- The NDDC Governing Board Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, signing the condolence register in honour of the Late Chief Albert Horsfall at the NDDC Headquarters in Port Harcourt. To his left is the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and to his right, the late Horsfall’s son, Sekropribo Horsfall
By Emmanuel Thomas l Friday, Sept 25, 2026
PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has paid glowing tributes to the pioneer Chairman of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), the late Chief Albert Horsfall, describing his contributions to the peace, unity, and infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region as enduring and unmatched.
The tributes were delivered during a historic condolence register signing ceremony held at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including former Managing Directors of the NDDC and retired Directors of OMPADEC, to celebrate the life and times of the late security chieftain and administrator.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stated that the late Chief Horsfall was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to national service and the advancement of the oil-producing communities.
Ebie noted that Horsfall’s integrity was thoroughly tested and proven, recalling that five separate investigative panels set up after the dissolution of OMPADEC cleared him of all corruption allegations.
“Chief Horsfall was a great man whose contributions to the region and the country as a whole will continue to be remembered and cherished. He was a true Nigerian whose life, dedication, and selfless service should be emulated by all,” Ebie said.
As a mark of honour for the late elder statesman, Ebie directed that NDDC flags at the corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt, the nine state offices, and the Abuja Liaison Office be flown at half-mast. Furthermore, he announced that the Ancillary Building within the NDDC headquarters complex has been officially named after Chief Horsfall in recognition of his foundational contributions to the Niger Delta’s development architecture.
In his address, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, underscored the cultural and social significance of gathering to honour past leaders. He noted that in African tradition, events such as births and passings serve as unifying platforms where differences are set aside to celebrate or mourn together.
Dr. Ogbuku explained that the 7th NDDC Governing Board has instituted a institutional culture focused on recognizing both living and departed leaders who played critical roles in shaping the commission’s trajectory.
“The roads, the street lights, schools, and hospitals that the people of the Niger Delta benefit from today are part of the contributions you have made in one way or another. These achievements cannot be erased. You have added to the foundational building blocks of this Commission, and you must be duly recognized,” Dr. Ogbuku asserted.
The NDDC Chief Executive also disclosed plans to launch a green revolution initiative, where former leaders will be immortalised through a regional tree-planting campaign. Under this program, trees bearing the names of past leaders will be planted across the Niger Delta to symbolise their lasting impact on the region.
Also speaking, former NDDC Managing Director, Chief Timi Alaibe, praised the current board and management for bringing together past executives to honour Chief Horsfall.
He described the late OMPADEC pioneer as a passionate patriot who championed regional progress and was deeply committed to seeing the NDDC headquarters project realized.
Responding on behalf of the family, the son of the deceased, Mr. Sekropribo Horsfall, expressed appreciation to the NDDC leadership for acknowledging his father’s sacrifices.
He expressed joy that his father’s vision for regional advancement continues to be reflected in the infrastructure and development projects currently being executed across the nine Niger Delta states.
