Niger Delta Civil Society Groups, Ex-Agitators Laud NDDC Boss Dr. Ogbuku, Board Chairman Ebie for Transformational Leadership
By Wilson Macaulay
Over 35 Niger Delta civil society organisations and ex-agitator groups under the umbrella of the Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organisations (CNDCSOs) have passed a vote of confidence on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, for what they described as “visionary and transformational leadership” currently driving visible development across the region.
The coalition made the commendation during a strategic meeting held on June 23rd, 2025, in Bomadi Town, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
The groups present include the Niger Delta Defence Force (NDDF) led by Comrade Birinumughan Jesse aka General 90, Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought (IYLT) led by Comrade Jackson Agbor, Urhobo Cultural Eye Watch (UCEW) led by Comrade Eboh France Oghenewevde, Niger Delta Civil Liberty Organisation (NDCLO) led by Comrade Augustine Okporu, and Concerned Nigerians for Good Governance (CN4GG) led by Comrade Awipi Lawson, among others.
Speaking at the meeting, the leaders extolled Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s strides in repositioning the NDDC to fulfill its mandate of infrastructural development and human capital growth across the nine oil-producing states. They described his tenure as one that has restored confidence and hope among the people of the region.
They particularly praised the ongoing “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta” project, which has installed solar-powered street lights in several previously underserved communities, enhancing security and extending commercial activity into the night hours.
The coalition also commended the NDDC Board Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, for his collaborative and strategic oversight role, which they said has brought a renewed sense of direction and stability to the commission’s operations. According to the coalition, Ebie’s synergy with Dr. Outback has resulted in accelerated project execution, improved transparency, and enhanced stakeholder engagement.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the leadership of Coalition of the Niger Delta Civil Organizations (CNDCO)
the groups emphasized that the current NDDC leadership is setting a new standard for governance and developmental impact in the Niger Delta.
The statement reads in part:
“We, the Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organisations, having critically assessed the activities of the NDDC under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and Mr. Chiedu Ebie, hereby pass a vote of confidence in their leadership. Their initiatives have rekindled the hope of the Niger Delta people, particularly in the areas of power, roads, youth empowerment, and women inclusion.”
The coalition further stated that after the initial public outcry and skepticism at the start of their administration, the NDDC has since significantly developed many previously neglected communities. These areas, long forgotten in past development plans, are now witnessing infrastructure projects, portable water schemes, and access that have transformed their living conditions and economic prospects.
Indeed, the NDDC under the watch of Dr. Ogbuku and Mr. Chiedu Ebie has brought unassailable progress to the Niger Delta region. From the coastal communities of Bayelsa to the creeks of Delta, from the hinterlands of Ondo to the riverine settlements of Akwa Ibom, the commission has shown an unwavering commitment to inclusive development. Their leadership has proven that with sincerity of purpose and accountability, the vision of a prosperous and peaceful Niger Delta is achievable.
Highlighting additional achievements, of the duo, the coalition pointed to the revamp of abandoned road projects, improved welfare for NDDC staff, engagement of indigenous contractors, and the Award of foreign scholarship opportunities to indigenes of the Niger region Which have enabled some of our boys to go for requisite training abroad with others waiting on queue to follow soon . They appreciated the gesture as one good thing done by the NDDC Management that gladens their hearts.
They concluded with an appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue supporting the Ogbuku-led NDDC, stressing that sustainable development in the Niger Delta is key to peace and national economic stability.
The echoes in the crowd continued thus:
“Support Ogbuku and Ebie for a Better Niger Delta” and “NDDC is Working, Let the Results Speak.”
