Don’t Distract me With Guber Ambition, My Focus is on Tinubu’s Mandate – NDDC Boss Ogbuku

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has urged stakeholders in the Niger Delta region, particularly his state Bayelsa not to distract him with governorship ambition matters.

Ogbuku who spoke at a world press conference held at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, to mark the Commission’s 25th anniversary, on Monday, dismissed speculations making the round that he was nursing a governorship ambition in Bayelsa state.

Speaking at the event which brought together stakeholders, journalists, and development partners from across the Niger Delta, Ogbuku said that he was only interested in delivering on the mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Specifically, Dr. Ogbuku stated that he has neither declared nor show any interest in any political contest. He maintained that his current assignment as chief executive of the NDDC is too critical to be distracted by electioneering rumours.

He, therefore reaffirmed his dedication to the Commission’s developmental mission, distancing himself from political distractions.

“I want to clearly state that I never told anyone I am contesting any election,” Ogbuku said. “My only focus now is to execute the assignment given to me by Mr. President as Managing Director of the NDDC.”

Reeling out his achievement Ogbuku said that under his leadership, the commission has recorded significant milestones including the completion of inherited projects, youth empowerment schemes, free medical outreaches, deployment of solar-powered streetlights to rural communities, and the foreign postgraduate scholarship programme.

“We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for the trust reposed in this current board,” Ogbuku said. “We will remain focused and committed to delivering impactful projects that reflect the aspirations of our people.”

In his remarks, Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Chief Chiedu Ebie, stressed that the board is operating as a cohesive team, guided by transparency and public engagement to reposition the agency for optimal service delivery.

Chiedu Ebie

The weeklong anniversary celebration is scheduled to conclude with a grand gala and awards night in Port Harcourt on July 12. The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Boma Iyayi, disclosed that the event will also feature a beauty pageant to showcase the culture of the Niger Delta.

Earlier, the NDDC delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, who commended the Commission’s scholarship initiatives and urged for greater intervention in addressing flooding challenges in the capital city.