Different Groups of the Niger Delta region which included Niger Delta Civil Action group, (NDCAAG), Association of Waterways Ambassadors of Nigeria(AWAN), Movement for oil and Solid Minerals Producing Communities( MOSMPC), Costal People Consultative Council(CPCC), South South Community, Abuja (SSCA), Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum(NDNAF), Ijaw Youth Council, Abuja and the 19th Northern States(IYC), Southern People Foundation(SPF) Ijaw Wari Worldwide, Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation of Niger of Niger Delta(PYLF-ND) and other prominent leaders of the geopolitical zone gathered today for a joint world press briefing at the NAF Confernce centre, Abuja, on behalf of Chief Smuel Ogbuku to address the press , thanking president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reappointing Chief Smuel Ogbuku as Managing Director/CEO of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre stood with an air of importance today. Inside the hall, representatives from various groups in the Niger Delta region congregated for a significant event—the joint world press briefing. The room hummed with excitement as journalists prepared their cameras and notebooks, eager to capture every word spoken by the leaders of this remarkable gathering.
Among the delegates and other representatives of the geopolitical zone, was Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, the leader of the groups, a respected leader from the Niger Delta region, the Ijaw Council presidential hopeful, who is also known for his unwavering dedication to his people was fully on ground.
Sitting alongside him was His Highness Anabs Sara-Igba and other prominent leaders, their presence was a testament to the unity and resolve of the region.
As the crowd settled, Wisdom Ikuli drew the attention of all attendees as he addressed the room. The essence of the gathering he stated was on behalf of Chief Samuel Ogbuku, a cherished son of the Niger Delta. He stressed that the gathering was necessary to express their deepest gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his remarkable decision to reappoint Chief Ogbuku as the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission.”
The room erupted with echoes resonating with the overwhelming sense of appreciation and pride felt by those in attendance. According to Wisdom Ikuli, President Tinubu’s decision to retain Chief Ogbuku in this vital position reflects his astute understanding of the region’s needs, challenges, and aspirations. It speaks volumes about his commitment to the development and progress of the Niger Delta.” Its an affirmation of equity, justice and fairness, signaling an envisioned all inclusive administration, he added.
According to Wisdom, the strategic engagements of of Chief Ogbuku over time in the region has been the reason for the lasting safety and peace so far recorded in the region and must be sustained.
Also ironically pointed out in his address was the fact that Ogbuku comes from the Ogbia, an oil producing community of Bayelsa State, an area grossly underdeveloped, who until now has never produced leadership in any interventionist agencies. Thus, the appointment of Chief Ogbuku justifies the inclusivity of president Tinubu’s government, and this he said forms the fulcrum of the gathering, to say thank you to him.
The assembled representatives, representing various communities and interest groups of the geopolitical zone, nodded in agreement, their eyes shining with hope for a better future under Chief Ogbuku’s leadership. Wisdom Ikuli’s words echoed their sentiments, reaffirming their belief in Chief Ogbuku’s abilities and President Tinubu’s support for the region.
One by one, leaders from different groups took turn to express their gratitude. Prominent among the leaders was His Highness Anabs Sara-Igba who shared the stories of the region’s struggles, highlighting the significance of Chief Ogbuku’s reappointment. They spoke of the urgent need for infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and empowerment programs that would uplift the lives of the Niger Delta’s inhabitants especially the youths.
The press briefing became a platform for unity, where the Niger Delta region’s collective voice resonated with determination and gratitude. It symbolized their shared resolve to work hand in hand with Chief Ogbuku and the NDDC to bring about lasting change and prosperity. They had long yearned for a leader who understood the unique challenges they faced and could effectively steer the region toward progress and prosperity.
As the press briefing drew to a close, various leaders thanked the attendees for their support and promised to rally behind Chief Ogbuku in his mission to uplift the Niger Delta, where a resounding declaration of unity and hope for a brighter future assured.
With the press conference concluded, the representatives from the Niger Delta region dispersed, carrying with them a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.
