- The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (middle), receiving a plague from the Chairmanof Ogu Division Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Egbelekpeke, during his installation as the Pere Se Bobo of Ogu Kingdom. On the left is the Chairman of the Installation Planning Committee, Senator George Sekibo
By SCM Reporter
RIVERS, Nigeria – The Ogu Kingdom was alive with celebration this week as the people of Ogu-Bolo, Rivers State, rolled out the red carpet to honour Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a vibrant display of culture and gratitude, Dr Ogbuku was bestowed with the prestigious chieftaincy title of ‘Pere Se Bobo’—which translates to “He Who Comes with Abundance.”
A New Era of Development
The title isn’t just for show.
According to Chief Lawrence Egbelekpeke, Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, the honour recognises Ogbuku’s “exceptional service” and his relentless drive to bring “peace, goodwill, and progress” to the region.
”Among the Wakirike, abundance is measured not only in wealth, but in peace, unity, and development,” Chief Egbelekpeke declared during the installation at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Ogu.
From Transactional to Transformational
The event also served as a glowing review of the NDDC’s recent performance.
Senator George Sekibo, who chaired the planning committee, praised Ogbuku for cleaning up the Commission’s reputation.
He noted that under Ogbuku’s watch, the NDDC has shifted from being a “transactional agency” to a “transformational institution” built on transparency and accountability.
Key achievements highlighted include:
Strengthened corporate governance.
Deepened collaboration with oil companies and state governments.
A renewed focus on sustainable infrastructure and community empowerment.
“A Call to Do More”
Accepting the title, a humbled Dr Ogbuku credited President Bola Tinubu for giving him the platform to serve. He told the gathered crowd that the honour was less a reward and more a “call to do more.”
”We must unite and work in one accord to surmount the development challenges that confront our people,” Ogbuku said. “We are determined to succeed.”
Support for the MD was echoed by NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, who called Ogbuku a “visionary,” while local Chairman Chief Vincent Nemieboka praised the visible impact of new infrastructure across the Ogu-Bolo communities.
