By Cletus, Felix
As part of its efforts to promote peace, development and stability in the Niger Delta Region, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has delivered relief packages to security agencies and traditional rulers in Cross River State.
The delivery, which spanned from Thursday day, to Friday was led by Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, the Cross River State Commissioner of the NDDC board, and a former deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
The relief packages, which included bags of rice, groundnut oil, were delivered to the Zone 6 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Calabar, the 13 Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp and the Navy Ship Victory.
The NDDC team, accompanied by a crowd of supporters and well-wishers, was warmly received by the recipients, who expressed gratitude for the gesture.
The relief packages were also delivered to the Traditional Rulers Council in Cross River State, including all paramount rulers, of the 18 Local Government Areas.
Although Orok Duke did not speak to newsmen, our correspondent understands that the gesture is a way of showing appreciation for the efforts of security agencies and traditional rulers in maintaining peace and stability in the state.
In May 2024, had provided a truckload of relief materials to the Bakassi returnees, aiming to alleviate their hardships.
During the presentation, Duke emphasized that the intervention aims to complement the Cross River state government’s efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the returnees.
He urged the camp coordinator to ensure the relief materials reach those who need them most, stressing that this would encourage the NDDC to continue supporting the Bakassi people.
Duke acknowledged the returnees’ pressing needs, including roads, electricity, a jetty, and boats for security agencies. He promised to bring these issues to the Commission for prompt action.
He pledged to highlight other critical development areas, including education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, to promote sustainable development in the region.
