The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced plans to initiate the procurement process for the award of a contract to address the shore protection and erosion control of the Odi community shoreline in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
During a reception held after inspecting the erosion-affected area in Odi, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, affirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing basic infrastructure in communities across the Niger Delta region. He emphasized that the protection of coastal communities is a top priority for the NDDC.
Ogbuku stated, “In the next couple of weeks, we will start the procurement process for the shore protection project. We will also provide solar street lights in the town.”
The NDDC boss highlighted the importance of engaging with stakeholders in the community and personally assessing the challenges they face. He emphasized the NDDC’s belief in stakeholder engagement and the need to understand the realities on the ground to effectively address community challenges.
Cautioning against politicizing development, Ogbuku stressed that the ultimate beneficiaries of development efforts are the people. He reiterated that the NDDC’s goal is to improve the lives of the Niger Delta communities.
During the reception, Chief Truman Abiama, the Secretary of the Odi Council of Chiefs, representing the Amananoowei of Odi Kingdom, King Shine Andrew Apre, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for choosing to visit the community and inspect the erosion issues firsthand. The traditional ruler thanked the NDDC Managing Director for showing concern for the plight of the people and urged the Commission to support Odi in promoting the interests of the Ijaw nation.
The NDDC’s commitment to addressing the erosion challenges in Odi signifies its dedication to mitigating environmental risks and improving the livelihoods of the community residents in Bayelsa State.
