Why We Embarked On Interventionist Projects In Rivers — NDDC
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has explained that it embarked on interventionist projects in Rivers State to alleviate the hardships faced by the state’s residents.
Chief Tony Okocha, the Rivers State representative on the NDDC Board, made this disclosure on Thursday during the commissioning of the reconstructed Apara Link Road and Nkpolu Town Hall projects, both located in the Obio/Akpor local government area of the state.
Speaking about the Apara Link Road, Okocha highlighted how the road’s dilapidated condition had led to business closures and made it difficult for residents to access the area. The road had earned the nickname “waterside road” due to frequent flooding during the rainy season.
Okocha also praised the current NDDC Board, led by Chairman Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku, for their commitment to infrastructural development. He announced that the road would be renamed to Ezenwo Nyesom Wike Road in honor of the state governor. Okocha explained, “Today we have reconstructed this road, businesses are beginning to thrive again. Businesses died on this road, and people who owned vehicles struggled to navigate other routes to get home. It was originally called Apara Link Road, but I believe that name might have contributed to the challenges. So after construction, we decided to rename it to Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike Road.”
On the Nkpolu Town Hall, which was also an emergency project, Okocha shared how a personal experience inspired him to initiate the project. He recalled seeking refuge at the hall during a rainstorm last year, only to be drenched due to the hall’s poor condition. He praised the contractor for completing the project with integrity and emphasized that the NDDC does not provide funding for emergency projects.
During the commissioning of the Apara Link Road, former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Ambassador Desmond Akawo, expressed his satisfaction with the NDDC’s performance. He described the completed projects as evidence that the current NDDC was fulfilling its mandate as an interventionist agency. Akawo said, “I am thrilled by the number of projects being commissioned today. This shows that the NDDC, once seen as merely a contractor-focused organization, is now truly living up to its role as an interventionist agency. The transformation of the Apara Link Road from a flooded waterside road to a functional route is a testament to this.”
Akawo also lauded the renaming of the road after Governor Nyesom Wike, praising his leadership in promoting democracy and urban development. “Governor Wike has not only transformed Abuja into one of Africa’s best cities, but he continues to guide the people towards democratic progress,” he added.
The commissioning of these projects highlights the NDDC’s commitment to improving infrastructure and quality of life for residents of Rivers State, particularly in addressing critical areas of need.
