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By Sunday Ani
The founder of a nongovernmental organisation, Women on Mission for Peace and Humanity, Pastor Kelechi Benwosely Esimogu, has commended the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his outstanding achievements in office.
In a statement yesterday, she described Ogbuku, who recently turned 50, as a leader who exemplifies a rare blend of vision, integrity and action. She said she joined countless admirers and stakeholders across the Niger Delta and beyond in celebrating his golden jubilee.
Esimogu, who also serves as the Group Pastor of Powercity International in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, praised the NDDC boss for his legacy of electrification and infrastructure development, adding that under his leadership, Niger Delta has witnessed an unprecedented rollout of critical projects.
She highlighted some of the projects to include the Ogbia–Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, a 27.5km lifeline with seven bridges and 50 culverts, connecting 14 previously isolated communities, Iko-Atabrikang–Akata–Opulom; Ikot Inwang–Okoroutip–Iwochang Road (6km) and the Ibeno Bridge (600m) in Akwa Ibom, boosting trade and social integration.
Others, she said, included Obehie–Oke Ikpe Road (9km) in Ukwa West, Abia State, providing the long-awaited access to neglected communities.
Ogbuku was also commended for his electrification projects, including a 45km double circuit feeder line from Omotosho Power Station and a 15MVA substation in Edo State, powering towns and industries.
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“These are not just roads and wires, they are veins of progress, carrying hope, commerce, and opportunity across the Niger Delta,” she said.
She further noted that beyond physical infrastructure, Ogbuku has rebuilt public trust in the NDDC through far-reaching reforms, such as restructuring the commission into 13 statutory directorates, introducing standard operating procedures and KPIs with global consultancy oversight and adopting digital procurement protocols to enhance transparency.
According to her, the NDDC has been repositioned as “a credible vehicle for development rather than controversy.”
She also recalled that in April 2025, Ogbuku’s efforts received continental recognition when he was awarded the African Public Service Award in Morocco, particularly for the “Lighting Up the Niger Delta” initiative, which has significantly brightened lives and businesses across the region.
“On behalf of the good people of Niger Delta, I say thank you, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. Thank you for your foresight, your tireless service and for reminding us that public office can indeed be a platform for public good.
“As you mark this golden milestone, may the years ahead grant you wisdom, health, and the strength to steer the Niger Delta towards even greater heights of development and peace,” she added.
