The Niger Delta Development Commission recently announced a project to construct multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states to assist Internally Displaced Persons in anticipation of floods in the region. The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, shared this initiative during a press conference at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt. The shelters will offer essential amenities like schools, hospitals, cafeterias, police posts, and recreation centers to support communities during emergencies.
Dr. Ogbuku conveyed that these emergency shelters are being built in Otuokpoti and Odi in Bayelsa State, Patani and Ozorro in Delta State, and two in Rivers State. Additionally, the NDDC aims to enhance safety and security in the region by installing solar-powered street lights across the nine states of the Niger Delta.
The NDDC is also focusing on youth empowerment through programs like the Holistic Opportunities Programme of Engagement (HOPE) and the Youth Internship Scheme. Dr. Ogbuku emphasized the importance of providing entrepreneurial and skills development opportunities to unlock the potential of young people in the Niger Delta, promoting peace and prosperity in the area.
Furthermore, the NDDC is actively supporting farmers and verified entrepreneurs in the region through collaborations with the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce. Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the agency’s commitment to leveraging technology for the region’s advancement, including providing U-Lesson tablets to schools for educational enhancement.
The NDDC has completed significant projects across the Niger Delta region, such as the Ogbia-Nembe road, the 132KV Transmission Line, and electricity substations in various locations. Dr. Ogbuku mentioned specific achievements in different states, like the Ibeno Bridge in Akwa Ibom, the Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-IwuoAchang Road in Abia, and the Obehie to Oke Ikpe road. These projects aim to improve connectivity and infrastructure in the region for the benefit of local communities.