- The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (left), presenting a plaque for Service Award to the retired Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade (right), during a party for retired Directors and Staff at the NDDC Club House in Port Harcourt
By Emmanuel Ukudolo I Tuesday, Dec.23.25
PORT HARCOURT – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has held a valedictory ceremony to honour its newly retired Directors and staff, presenting them with service awards for their contributions to the development of the Niger Delta region.
The event, held at the NDDC Club House in Port Harcourt, served as a platform for the Commission’s leadership to express gratitude for the retirees’ roles in fulfilling the agency’s mandate.
Addressing the gathering, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of those who have served the Commission without blemish. He described the retirees as vital assets to the region and the nation.
”You have an institutional memory of the NDDC that is invaluable to those still in service,” Ogbuku stated. “We will, therefore, continue to tap into your wealth of experience by engaging some of you as consultants.”
He further urged the former staff members to remain worthy ambassadors of the Commission in their future endeavors.
Supporting this sentiment, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, noted that the departure of the staff was simply a fulfillment of public service protocols rather than a lack of need for their expertise.
He credited the success of the current Executive Management to the loyalty and dedication of the retiring officers.
Earlier, the retiring Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, remarked that the ceremony was designed to make the transition into retirement less stressful, describing it as a “celebration of hope” for those still in active service.
Responding on behalf of the honorees, the former Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Nelson Onwo, thanked the Board and Management for the recognition. While expressing excitement about exploring new life chapters, he admitted he would miss the “warmth of the NDDC family.”
Similarly, the former Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. George Uzonwanne, praised the Commission for providing staff with top-tier training throughout their careers, describing the NDDC as a “wonderful family.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards, marking a formal transition for the officials from active service to their new roles as elder statesmen of the Commission.
