The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it is ready to unlock the region’s rich farming potential to help bring lasting development.
NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, shared this at a Youth and Women Conference celebrating the Commission’s 25th anniversary on July 9, 2025, in Owerri.
He explained that the goal of boosting agriculture in the region is part of President Bola Tinubu’s plan to leave lasting projects through the NDDC.
Ogbuku said improving farming would create jobs, improve food supply, and make life better for the people of the Niger Delta.
He added that an agricultural summit would be held soon to plan how best to use the region’s resources for development.
Ogbuku admitted that while there have been mistakes in the past, lessons have been learned and improvements will be made.
He stressed that women and youth must not be left behind, as they often suffer the most during crises in the region.
He said the event was organized to update people on NDDC’s projects and to hear from women, youth, and other important voices in the region.
Ogbuku also revealed that the commission is collecting data on women and youth to help manage programs better and avoid giving benefits to the same people multiple times.
“This will help us spread opportunities more fairly and support wider development,” he explained.
He encouraged people to take advantage of the newly established Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, which is meant to support local business owners.
“I urge you to register and use the Chamber of Commerce to grow your businesses,” he said.
He added that the chamber will help solve problems related to loan repayment and will be part of a plan to make development long-lasting.
Ogbuku also asked people to support NDDC’s programs so the president’s vision for the region can become a reality.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaro, said that NDDC’s work with local groups to train youth and women has helped the Commission achieve great results over the past 25 years.
He praised NDDC for building roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, electricity projects, and markets, calling them achievements worth celebrating.
He said he hopes the Commission will continue in this positive direction.
Uzodimma urged NDDC to do even more for youth and women. He recommended that they look at his government’s “Skill Up Imo” project, which trained over 40,000 young people in digital skills.
He said this kind of training would help young people in the Niger Delta become more employable and start their own businesses.
The governor promised to keep supporting the NDDC in its mission.
The Chairman of the NDDC board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, also spoke. He said the Commission will keep making women and youth a priority in its programs.
Ebie asked for continued support and prayers from the people, and thanked everyone for showing up in large numbers.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who heads the Senate Committee on NDDC, encouraged youth to take the workshop seriously and use the chance to better themselves.
He praised the NDDC’s leaders for their dedication, which has kept the Commission running well for 25 years.
He also urged young people to learn from the NDDC’s example of discipline and hard work.
Ekpenyong said education, especially in science and technology, is key to helping young people succeed.
He urged NDDC to work more with tech hubs to reach more people and have a bigger impact.
Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu, who represents Imo State on the NDDC board, welcomed everyone and called the anniversary a joyful event.
Speaking for the people of Imo, he asked NDDC to keep working with the state, especially in youth development and building farming infrastructure.
He welcomed all participants and encouraged them to make the most of the event.
Mr. Dele Oye, former president of NACCIMA, gave a speech on encouraging creativity and innovation among women and youth to support entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta.
Mrs. Chinyere Ordu, a principal from Crowther Memorial Girls School, also gave a talk about focusing on gender issues to support business and empowerment in the region.
