By Asuquo Cletus
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commissioned its permanent state office in Cross River, ending a 25-years wait for a dedicated operational base in the state.
The landmark event was accompanied by the flag-off of an 8.13-kilometer road project and the distribution of handheld tillers to local farmers in the state.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Calabar, the Cross River State Representative on the NDDC Board, Orok Duke, described the development as a critical step toward decentralizing the Commissionโs activities and bringing its services closer to the grassroots.
โFor too long, Cross River State has operated without a physical presence of the NDDC. Today, we correct that oversight by not only opening this office but also rolling out infrastructure projects that will directly impact lives,โ Duke stated.
He emphasized that the new office and road project would serve as a coordination hub for NDDC programs, enabling faster response to community needs, more effective supervision of contractors, and improved stakeholder engagement.
Duke also expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for maintaining peace and stability in the state, which he said had enabled the Commission to carry out its mandate effectively.
โWe thank the ‘Sweet Prince,’ Governor Bassey Otu, for the peaceful atmosphere he has created. Good roads mean better access to education, healthcare, and trade. These are not just construction projects; they are investments in the future of our communities,โ he added.
The NDDC representative also used the occasion to call for fair representation of Cross River State on its Board of Directors, emphasizing the need for equity in the Commissionโs leadership structure.
Representing Governor Bassey Otu at the event, the Commissioner for Works, Ankpo Pius, lauded the NDDC for finally establishing a state office in Cross River. He described it as a โsignificant move toward inclusive developmentโ and assured that the state government would continue to support efforts geared toward sustainable growth and development.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commissionโs commitment to using infrastructure as a tool for regional transformation.
He noted that the ongoing recalibration of the NDDCโs strategies places greater emphasis on partnerships, community engagement, and impactful delivery.
The event drew several dignitaries, including the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, members of the House of Representatives, NDDC Board members, and other senior government officials.
