The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday, inaugurated the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), THE DEFENDER has reported.
Recall that the Senate confirmed Lauretta Onochie as Chairman of the Commission along with 12 others on December 20, 2022, after President Muhammadu Buhari transmitted a letter to the red chamber in accordance with the NDDC (Establishment) Act, 2008.
The inauguration followed a letter dated December 29, 2022 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Adebiyi Olufunso.
According to the letter, “Following recent confirmation and clearance of the newly constituted board of NDDC by the Senate, the President has further granted approval for the inauguration of the board to commence work immediately.”
The acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Engr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua on Tuesday morning held a valedictory meeting with the management staff to prepare for the handing over to a new management.
The inauguration which held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja was performed by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana.
He was accompanied by the Minister of State, Mrs Sharon Ikpeazu and witnessed by the represented of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, and the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, among other top government functionaries.
“I appreciate His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling the law by keeping his promise of approving the Board of NDDC in line with section 2 subsection 1 of the NDDC Act 2000.
“Today, we are witnessing the inauguration of the board in fulfillment of Mr. President’s promise that he will put in place a genuine board for the commission after the completion of the forensic audit,” Umana said.
In the composition of the board, Onochie, from Delta state represents the South South as Chairman of the Board of NDDC; Major-General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd) from Edo state as the Executive Director, Finance, and Charles Ogunmola from Ondo state, as Executive Director, Projects.
Others are Dimgba Erugba, Abia; Dr. Emem Willcox Wills, Akwa Ibom; Elder Denyanbofa Dimaro, Bayelsa; Orok Duke, Cross River; Dr. Pius Odudu Edo; Anthony Ekenne, Imo and Gbenga Edema, Ondo.
Others are Elekwachi Dimkpa, Rivers; Mohammed Kabir Abubakar, Nasarawa – representing North Cenral zone; Sadiq Sami Sule-Ikoh, Kebbi – representing the North West; and Prof. Tahir Mamman (SAN), Adamawa – representing the Northeast zone on the Board.
