By Peter Onyekachukwu 
…..As Uzodimma Calls for Deeper Collaboration
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a renewed push for inclusive development in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, key leaders have rallied around a bold new vision for youth and women empowerment, agricultural revival, and strategic partnerships between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and state governments. The momentum gathered at the Youth and Women Conference held in Owerri, Imo State, as part of events marking the NDDC’s 25th anniversary.
Representing the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru, made a strong case for closer cooperation between the NDDC and state governments. She emphasized the need to scale up efforts to uplift young people and women across the region, while tackling flood and infrastructure challenges.
“Imo State will continue to partner with the NDDC and provide necessary support to achieve the Renewed Hope Mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said. “We call for more collaboration especially in flood control and strategic infrastructural development.”
The conference, which drew stakeholders from across the Niger Delta, served as a platform to unveil new initiatives targeting regional economic empowerment. NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustaining youth and women-focused programmes, stating, “We appreciate the continuous support from our stakeholders. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger and self-reliant Niger Delta.”
Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, outlined several transformative plans, including a mini-agricultural summit and regional retreat with state commissioners of agriculture. According to him, this is part of aligning the NDDC’s development strategy with President Tinubu’s national agricultural revival programme.
“We are determined to leverage agriculture as a tool for peace, job creation, and sustainable development,” Ogbuku said. “Our plan is to integrate the unique strengths of each state in the Niger Delta to build a coordinated agricultural economy.”
Ogbuku also disclosed the release of a N5 billion counterpart fund through the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) to boost entrepreneurship among young people.
He added, “We want to move beyond ad-hoc interventions. Our goal is to deliver structured, data-driven programmes that support SMEs, train young entrepreneurs and develop skills relevant to the Niger Delta economy.”
Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, applauded the direction of the Commission under its current leadership and credited President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritizing the region’s development.
In a compelling keynote address, Dr Chinyere Uchenna Ordu emphasized that gender equity must be central to development. “Gender equality is not a favour to women. It is a strategy for inclusive growth,” she said. She urged both public and private stakeholders to invest in women and youth empowerment as a way to ensure long-term stability and prosperity in the region.
As the NDDC marks 25 years of existence, the Commission appears to be shifting from traditional contract-based development to a more integrated, people-centred approach focused on empowerment, data-backed planning, and economic resilience. For many in the Niger Delta, the message is clear: hope is not just a slogan — it is now policy in motion.