The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has announced plans to organise a retreat and agricultural summit aimed at repositioning agriculture in the Niger Delta, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre in Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Dr. Ogbuku said the commission is committed to aligning with the President’s vision of transforming agriculture into a tool for peace, food security, and sustainable development in the region.
In a statement issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, the Managing Director noted that the retreat will be organised in collaboration with state governments across the region to promote regional integration in agriculture.
“At any time from now, the Commission will convene a mini-agricultural retreat for state governments and commissioners of agriculture,” Ogbuku stated.
“Every state in the region has unique agricultural strengths. We aim to harness these for a broader agricultural summit that will lead to the development of a comprehensive regional master plan for food production.”
He decried the decline of traditional farming practices across the region, citing Ogbia LGA, once known for its cocoyams, as an example of communities that have lost vital crops.
“Who says crops we import cannot be grown here?” he questioned. “Let us bring them back. Let’s achieve food sufficiency and security together.”
Dr. Ogbuku reaffirmed the NDDC Board’s commitment to President Tinubu’s mandate to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing states, stating that agriculture will serve as a platform for empowerment, unity, and economic resilience in the Niger Delta.
“We cannot train people just for training’s sake. Our goal is to equip them with tools and opportunities. Agriculture is one of the most effective ways to achieve that.”
The NDDC boss emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving the region’s development.
“Our progress is not by our effort alone. It is a result of synergy between leaders, communities, and institutions working together for stability and growth. Mr. President is giving us clear, purposeful direction, and we are following.”
Reflecting on the Commission’s previous agricultural initiatives, Dr. Ogbuku highlighted that in 2023, the NDDC trained 200 women and youths in livestock farming and agro-processing at Okiemutie Farms in Sapele, Delta State.
However, he also noted the Commission’s ongoing collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to deliver apprenticeship programmes across the region.
He concluded by thanking state governments and stakeholders for their continued partnership and support, affirming that the NDDC remains focused on delivering inclusive, people-centered development that transforms lives in the Niger Delta.
