NDDC MD/CEO Chief Samuel Ogbuku Honored as UI@75 Ambassador Extraordinaire

In a notable recognition of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) contributions to societal development, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, Ph.D., Managing Director and CEO of the NDDC, has been decorated as a UI@75 Ambassador Extraordinaire by the University of Ibadan (UI). This honor, awarded as part of UI’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, underscores NDDC’s role in advancing the welfare and infrastructure of the Niger Delta region.

Reflecting on the accolade, Chief Ogbuku expressed gratitude, dedicating the recognition to the NDDC’s dedicated management and staff. “This decoration acknowledges the impact of the NDDC on the Niger Delta community,” he said. “I am deeply committed to serving the people with transparency and dedication, ensuring that the dividends of democracy are fully realized in our region.”

Chief Ogbuku emphasized that the NDDC fulfills a presidential mandate to support development in the Niger Delta, complementing the efforts of state governments within the nine states it serves. Over its 25-year history, the NDDC has been instrumental in constructing hospitals, schools, roads, jetties, and bridges, as well as providing scholarships to students. This commitment to infrastructure and human capital development aligns with UI’s values, marking the investiture as a symbolic bridge between the NDDC and the university.

During the event, Chief Ogbuku highlighted the need for Nigerian universities to focus on research, especially in areas of indigenous knowledge. He called on universities in the Niger Delta to collaborate with UI in addressing ecological, agricultural, and medical challenges, while also delving into governance, tradition, and culture – elements he said are increasingly impacted by foreign influences.

In his address, UI Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode O. Adebowale commended Chief Ogbuku’s dedication and impact on the Niger Delta, describing him as “humble and diligent.” He noted that Chief Ogbuku’s passion aligns with UI’s mission, making him a deserving recipient of the Ambassador Extraordinaire title.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, formally presented the award letter and outlined the university’s expectations for the new ambassador. UI Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu, officiated the decoration ceremony.

The event, held in Port Harcourt, saw attendance from the NDDC leadership, UI officials, and members of the UI Alumni Association’s Bayelsa State branch, marking a celebratory occasion of unity and progress.