August 17, (THEWILL) – As parts of its fulfilment to its statutory and corporate responsibilities in the Niger Delta states, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an interventionist agency for the development of the neglected Niger Delta Region, has donated a 36-seater coaster bus and 1,000 KVA generator to the Bayelsa state owned Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, as well as embarking on a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of modern hostels for students of the university.
Speaking during the ceremony at the university, on Tuesday, the state’s deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjarkpo, commended NDDC for considering the university worthy of the donations, emphasising that there is need for a continuous collaboration between the commission and the institution for the overall interest of the society.
Senator Ewhrudjarkpo noted that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Edoumeikumo, has lived up to expectation, particularly as regards the filling of the infrastructural gap in the university, which is evident in the several actions taken by him by drawing the attention of NDDC to the plight of the university.
The deputy governor, however, used the opportunity to call for the inauguration of a substantive board for the commission in accordance with the act establishing it, noting that NDDC should hasten up to complete all its abandoned projects across the state.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Samuel Edoumeikumo, expressed appreciation for the donations, but like Oliver Twist, requested for more such as a solar powered generator, in order to reduce the cost of diesel which amounts to N72 million on a monthly basis and construction of internal roads within the university to alleviate the sufferings of students and staff of the institution, reiterating that the intervention of Effiong Okon-led Akwa administration in NDDC is impressive with the donations and the foundation laying of model hostels for the university.
In his speech, the Sole Administrator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDDC, Effiong Okon Akwa, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the funds for the projects in the commission’s budgetary allocation, stating that the commission is poised to ensure that the Niger Delta states get their fair share of the socio-economic development of the region.
Effiong Akwa pointed out that NDDC under his watch has been doing its best to spread development projects to derserving commumities with the statutory provisions from the Federal government, appealing to the states to cooperate with the commission to move Niger Delta region forward.
He, however, promised to ensure that the demands of the Vice Chancellor are met, particularly the provision of a solar powered generator.
The occasion witnessed the presence of the state’s Director of NDDC, Doodie Week, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, the provost, National Health Institute at the university, among others.
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