muhammadu Buhari, in appointing us, restated this duty and asked us to partner with all stakeholders to ensure that we give the people of the Niger Delta a region that satisfies their expectations and fulfils their needs.”
Also speaking, the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NDDC, Dr. Chris Amadi, applauded the Navy for appreciating the Commission. He said that the gesture was unprecedented, stating: “What you have done today will be clearly recorded in the history of the NDDC. It is rare for any Nigerian or institution to express appreciation like this. What you would rather see in our country is more of condemnation and negatives, When you find positives like this, when you see people who appreciate what you are doing and what you have done, it emboldens you to remain committed in serving the people.”
