For Samuel Ogbuku, a “Prophet” is honoured at home:
On Saturday 21st October 2023, the Ezue Obhan Anyama clan of Ogbia kingdom rolled out the drums and red carpet to celebrate their own Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
At a colourful event at the civic centre at Onuebum community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The epoch event attracted dignitaries from far and near of all walks of life with traditional dances and displays spicing up the occasion with NDDC strong man bestowed with a traditional title of the “Pillar of Ogbia” kingdom.
It would be recalled that Dr. Ogbuku was cleared by the Senate and the House of Representatives before being confirmed as the substantive Managing Director of the Interventionist agency.
In their welcome address read by Chief Olali Ebe, the people of Ezue Obhan Anyama clan said they decided to honour and celebrate their own because of his immense contributions to the development.
The Ezue Obhan Anyama community and the council of traditional rulers in Ogba LGA of Bayelsa state, have conferred a chieftaincy title on Samuel Ogbuku, managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Ogbuku was conferred with the traditional title of Edi I of Obhan Anyama Kingdom.
Speaking during a reception in honour of Ogbuku, Olali Ebe, chairman of the central planning committee, described the NDDC MD as a light that reflects on everybody.
Ebe who spoke on behalf of Ezue Obhan Anyama said the people have “implicit confidence in the ability of Ogbuku to perform his duties efficiently, effectively and creditably”.
“The light on the mountain will illuminate everybody. Chief Samuel Ogbuku is that light and everybody will benefit from his policies and actions.
“Ogbuku has shown courage, astuteness and firmness, becoming even more determined and committed in providing purposeful, focused and visionary leadership.
“This is targeted at ensuring peace to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.”
While bestowing the title on Ogbuku, Omie Theophilous, traditional ruler of ObhanAnyama, said it was in recognition of his “outstanding commitment” to Niger Delta development.
“What you are doing at NDDC to serve the people of the Niger Delta region is pleasing to us. We recognise and commend you,” Theophilus said.
“The people of the Niger Delta need a leader like you who cares about their affairs, who cares about their development and I want to assure you that we shall support you.”
In his acceptance remark, Ogbuku said the commission is committed to constructing additional pillars to re-enforce the structures in order to improve sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
“I am confident that I will not fail to meet the expectations of the people. I know that you will support me to succeed and build more pillars for the development of our communities,” he said.
“We must unite and work in one accord to surmount the development challenges that confront our people. We are determined to succeed and there should be no excuse for failure.”
The Special Guest of the occasion, Chief Timipre Sylva eulogized the outstanding qualities of Ogbuku.
According to him “For Samuel Ogbuku a prophet is honoured in his home” and that the NDDC Managing Director needs the support of people to succeed in his assignment.
Chief Sylva who was a former governor of Bayelsa State and the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the November 11, 2023 election expressed confident on Ogbuku to deliver on his mandate as the Managing Director NDDC.
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