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Tag: #NDDC

  • The Current State Of Agbokim Waterfall Road: Setting The Records Straight BY JON OWAN ENOH

    The Current State Of Agbokim Waterfall Road: Setting The Records Straight BY JON OWAN ENOH

    PRESS RELEASE

    THE CURRENT STATE OF AGBOKIM WATERFALL ROAD: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

    I am compelled to respond to a trending video circulated by one MC Okrika on May 26, 2026, in which deliberate falsehoods, distortions and malicious allegations were made against my person regarding the deplorable condition of the Agbokim Waterfall Road.

    Let me state from the outset that this response must not be misconstrued as an attempt to excuse, defend, or trivialize the unacceptable condition of the road and the daily hardship endured by our people and neighboring communities. I share in these pains personally. As someone who has remained deeply connected to his roots and accessible to his people throughout my years in public service, I travel home regularly and experience firsthand the frustration, discomfort and economic setbacks caused by the current state of the road.

    However, while genuine concerns about the road are legitimate, the reckless falsehood peddled by MC Okrika, particularly the claim that I avoided the road during my recent visit by taking an alternative route is completely false, mischievous and clearly part of his coordinated smear campaign designed to tarnish my reputation and mislead the public.

    Those familiar with my concerns/ interventions on the Agbokim Waterfall Road know that I have consistently acknowledged that the condition of the road remains one of the greatest disappointments in my otherwise distinguished record in public service. At no point have I shied away from admitting the seriousness of the problem. What must equally be made clear, however, is that the prolonged deterioration of the road has never been due to indifference, neglect or lack of sustained effort on my part.

    For the purpose of clarity and public enlightenment, the following facts are hereby presented:

    1. THE ROAD HAS REMAINED UNDER AN ACTIVE NDDC CONTRACT FOR YEARS
    For virtually all the years the Agbokim Waterfall Road has remained in a deplorable condition, the road has been under a valid contract awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The initial contract for the reconstruction of the road was awarded around 2009 to a company called JAMEON Nigeria Ltd.Because it was a company with no known record,the Senate Leader then,Senator Ndoma Egba(SAN)and i, signed a joint protest letter addressed to the then Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),Engr Emeka Eze,against the award.Regrettably,we were ignored.

    Unfortunately, the execution of the contract by Jameon was plagued by an extremely slow pace of work and glaring incompetence. Years later, the road’s continued deplorable state more than vindicated the concerns we raised from the onset.

    2. I FOUGHT CONSISTENTLY FOR THE REVOCATION AND THE RE-AWARD OF THE FAILED CONTRACT
    Following the glaring failure of JAMEON Nigeria Ltd. , despite records indicating that the company had reportedly received nearly half of the contract sum, I continued to pressure the NDDC authorities for the contract to be revoked and reassigned to a more credible contractor.
    After sustained engagement with both the NDDC as well as the supervising Minister and even the Presidency, the NDDC eventually revoked the contract in the last quarter of 2024.
    Consequently,the contract for the emergency construction of the road in four Lots was awarded to two companies,FaithPlant and Rhema around the last quarter of 2024.By January 2025,the NDDC formally handed over the road to the contractors.

    3. THE CLAIM THAT I OWN THE CONTRACT IS FALSE, MALICIOUS, AND DEFAMATORY
    Let me categorically and unequivocally state that neither I nor any proxy linked to me has ever been awarded the Agbokim Waterfall Road contract.
    The insinuation by MC Okrika that I own the contract is a blatant lie fabricated to deceive the public and assassinate my character. It is malicious, defamatory, and borne purely out of hatred, mischief and political bitterness.
    Throughout my years in public office, I have conducted myself with integrity and an abiding respect for ethical standards. I have never solicited for, demanded, or received any financial benefit from any contractor handling the project. My commitment to public service and accountability will never permit such conduct.

    4. THE CURRENT SLOW PROGRESS IS LARGELY DUE TO FUNDING CHALLENGES
    It is a known fact that the current contractors moved with speed immediately they took over the road.However, the slow pace currently being witnessed on the project is due to funding challenges.
    Nonetheless, I have continued to actively engage the leadership of the NDDC and other relevant bodies to overcome this challenge and ensure the full resumption and completion of work on the road.

    Beyond this, I have continued to make personal efforts to mobilize resources and alternative funding aimed at accelerating progress on the project because I understand fully the strategic and economic importance of the road to our people.

    While MC Okrika chooses to weaponize the suffering of our people for cheap political attacks and social media relevance, I remain focused on solutions, not propaganda. My commitment to the people has never been driven by noise-making or opportunism, but by genuine service and tangible impact.

    5. MY COMMITMENT TO MY PEOPLE REMAINS UNWAVERING,UNBEATABLE
    My love for my community and my dedication to the welfare of the people I represent remain unquestionable. Indeed, the people have always been at the center of my political philosophy and my public service engagements, both in the Legislative and Executive arms of government where I have had the rare privilege to serve.
    Ironically, even in the course of his ill-motivated attack, MC Okrika inadvertently acknowledged one of the many intervention programmes I currently champion — the Statewide MSME Intervention Programme designed to empower small businesses and expand economic opportunities for our people.
    Public service comes with sacrifices, including unfair criticism, deliberate misinformation and politically motivated attacks. I have accepted this reality long ago.

    However, no amount of coordinated hostility or sponsored blackmail will distract me from my responsibility to continue serving my people diligently and honourably.

    The undeniable truth remains that the Agbokim Waterfall Road requires urgent and lasting intervention. I remain confident that under the very able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose administration I am privileged to serve as member of cabinet, the project will ultimately receive the attention and completion it deserves.

    I therefore urge our people to remain patient, vigilant and supportive as ongoing efforts continue to ensure that this important road is fully reconstructed for the benefit of present and future generations.
    Thank you and God bless.

    John Owan Enoh
    Hon. Minister of State for Industry
    27/05/2026

  • Otu Hands Over Site For The Construction Of Hostel And ICT Center, Commends Clement Udie 

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Cross River State Governor, Sen Bassey Otu, has commended Arc Clement Udie for facilitating the construction of Information and Communication Technology ICT Center and a Hostel for the College of Health Sciences Obudu, by the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC.

    Otu made the commendation during the handing over of ceremony of the site for the construction work on Friday September 5th 2025, at the school premises.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, Gov Otu, noted that Arc Clement Udie have proved the essence of public service “I am astonished. I have not heard of this. You have proved to us the essence of public service. You have set a pace and we will follow”.

    Gov Otu used the opportunity and acknowledged the marvelous works of the college provost, Dr Mrs Veronica Undeshi and noted that “The Provost has been nothing short of a performer. She can do a second tenure. And if we want to replace her, we must look for someone who will maintain the tempo she has created”.

    Responding the issue raised by the Obudu Local Government Council Chairman, about Obudu college of Nursing Sciences getting her school bus just like other schools got theirs, Otu noted “Obudu College of Nursing Sciences, will get her bus. By 12th of September, the Ministry of Health will take delivery of Three 18 seater buses and will be distributed to Calabar, Ogoja and Obudu Colleges of Nursing Sciences”.

    He used the opportunity and appealed to the host community not to sell the land allocated for school of Nursing Sciences Obudu.

    On her part, the Provost of the college, Dr Mrs Veronica Undeshi, welcomed guests and noted that the College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu is indeed one of faith, resilience and progress established in March 1980 as initial intake of 65 students for the training of Basic Midwives. Through series of reforms, the school metamorphosed into a college of nursing.

    She noted that “On the 15th of August 2023, by the gracious intervention of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Sen Bassey Otu, and despite strong opposition from certain quarters, our school was given the rare privilege of transition into a full-fledged College of Nursing Sciences. We got the team from Nursing Council of Nigeria and NBTE, we obtained interim accreditation on the following areas in addition to National Diploma in Nursing. Basic Nursing, Basic Midwifery, Community Midwifery and Post Basic Nursing.

    “Today, I am proud to announce that our students population has risen to 1000. Indeed it has been a difficult journey, but a worthy one”.

    Mrs Undeshi noted that ” the remarkable transformation in the school is the approval by the former Gov Ben Ayade for 100% retention of funds and subsequent sustenance by this administration. The construction of additional classrooms, administrative offices, rehabilitation and extension of buildings at annex, provision of laboratory equipment, classroom furniture, renting of additional hostels, construction of boreholes and employment of casual staff to augment the limited government workforce”.

    She thanked the paramount ruler of Obudu Local Government Area, His Royal Magesty, Utsu Felix Ukudare and Obudu community for the 7.2 hectares of land and that the land is duly surveyed.

    Speaking further she said “Today, we also celebrate the benevolence and influence of one of our Obudu sons, Arc Clement Udie, whose intervention, following the passionate appeal from one Director of Medical Services, Sir Mcfrank Abu (KSM). The Two outstanding projects – an ICT Center and an ultramodern Hotel. These facilities will not only enhance students training but also place us in an advantageous position to secure permanent accreditation from NBTE for our ND program and interim accreditation for HND, which are now the major programs nationwide as Basic Nursing and Midwifery gradually phase out. We appreciate you Arc Clement Udie, History will not forget this massive contribution through you to the college and community”.

    Commenting on the project, the project facilitator and Director of Planning, NDDC Arc Clement Udie, commended the zeal and steadfastness of the provost, the Cross River State government, the community for keeping hope with the training of nurses in Obudu and noted “I’m here to ask of a unity of action and purpose. Those who are going to make this project realizable that all hands must be on desk.
    I require collaboration and support. I’m not here as a representative of NDDC, but I’m here as a stakeholder.

    “I have put over 3 decades in public service and I asked myself what will I tell my people when I retire? I approached my Chairman and made a plea and my Chairman graciously considered my request even when there was no budgetary provision, this project came under emergency provision and I assure you that it will be completed to specification.

    “You have spoken well about the contribution of Girl’s Secondary School Obudu, please just be informed that we also construct a hostel at Girl’s Secondary School Obudu”.

    On his part, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, commended the provost for the good work from when she took over, and noted that “Everything about the college has changed. The passion she has to see that the college progresses to the height it deserves is top-notch”.

    Commended the governor, the commissioner and all those in the health sector for the support to improve the facility.

    Thank all leaders of Obudu particularly the Chiefs, for the land donated willfully so that the school meets accreditation requirements.

    Undiandeye thanked Arch Clement Udie for facilitating an ICT hub and hotel in the college from the NDDC.

    SA Nursing, Koko Bassey, commended the community for handing over land for development. The project will not only provide the training for the students but will also enhance their employability. He commended the provost and council members for the development in this college.

    Mr Udie Mike used the opportunity to encourage Obudu community to ask their sons who have the opportunity to hold government positions to account for their stewardship as they prepare for the next election circle.

    Highlight of the event was the handing over of the construction site, commissioning of projects undertaken by the provost: The construction of additional classrooms, administrative offices and conference room.

  • Asu Okang Represents Cross River As Tinubu Constitutes Niger Delta Development Commission Board

    STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

    PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW BOARD AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC)

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Board and Management team of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), inclusive of the following Board and Management team members:

    Mr. Chiedu Ebie – Chairman – Delta

    Dr. Samuel Ogbuku – Managing Director / CEO – Bayelsa

    Mr. Boma Iyaye – Executive Director (Finance and Admin) – Rivers

    Mr. Victor Antai – Executive Director (Projects) – Akwa-Ibom

    Ifedayo Abegunde – Executive Director (Corporate Services) – Ondo

    Sen. Dimaro Denyanbofa – State Representative – Bayelsa

    Mr. Abasi Ndikan Nkono – State Representative – Akwa Ibom

    Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya – State Representative – Delta

    Chief Tony Okocha – State Representative – Rivers

    Hon Patrick Aisowieren – State Representative – Edo

    Mr. Kyrian Uchegbu – State Representative – Imo

    Victor Kolade Akinjo – State Representative – Ondo

    Chief Dimgba Eruba – State Representative – Abia

    Mr. Asu Oku Okang – State Representative – Cross River

    Hon. Nick Wende – Zonal Representative – North Central

    Hon. Namdas Abdulrazak – Zonal Representative – North East

    Sen. Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir – Zonal Representative – North West

    The President expects that the new Board and Management team will ensure a new era of successful administration in the NDDC, in line with his Renewed Hope agenda.

    All of the above listed appointments take immediate effect.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale
    Special Adviser to the President
    (Media & Publicity)
    August 29, 2023