IMO TRADITIONAL RULER HAILS NDDC MANAGING DIRECTOR DR. SAMUEL OGBUKU , FOR EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT ACROSS NIGER DELTA.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
19- NOV -2025

The revered traditional ruler of Ihitteaforukwu Kingdom in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State—His Royal Majesty, Dr. O.D. Nwandu, Akaraka III—has expressed strong commendation for the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, applauding his balanced and inclusive model of infrastructural development across the region.

In a goodwill message issued from the Obioha Palace, the monarch lauded Dr. Ogbuku for what he described as a fair and professionally coordinated spread of emergency projects, particularly the installation of solar-powered street lights in communities across the nine Niger Delta states.

According to the monarch, the current approach stands out from previous administration styles where only select areas benefited. He emphasized that the present NDDC leadership has demonstrated exceptional impartiality, ensuring that no community is left behind in the distribution of developmental interventions.

“I commend you, Dr. Ogbuku, for the even distribution of solar street lights across the Niger Delta,” HRM Nwandu stated. “This is the first administration to extend such projects comprehensively throughout the entire region. You have shown leadership anchored on fairness rather than sentiment. The presence of NDDC projects is now felt everywhere.”

He noted that the projects delivered under the current management have had a significant impact on security and community well-being, especially in Imo State, where several towns—his community included—have already benefitted from the solar streetlight initiative.

The monarch also used the opportunity to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who he praised for maintaining a harmonious working relationship with the NDDC leadership to drive development in the state.

Furthermore, HRM Nwandu encouraged other governors in the Niger Delta region to emulate Senator Uzodimma’s cooperative approach. He stressed that effective partnerships between state governments and development agencies are essential for maximizing impact and avoiding duplication of efforts.

Reaffirming his kingdom’s commitment, the monarch assured Dr. Ogbuku of the full support of the Ihitteaforukwu people to ensure unhindered execution and quick completion of NDDC projects sited in the community.