The need to open up rural communities in Niger delta gets boost as Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC had embarked on the construction of roads and drainages that connect communities sharing boundaries with Rivers and Bayelsa states. This includes the ongoing rigid pavement road, with concrete drains and solar-powered street lights, which all complements the 23.5-kilometre Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego regional roads and bridges. The development interventionist body has a renewed zeal in bringing even development to the areas since the arrival of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
The overall performance of Dr. Ogbuku has earned recognition by several communities in Niger Delta region, one of which was the Ama Tondi 1 of Tugbeni (Oruma) Land Chieftaincy title bestowed on him by the Yiba-Ama (Oruma) Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. During the ceremony which took place at Yiba -Ama School Field, the Chairman designate NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie who was represented by Executive Director Projects designate, Chief Victor Antai, extolled the good support being received by Dr. Ogbuku from the community as a result of the appreciation for his good works in NDDC.
He described Ogbuku as “a true visionary and a dedicated individual whose contributions to the development of our region are commendable, we are privileged to have him as the MD/CEO of the NDDC, a position that reflects his commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in the Niger Delta. “We celebrate Chief Ogbuku, not only for his personal achievements but also for his unwavering dedication to the betterment of our region. Through his visionary leadership, we have witnessed tremendous strides in infrastructure development, community empowerment, and sustainable growth.”
The Secretary of the Planning Committee of the event proper, Chief Ishmael Emein, and the Yiba-Ama Community applauded the efforts of Ogbuku in transforming the Niger Delta region as he said “The Yiba-Ama community, his maternal home, has honoured him with a Chieftaincy title, Ama Tondi 1 of Tugbeni (Oruma) Land, meaning the “One that lightens the community”. In like manner from his action plans since his appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, solar light is now shining in almost every community. This is a man with an open heart who loves the region as read by the host community and contained in the address thus, “We reiterate our implicit confidence in the capability and ability of our son, Chief Samuel Ogbuku to perform his duties efficiently, effectively and creditably. He has a track record in public service. If we add this to his youthfulness, energy, vibrancy and his high sense of reasoning, then we present to you not only a competent and consummate personality, but also an amiable and considerate individual.”
While conferring the traditional title of Ama Tondi 1 of Tugbeni on Ogbuku, the Paramount Ruler of Oruma Community, King Pere David Amakiri, in his majestic oratory described Ogbuku’s leadership in NDDC as impactful and exceptional. He commended him for demonstrating zeal and determination in driving the process of development.
The elated newly crowned Chief Ogbuku in his acceptance speech said that the honour done to him was an expression of appreciation by his people and a mandate for him to do more in developing the Niger Delta region. As he stated that “I have been recognized as an ambassador of my people. I am happy that members of the NDDC Board are here with me because we have decided to work as a team. The new Board is made up of highly experienced people from diverse fields. Collectively, we will facilitate the urgent development of the Niger Delta region. I can assure you that this team is committed to the transformation of the Niger Delta region.”
Ogbuku thanked the people of Yiba-Ama Community for recognizing his contributions and honouring him, stating that Yiba-Ama, his mother’s community, had always identified with him even during his political travails.
Also, in attendance was the Deputy Chairman Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Olushola Aloa, who in his Goodwill message said that the Yiba-Ama community was blessed to have Chief Ogbuku as their son. “He is a visionary and a go-getter. You have a great son to be proud of.”
The Oba, who commended Ogbuku’s achievements so far in the infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region, had earlier joined him and some members of the Commission’s in-coming Board to inspect the newly constructed Ologi Community Internal Road, in Oruma community.
The vibrant nature of the current MD/CEO of NDDC, Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has changed the perception of the people of Niger Delta region who now see a ray of hope in having development being brought to their various communities through a visionary leader.
ASO WENAH’S DEATH DEVASTATES EX-GOV. AMAECHI
The sad news of the demise of Asondu Temple Wenah popularly addressed as ASO, one of the most trusted aides of the former Governor and erstwhile Minister of Transportation Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been received with shock and disbelief among friends and well-wishers. It was Wednesday 1st of November, 2023 when the former Minister of transportation. Amaechi who is currently a student at Advance Legal education known as Nigerian Law School was briefed about the untimely death of Aso who according to him he spoke with barely 3-hours before he was pronounced dead.
The Public Lecture event organized by THE NICHE Newspapers which was held at Lagos was one of the last events that late Aso graced in his life time. He was instrumental to the appearance of Rt. Hon. Amaechi at that auspicious Public Lecture organized at Nigerian National Institute.
Late Aso Temple Wenah, until his death was appointed on June 27, 2019 as a Federal Commissioner of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC where he represented Rivers state. He was also a well celebrated Liaison Officer of Rivers State posted to Lagos state where he also distinguished himself in service. During his tenure as a Liaison Officer he worked so hard in giving Rivers State a good representation with his ability to have coordinated the coming local and international investors to Rivers State.
When he talked about his state of shock, former Rivers State Governor Amaechi, told his confidants that “I spoke with Aso at about 11.47am on Tuesday. I just came out of Class on break at the Nigerian Law school and we spoke on the phone. We didn’t conclude our discussions before I went back to the Class. So, we agreed to talk again at night.
Then at about 3pm, I got a call from one of us telling me that Aso, a man I discussed with barely three hours earlier, was dead. They said he complained of chest pain and that was it. He was rushed to the hospital. I am devastated. I still can’t believe it.”
The 54 year old Aso Temple Wenah was born at the heat of the Nigerian Biafran Civil war and usually celebrates his birthday 12th of June each year. He was an unassuming quiet gentle man who despite his high profile, related very well with the downtrodden as he was a philanthropist who built houses for people and trained most youths. He paid school fees for children of the less privileged members of the society.
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