The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with educational institutions in the Niger Delta region, particularly the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Speaking during a courtesy visit by members of UNIPORT’s Governing Council to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the agency’s willingness to collaborate with the university to drive sustainable development. The delegation was led by the Council’s Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuanbunwa.
“We have undertaken various projects at the University of Port Harcourt, and we look forward to building more partnerships. Let us work together so the region can benefit,” Ogbuku stated.
He further announced that the Commission would construct new hostel blocks to address student accommodation challenges and provide the university’s Senate with a 300 KVA solar inverter system to reduce reliance on diesel-powered electricity. Additionally, NDDC plans to send a team of engineers to assess and rehabilitate roads and hostels within the institution.
“In NDDC, we believe in action. We do not make empty promises, as we are determined to bring President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reality,” Ogbuku said. He added that as the Commission marks its 25th anniversary, it remains focused on its mission as an interventionist agency, fostering development and strategic partnerships across the Niger Delta.
Chairman of UNIPORT’s Governing Council, Senator Ohuanbunwa, commended the leadership of the NDDC for its ongoing development efforts and appealed for continued support in tackling infrastructural challenges at the university. He noted that while the institution has a student population of 50,000, its hostel facilities can only accommodate 5,000, necessitating urgent intervention.
He further requested assistance in addressing electricity and transportation issues on campus, as well as support in acquiring gas turbines to ensure a stable power supply.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Professor Owunari Georgewill, lauded the NDDC for its developmental strides and congratulated Dr. Ogbuku on the recent commendation received from President Tinubu. He expressed optimism about future collaborations and extended an invitation to the NDDC to participate in the university’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations.
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