Delta Ijaw Youth Movement Applauds NDDC for Commitment towards Completion of Gbaregolor–Ogulagha Road Project
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI
The leadership of Delta Ijaw Youth Movement (DIYM) has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its renewed commitment to the timely completion of the Gbaregolor–Ogulagha Road Project Phase I, located in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The commendation was issued by the National Coordinator of DIYM, Ambassador Okporu Ebi Augustine, in a press statement released in Warri, following the recent inspection visit to the project site by the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the Executive Director of Projects, Mr. Victor Antai, alongside members of the House of Representatives Committee on the NDDC.
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Ambassador Okporu who addressed the Press , described the visit as both timely and reassuring, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges in riverine Ijaw communities.
> “We are greatly encouraged by the commitment shown by Dr. Ogbuku and Mr. Ebie. Their physical presence and direct assessment of the 24-kilometre Gbaregolor–Ogulagha Road, which includes the iconic 576-meter Gbaregolor Bridge, reflect a proactive and hands-on leadership approach that inspires confidence among the people,” he stated.
He emphasized that upon completion, the road will significantly enhance accessibility between riverine and upland areas, stimulate economic activities, and provide a critical link to Ogulagha Kingdom—a major oil-producing hub in Delta State.
In his remarks, Ambassador Augustine Okporu specially commended the efforts of High Chief Joseph Tubodei Panawou, the Iyasere
( Prime Minister)of Akugbene Mein Kingdom, for playing a strategic role in drawing the attention of the NDDC to the project.
> “High Chief Joseph Panawou’s influence and intervention were instrumental in spotlighting the importance of this project to the Commission. His leadership as the Iyasere —a prestigious title typically conferred upon the Prime Minister or highest-ranking chief after the King (Pere) in many Niger Delta kingdoms—reflects his unwavering commitment to the development of the Akugbene Mein Kingdom and the Ijaw nation at large,” he added.
The renowned Ijaw youth leader also expressed deep appreciation to Chief James Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, for his continued concern and interest in the progress and sustainable development of Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
He further extended his gratitude to Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on the NDDC, for her robust legislative support and active oversight in ensuring that strategic developmental projects like this receive the necessary attention and funding.
Ambassador Okporu called on all stakeholders, particularly leaders from oil-bearing communities, to rally behind the NDDC and give their full support to ensure the successful execution and timely delivery of the project.
The Gbaregolor–Ogulagha Road is one of the Commission’s flagship infrastructure projects in Delta State. It is expected to drastically improve transportation, reduce travel time, and open up economic opportunities for residents of the affected communities.
> “The completion of this road will not only bring relief to commuters and residents but also contribute meaningfully to poverty reduction, social integration, and economic development in the Niger Delta,” Ambassador Okporu concluded.
