President Bola Tinubu has urged the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to continue delivering projects that transform lives, empower young people, and bring renewed hope to communities in the Niger Delta.
The President, represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, gave the charge during Ogbuku’s 50th birthday celebration and the public presentation of two of his books, Strategies and Imperatives for Developing Niger Delta and Rethinking the Niger Delta, held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Tinubu commended Ogbuku’s service and scholarship, describing his contributions as a testament to dedication and purpose. He noted that the Niger Delta remains Nigeria’s economic heartbeat and plays a central role in both the nation’s energy security and environmental future.
“For decades, the Niger Delta story has been complex—blessed with abundant resources, yet plagued by challenges,” Edun said on behalf of the President. “Our administration is committed to reforms anchored on transparency, accountability, infrastructure development, human capital investment, and empowering grassroots communities for a sustainable future.”
The President also praised Ogbuku’s family for their support, which he said has enabled the NDDC boss to deliver on his mandate.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was also at the event, applauded the turnaround at the NDDC under Ogbuku’s leadership. He recalled how a major electricity project in Ilaje, Ondo State—abandoned for over 14 years—was finally completed and commissioned under the current NDDC board.
“In the past, NDDC boards hardly lasted 10 months because of allegations of corruption,” Akpabio said. “But today, instead of coming here to replace you, we are here to celebrate you—for two years of impactful leadership, focus, and collaboration. Your legacy will speak louder than any celebration.”
In his response, Dr. Ogbuku expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of the Commission. He recalled that the President’s initial charge to him and his team inspired the reforms and achievements now being recorded.
“Mr. President gave me the spark,” Ogbuku said. “He challenged us to restore confidence in the NDDC, and that is what we set out to do. Whatever success we have achieved so far is because of his encouragement and confidence in our team.”
Ogbuku added that Tinubu continues to take personal interest in the activities of the Commission, ensuring that it delivers on its mandate to the people of the Niger Delta.
