Akpabio to Ogbuku: Your Legacies Will Outlive You

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has praised the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for transforming the fortunes of the Niger Delta region, assuring him that the legacies of his leadership would endure long after his tenure.

Akpabio gave the commendation during Dr. Ogbuku’s 50th birthday celebration and the unveiling of two books authored by him in Abuja on Tuesday. He noted that since Dr. Ogbuku assumed office, the NDDC had taken on a renewed direction that brought hope to the region.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Senator Akpabio remarked:

> “The Managing Director has done a very difficult job well. It is not easy to manage the Niger Delta, nor is it easy to manage the NDDC. When I was Governor, I recall taking over the road from the Qua Iboe terminal in Ibeno to Eket after NDDC left it unattended for 11 years. Instead of a single lane, I dualized it with four bridges. The Commission was once known for abandoned projects and poorly executed jobs. Contractors were paid for works they never did, sometimes without visiting project sites.

> “Today, celebrating Dr. Ogbuku is not just about marking his golden jubilee but about acknowledging God’s goodness to the people of the Niger Delta through his leadership. In just two years, he has turned around the fortunes of the region. The National Assembly is proud of him and the strides he has made in the NDDC. His true legacy will be remembered through his impact, not this celebration.”

Akpabio also applauded the NDDC Board, describing it as the most peaceful in the history of the agency, and commended its two years of impactful leadership and collaboration.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, described Ogbuku’s 50th birthday as a celebration of service, scholarship, and achievement.

At the event, two books authored by Dr. Ogbuku—Rethinking the Niger Delta and Strategies and Imperatives for Developing the Niger Delta—were officially unveiled.

In his remarks, Dr. Ogbuku reflected on his challenging childhood and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness his 50th birthday. He thanked those who supported him throughout his leadership journey, from his student union days to his various political roles, culminating in his current position as Managing Director of the interventionist agency.