- The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, (2nd left), pose with the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (2nd right), during a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.With them are the NDDC Executive Director Projects, Dr Victor Antai (left) and the NDDC Executive Director Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde(right)
By Our Reporter
PORT HARCOURT – The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its consistent support of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other security agencies operating within the Niger Delta region.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt on Friday, Air Marshal Aneke noted that the Commission’s infrastructure interventions have significantly boosted the operational efficiency of security forces.
The Air Chief highlighted specific contributions by the NDDC, including the installation of solar lights and the provision of 713 solar inverters across various formations. He particularly noted the donation of a multi-purpose facility at Kolo-Otuoke, Bayelsa State, which has now become a strategic hub for the Air Force.
”In that facility, we now have one of the Administrative and Management Schools, physical education, and skills acquisition centres,” Aneke revealed. He further disclosed that these centres were “deliberately drafted from Kaduna State as a mark of appreciation to the Commission’s efforts.”
The Air Marshal emphasized that the NDDC’s socio-economic goals align with the Air Force’s mandate to provide a secure environment for national growth. He urged the Commission to further assist in rehabilitating Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) centres and providing staff accommodation in Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Benin, Asaba, and Warri.
Responding to the delegation, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to partnering with security agencies, noting that peace is a prerequisite for regional development.
”Terrorism is like a virus; if not curtailed, it will spread,” Ogbuku stated. “What we do in the Niger Delta is to support you because there can be no development without peace. This collaboration is a collective task, and we are ready to support you because the President wants peace in this part of the country.”
Dr. Ogbuku pointed out that the Commission’s “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta” project has had a direct impact on security. By illuminating rural communities, the initiative has successfully reduced militancy and criminality while boosting local commerce.
The MD expressed gratitude to the NAF for maintaining facilities donated by the Commission and welcomed the opportunity for NDDC staff to participate in the newly relocated School of Administration and Management.
The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to sustain the partnership, ensuring long-term stability and progress in the oil-rich region.
