Today, I hosted the Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, and his team at the Commission’s headquarters. The engagement was timely and reassuring, underscoring our shared understanding that security is the bedrock upon which all meaningful development is built. Without a secure environment, our collective efforts to deliver infrastructure, create jobs, and improve livelihoods across the Niger Delta cannot yield lasting results.

The Niger Delta is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria. The stability of this region directly impacts national prosperity. It is for this reason that the NDDC remains firmly aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places peace, security, and inclusive development at the core of national progress. Any threat to peace in the Niger Delta is a threat to the entire nation, and we will not allow that to happen.
Over the years, the Commission has consistently supported security agencies through strategic interventions, including support to the 16 Brigade in Bayelsa State, the ongoing development of a major Army base in Warri, and the provision of critical assets such as a naval base jetty, gunboats, and houseboats to the Nigerian Navy in Ayakoro and Ayama communities. These interventions reflect our belief that development and security are intertwined and must advance together.

Sustained peace in the Niger Delta will unlock vast economic opportunities, attract both local and foreign investments, and create much-needed employment for our youths. Job creation remains a critical pathway to long-term stability and prosperity in the region.
I commend the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, and all security agencies for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring that the Niger Delta remains one of the safest regions in the country today. The visible improvement in security has restored investor confidence, revived economic activities, and strengthened Nigeria’s global outlook.

The NDDC will continue to partner closely with the Joint Task Force and other security stakeholders in the interest of peace, increased productivity, and holistic development of the Niger Delta. Together, we remain committed to ensuring that development reaches every doorstep in our region and that the Niger Delta continues to play its vital role in Nigeria’s growth and prosperity.

The thanksgiving service, held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ayakoro Community, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, brought together a distinguished gathering of traditional rulers, clergy, community leaders, dignitaries, and residents. It was a moment to celebrate a life defined by wisdom, peace, humility, and selfless service to humanity.

My presence at this sacred gathering went beyond official protocol. It was a mark of deep respect for the late monarch and a reflection of my personal and institutional commitment to community engagement, cultural reverence, and empathetic leadership. I considered it important to personally identify with the royal family and the people of Ayakoro at a time of remembrance and thanksgiving.

Traditional institutions remain a vital pillar of stability and development within our communities. They play a critical role in grassroots governance, peacebuilding, and social cohesion across the Niger Delta. Leaders such as the late HRH Righteous Inegbagha exemplified these values with grace and dignity, earning the trust and admiration of his people.

As we honoured his memory, we were reminded that true leadership is rooted in service, wisdom, and compassion. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations and serve as a guiding light for community leadership in the region.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the Ayakoro Council of Chiefs, and the entire Ayakoro Community. May the soul of His Royal Highness, Righteous Inegbagha, rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy of unity and service endure.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku
MD/CEO NDDC
December 22, 2025

Accompanied by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chief Boma Iyaye; Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai (PhD) Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde and some members of the Executive Management Committee.

The 2025 proposal, christened the “Budget of Consolidation,” builds firmly on the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope and signals a deliberate shift from routine interventions to transformative development across the Niger Delta. It is fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The budget reflects a prudent 9 per cent reduction from the ₦1.985 trillion 2024 appropriation, underscoring our commitment to fiscal discipline, efficiency, and value for money. Funding is projected to come from statutory federal allocations, contributions from oil and gas companies, carried-forward revenues, recoveries, and internally generated revenue. Of the total envelope, ₦1.631 trillion has been earmarked for critical regional projects, with adequate provisions for internal projects, personnel costs, and overheads. In addition, a sectoral budgeting framework has been introduced to enhance efficiency, transparency, and development impact.

On performance, I am pleased to report that as of October 31, 2024, the Commission recorded actual revenues of ₦1.985 trillion for the fiscal year, exceeding projected targets. This achievement reflects growing confidence in the Commission’s ongoing reforms and strengthened financial management processes.

We welcome the planned oversight tour of NDDC projects across the nine Niger Delta states scheduled for January 2026, and we remain resolute that the 2025 Budget will deliver measurable, people-centred outcomes that meaningfully improve livelihoods and accelerate sustainable development in the region.

Speaking at a celebratory reception held in honor of the athletes, Dr. Ogbuku described the achievement as both encouraging and motivating. He highlighted how the success underscored the hidden talents and dedication within the NDDC workforce, even when competing against other federal agencies and parastatals.

“This outcome truly warms the heart,” Ogbuku remarked. “It proves that our staff possess remarkable abilities that extend beyond their daily roles. The wise use of resources to support their participation has paid off handsomely, and this same drive and confidence should inspire excellence in all aspects of their work toward advancing the Niger Delta.”

Looking ahead, the NDDC boss announced that the medal-winning momentum would fuel greater involvement in the upcoming Niger Delta Games, set for February 2026 in Edo State. He positioned the regional event as a vital opportunity to spotlight local talents and drive sports growth across the nine mandate states.

Dr. Ogbuku urged the athletes and all staff to sustain their self-motivation and pursuit of greatness, assuring them that the Commission deeply values their contributions in bringing pride to the organization. “Continue chasing victories at every opportunity—let the medals keep rolling in,” he encouraged.

Echoing the MD’s sentiments, Executive Director for Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, called the results a welcome surprise that validated the Commission’s investment in staff welfare and extracurricular activities. He noted that the athletes had helped reshape positive perceptions of the NDDC through their discipline and results.

The NDDC Staff Union Chairman, Comrade John Achoreturi, emphasized the historic nature of this first-ever participation, crediting Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership and support for enabling the team to feature in various events and secure 14 medals overall. He praised the outing for significantly boosting morale, unity, and a sense of pride among employees.

The award was presented to Dr. Ogbuku by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, at the event themed “Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future: Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities”, which took place at The Blanc Grand Event Centre in Abuja on December 3, 2025. The ceremony featured insights from thought leaders, including a keynote address by former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (represented by former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim).

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Ogbuku expressed profound gratitude, describing the award as a testament to the collective hard work of the NDDC team and growing national appreciation for the Commission’s transformative efforts in the Niger Delta. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling platform and leadership that has driven meaningful change. He also acknowledged the support from the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to intensify efforts in 2026—delivering inclusive, people-focused development across every corner of the region in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, noted that the honor would further motivate the team to sustain and expand sustainable development initiatives. Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, hailed it as a major milestone for the NDDC, thanking BusinessDay for the recognition while pledging continued community impact.

Publisher of BusinessDay, Mr. Frank Aigbogun (represented by Editor Lolade Akinmurele), emphasized that the awards celebrate exceptional leadership and dedication in public service—going beyond efficiency to full commitment to national progress.

This accolade highlights Dr. Ogbuku’s outstanding stewardship in repositioning the NDDC for greater transparency, efficiency, and impact—validating ongoing reforms and fueling momentum for accelerated regional transformation.

Congratulations to Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the entire NDDC family—proof that dedicated service is being recognized and rewarded!

A letter from Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confirms Ogbuku’s selection for the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS). Organized by The Best Strategic (TBS) Media in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the event will unfold at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, with President Tinubu in attendance.

The letter notes: “With reference to the letter from the Chairman, Advisory Council of Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service, I write to respectfully inform you that you have been nominated to receive a Distinguished Award for Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery and Sustainable Regional Growth.”

This accolade builds on President Tinubu’s praise on July 12, 2024, at the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt, where he lauded the NDDC Board and Management for their unified push to accelerate growth in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta.

Under Ogbuku’s leadership, the NDDC has delivered standout results, including new roads, bridge rehabilitations, and enhanced social amenities that drive sustainable progress in the region.

The honor was presented at a ceremony in the UK House of Commons, London, recognizing his exceptional work in regional development, innovation, and governance across the Niger Delta. During a special Parliamentary Session hosted by Hon. Oliver Ryan MP for Burnley and chaired by Prof. Kishan Devani BEM, Ogbuku earned applause for driving sustainable development and inclusive growth in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.

Represented by Dr. Chris Ekam and Dr. Willie Etim, Ogbuku expressed gratitude to the LPSA leadership for selecting him and NDDC as Nigeria Regional Development Agency of the Year 2025. He noted that this international nod from London underscores the visible transformations NDDC has delivered in the region.

The award, Ogbuku added, will motivate the NDDC Board and Management to accelerate legacy projects, prioritizing regional infrastructure and human capital development.

LPSA founder and convener, Mazi Godson Azu, highlighted the summit’s growth as a premier global platform for governance, leadership, diplomacy, and democratic peace across Africa, the Commonwealth, and beyond. “Born from a vision to promote dialogue, peace, and democratic partnership between Africa, the Commonwealth, and the global community,” he said. The annual event gathers political leaders, academics, business innovators, and partners for discussions on democracy and sustainable development.

Other distinguished recipients included Former Kenyan Vice President Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, and Mayor Paul Bristow.

In an official letter, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede stated: “Having contributed immensely to the development of the NA’s infrastructure, human capacity development, as well as enhancement of the NA’s operational efficiency and accomplishment of the COAS Command Philosophy, [Ogbuku] is hereby awarded the NA Outstanding Service Commendation Medal (NAOSCM).”

The medal was conferred on Ogbuku at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Lecture and Award Ceremony in Abuja. Additionally, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council, led by Chairman Comrade Churchill Oyewe, honored him as a “Champion of Transformational Leadership” during the World Press Briefing in Asaba.

Ogbuku expressed deep appreciation to both the Army and NUJ, saying the recognitions will drive NDDC to intensify development efforts. He praised the Nigerian Army’s role in fostering peace in the Niger Delta, enabling residents to thrive and conduct business securely.

Highlighting NDDC’s longstanding partnership with the Army, Ogbuku emphasized: “For us in NDDC, we have done a lot to ensure that we collaborate with security agencies because we believe that security, peace, and development are intertwined. Where there is no security, there will be no peace, and where there is no peace, there will be no development. We will do our best to support the security agencies to succeed because, when they succeed, we will also succeed.”

The accolade was presented at the 3rd Edition of the African Heritage Concert and Awards 2025 in Marrakesh, Morocco, attended by prominent figures like Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabiru Yusuf and WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Represented by NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku celebrated the honor and reaffirmed his drive for regional progress. “For us at NDDC, this award means we must redouble our efforts. We will continue striving to positively impact the lives of Niger Delta people through impactful programmes and projects,” he said.

Ogbuku acknowledged NDDC’s milestones but emphasized more work ahead, especially during the Commission’s 25th anniversary. “This award is an encouragement to do more. It shows that Nigerians and Niger Delta people appreciate the development efforts of the Commission.”

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recipient of the “African Life Achievement Award,” urged Africa to harness its inner potential via a recorded message, thanking Heritage Times for spotlighting continental excellence.

Heritage Times Chairman Mr. Moses Siasia described the Pan-African event as a platform to honor outstanding African leaders, organizations, and diaspora figures. He praised Ogbuku’s “Lighting Up The Niger Delta” project for illuminating vulnerable oil-rich communities. “We celebrate African excellence, culture, and heritage and honour African leaders, change-makers, and individuals who embody the spirit of African excellence. We bring together influential African innovators,” Siasia added. The awards aim to sustain excellence, promote Afrocentrism, and inspire Africa’s true narrative.