December 09, (THEWILL) – Ex-agitators and civil society groups in the Niger Delta have lauded the impact of the solar streetlights project initiated by the Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission citing its role in reducing criminality and bringing visible development to communities across the region.
The commendations came during a meeting in Port Harcourt on Monday, convened by the National Chairman of First Phase Ex-Agitators, HRH Henry Binidodogha, also known as Egbeme One, the King of Ofunama Kingdom.
In a statement delivered after the meeting, the Secretary-General of the group, Gen. Nature Dumale Kiegha, praised the light-up initiative, noting that it has significantly enhanced security and community life.
“The solar lights have chased away darkness and criminal elements, bringing nightlife back to our creeks and towns. For the first time, many of our aged parents and relatives, who previously knew little about the NDDC, are directly benefitting from its interventionist programmes,” Dumale stated.
He described the solar lighting project as a landmark achievement, saying it has reinvigorated the social and economic activities in the nine Niger Delta states.
The group passed a vote of confidence in Dr. Ogbuku and his board, commending their transparency and accountability in executing projects that directly impact the lives of the people.
Dumale, who also contested as the Chairmanship Candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party for Khana Local Government Area in the recent elections, added, “The NDDC’s solar streetlight initiative is not just a development project; it is a statement of hope that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for the region.”
Highlighting another major initiative, Dumale revealed plans for a solar-powered water project that would address the lack of potable water in the region.
“Access to clean water has been a persistent challenge for our people. With the upcoming solar water project, we are optimistic that waterborne diseases will soon be a thing of the past,” he said.
Dumale called on stakeholders, opinion leaders, and ethnic groups in the Niger Delta to rally behind the Ogbuku-led administration, emphasizing that a stable and substantive NDDC board is crucial for the commission’s effectiveness.
The ex-agitators also announced a shift from violence to advocacy through dialogue and media engagement as their preferred means of pushing for developmental demands.
“We believe the pen is mightier than the sword. The Federal Government should remain committed to addressing our needs while ignoring the distractions of those opposed to progress,” Dumale noted.
In his remarks, Comrade Peter Freeborn, Spokesperson of the Serving and Leading Without Bitterness Initiative, described the solar streetlights as top-tier quality, adding that the Light Up Niger Delta project has restored communal engagements and social interactions without fear of insecurity.
He applauded President Tinubu for constituting a substantive board, asserting that the reforms under Ogbuku have elevated the NDDC’s operations to a more accountable and transparent standard.
“The transformation in NDDC is evident. The agency now operates with due process, ensuring only authentic contracts with official seals are issued. This is a testament to Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership and commitment to regional development,” Freeborn added.
The stakeholders urged the Federal Government to continue supporting the NDDC’s substantive board, dismissing calls for an interim administration as counterproductive to the commission’s progress.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
