The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Nsima Ekere, has been described as a pragmatic visionary whose efforts at repositioning the interventionist agency for better service delivery are evident.
Speaking while conferring the traditional title of “Ome Nke Ahuru Anya” (He whose great deeds are evident to all) on the NDDC boss, the traditional ruler of Okahiuga Alike Ancient Kingdom in Umuahia, Abia State, His Royal Majesty, Eze Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe, said the honour was in recognition of “Ekere’s long-standing commitment towards uplifting of mankind and developing of society.”
Eze Nwaigwe said: “What you are doing to make your Commission better prepared to serve the people of the Niger Delta region has reached us. We recognise them. We recognise and commend you. 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 reassure you today that my people are behind you.”
He added: “We will continue to support you to succeed, because your success will bring more development to my people, your people in Akwa Ibom and the entire Niger Delta.”
In his acceptance, Nsima Ekere said while it warms his heart “to see that one’s modest efforts are recognised, I believe that there is so much more that awaits us, working as partners with a shared love for, and commitment to, impacting more positively on the well-being of the Niger Delta region and our people.”
He reiterated the commitment of the Niger Delta Development Commission to make a difference in the region, reassuring that he would continue to work hard, “with the help and grace of Almighty God, to ensure that, with my colleagues in Management and Governing Board, we can lay a strong tradition for sustainable regional development.”
The NDDC boss called on the traditional institution and all stakeholders “to work and walk” with the Commission to bring true prosperity, social stability and peace to the region.
The Abia State Governor, Dr. Victor Onesie Ikpeazu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, St. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, used the occasion to call for more collaboration among stakeholders for development.
Other notable recipients of recognition at the ceremony include Senator Ben Uwajimogu, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, former NDDC Chairman, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu and former Senior Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Tunde Olusunle.
It will be recalled that only recently, the Edemaya Community of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State conferred on Ekere the title of “Obong Uwana Edemaya” (The King who brings light).
