The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has convened its 2025 Board and Management Strategic Retreat at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, bringing together key stakeholders to chart a renewed course for the development of the Niger Delta. Among the prominent voices shaping the discussions is Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, Cross River State’s representative on the NDDC Board, who has been resolute in his advocacy for equitable resource distribution and transformative projects for his home state.
With the theme, “Repositioning NDDC for Efficient Service Delivery,” the retreat serves as a platform to review past initiatives, diagnose operational bottlenecks, and introduce governance reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and overall effectiveness. While deliberations have broadly centred on optimising service delivery, Duke has been unwavering in his call for fair resource allocation, sustainable infrastructure, and impactful grassroots initiatives in Cross River State.
Speaking passionately on the need for execution and accountability, Duke asserted:
> “It is no longer sufficient to award contracts and inaugurate projects. We must ensure that every initiative is well-executed, properly maintained, and fulfills its intended purpose. The Niger Delta has waited too long for sustainable progress, and it is our responsibility to deliver.”
He further underscored the need for increased NDDC intervention in Cross River State, advocating for accelerated implementation of critical projects that align with the developmental strides of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. Emphasizing the state’s political alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Duke urged the Commission to prioritise and consolidate development efforts in Cross River.
As the retreat progresses, Duke remains steadfast in his commitment to securing a greater developmental footprint for Cross River State, ensuring the region benefits from enhanced infrastructure, economic opportunities, and impactful social programmes. His proactive engagement at the NDDC retreat signals a firm resolve to transform policy discussions into tangible progress for the people of Cross River State.
