By Joy Ude
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),on Wednesday inspected ongoing projects in various communities in Rivers,urging Nigerian youths to remain peaceful and shun all acts of violence.
Chief Tony Okocha, the Rivers State Representative in the NDDC Governing Board, disclosed this to Journalists while inspecting ongoing projects by the Commission in some Local Government Areas of the state.
Okocha stated that the ongoing community projects were in line with the Renewed Hope mandate given to the NDDC by President Bola Tinubu.
Okocha who is also the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC)in Rivers, said that the inspection of the projects was to ensure that they would be completed in record time as promised by the contractors to the Commission.
Okocha noted some of the projects including quarters for the principal and teachers at Community Secondary School, Umuechem in Etche local government area, in Rivers.
He said that the Commission would ensure that the entire school premises be fenced and litted up with Solar Powered light.
Other projects inspected were Corpers’ Lodge of about 10 bedrooms, with a gymnasium, a large-sized common room, a leisure centre amongst other facilities for the comfort of the Corps members at the Ignatius Ajuru University Campus in Ndele, in Emohua LGA.
Also a construction of 10,000 Gallons Capacity Solar-Powered Water Project at Soku Community, in Akuku-Toru LGA, the 1,300 Seater Pavilion Project”, sited at the LGA Secretariat, in Degema, the Nkpolu Community Town Hall Project, and the Reconstruction of the NTA-Apara Link Road/Drainage Project in Obio-Akpor LGA.
“The ongoing projects under the leadership of Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director NDDC, is our own way of advocating for peace and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“Mr President feels the pain and hardship of the people, and is doing everything possible through projects, policies, and programs such as the continuous distribution of palliatives to the people,
“The increment of the minimum wage of Nigerian Workers by over 100% from N30,000 to N70,000 which has already been signed into law, the Students’ Loan Scheme,
“Massive investment in agriculture across the country, and the allocation of more funds to the 36 States and the 774 LGAs for the spread of more developmental projects across the country.
“It is important to note that the present economic situation in the country is as a result of many decades of accumulated challenges associated with governance which President Bola Tinubu is committed towards providing lasting solution.
“The present government is merely one year in office, and what the President needs from the people is their continuous prayers, support, understanding, and cooperation.
“l appeal to our youths to remain peaceful and shun all acts of violence.
“While it is the constitutional rights of citizens to protest, it is equally important that those behind the planned protest are known, and that they articulate their views properly, engage with the government, consolidate, before confrontation,” Okocha appealed.
Okocha also advocate that the planned protest should be shelved to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
Okocha said that the Commission under the Chairman NDDC 7th Management Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, would continue to ensure completion of all community projects to the benefits of the people.
He commended the project contractors and assured that they would be paid in full upon completion of the projects.