Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday inaugurated a 9.4-kilometre Ogu Community Road Network and a 1,500-seater Royal Hall in Ogu, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. The projects were executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
At the ceremony, Wike described the developments as clear evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing the Niger Delta region.
“I am overwhelmed by the current level of development in Ogu, facilitated by the NDDC. The network of concrete roads with proper drainage is impressive,” he said.
The Minister praised the NDDC’s leadership for positively impacting the lives of the people of Ogu, highlighting the collaboration between the Managing Director and the Executive Director, Finance and Administration.
“This is the first time I am directly participating in NDDC activities, and I am satisfied with the Commission’s performance. They are clearly working for the people,” Wike added.
In a statement issued by NDDC Director, Corporate Communications, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the Minister urged all government agencies to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
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NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the road and Royal Hall as tangible dividends of the Federal Government’s developmental agenda.
“The NDDC is spreading the good news of President Tinubu through real results on the ground,” he said, describing Wike as a “champion of development” whose influence spans Rivers State and the nation’s capital.
Ogbuku reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate to transform Nigeria’s oil-producing region and emphasised stakeholder engagement to ensure harmony and effective cooperation in Niger Delta development. He also appealed to the Ogu-Bolo communities to actively maintain the projects.
Alabo Boma Iyaye, NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, noted the excitement of the Ogu people over the new projects and promised the Commission would continue delivering development across the region.
Engr. Gbenga Omowale, NDDC Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, provided details of the road network, explaining that Phases 1 and 2 of the Ogu Community Road Network cover 9.450 km of rigid pavement with an average width of 7.3 metres, supported by 12,600 km of reinforced concrete drains, slabs, and ring culverts.
“The road will connect villages within Ogu and neighbouring communities, enhancing accessibility and boosting socio-economic activities along the corridor,” Omowale said.
On the Royal Hall, he added that the 1,500-seater facility features state-of-the-art fittings, including firefighting equipment, acoustic walls, multiple air conditioners, and a high-quality public sound system to ensure user comfort and safety.
Chief Lawrence Egbelekpeke, Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, commended the NDDC for its visionary leadership and delivery of high-quality projects, expressing gratitude for the positive impact on the Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area.
