The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a clarion call for unity and collaboration among stakeholders in the Niger Delta region, emphasizing the need to transcend political differences and work together to facilitate development and unlock the region’s vast socio-economic potential. This appeal was made during a Stakeholders Interactive Forum focused on the Borikiri-Okrika Bridge project, a crucial infrastructure initiative aimed at stimulating economic activities and enhancing connectivity within Rivers State. The NDDC stressed that the bridge, alongside other legacy projects like the Kaa-Ataba Bridge, represents a significant step towards realizing the region’s developmental aspirations. The forum served as a platform to address the project’s historical challenges, reaffirm commitment to its completion, and foster a shared vision for the future of the Niger Delta.
The Borikiri-Okrika Bridge project, initially awarded in 2012, has faced a series of setbacks and delays over the years, hindering its progress and impacting the communities it is intended to serve. The NDDC leadership acknowledged these past challenges but emphasized the current Board’s unwavering determination to bring the project to fruition. Classifying it as a priority legacy project, alongside the Kaa-Ataba Bridge connecting Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas, the NDDC underlined the transformative impact these infrastructure initiatives will have on the region’s connectivity, economic growth, and overall development. The renewed commitment to completing the Borikiri-Okrika Bridge signals a positive shift towards addressing critical infrastructure gaps and unlocking the region’s economic potential.
The NDDC also highlighted the importance of consistent funding for developmental projects, acknowledging the detrimental impact of budgetary constraints in previous years. The absence of an approved budget for the past four years significantly hampered the progress of numerous vital projects across the Niger Delta. However, with the recent approval of the 2024 NDDC budget by President Tinubu, a critical step has been taken to ensure adequate financial provisions for these initiatives. This renewed financial commitment signifies a positive turning point, paving the way for the successful implementation of projects that are essential for the region’s socio-economic advancement.
The Stakeholders Interactive Forum provided a platform for open dialogue and collaborative engagement, bringing together various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, and representatives from the NDDC. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of fostering a shared vision and working together to overcome challenges. The forum also served as an opportunity to address concerns, build consensus, and create a conducive environment for the contractors to execute the Borikiri-Okrika Bridge project efficiently and on schedule.
Prominent figures in the region echoed the NDDC’s call for unity and collaboration. King Tamuno-Omisiki Opuiyo, the Amayanabo of Kirike Kingdom, pledged his community’s unwavering support for the project and urged all stakeholders to put aside political differences and prioritize the region’s progress. Similarly, King Micah Acheseinimie Frank, the Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom, cautioned against politicizing development initiatives and committed to ensuring the project’s successful completion. These endorsements from influential community leaders highlight the widespread recognition of the project’s importance and the collective desire to see it come to fruition.
Dr. Sampson Parker, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Health, commended President Tinubu and the NDDC for reviving the Borikiri-Okrika Bridge project, describing it as a catalyst for economic revitalization and a testament to the Renewed Hope agenda. The project, he emphasized, aligns perfectly with the President’s vision for national development and deserves the full support of all stakeholders. The forum concluded with a renewed sense of hope and commitment to driving positive change in the Niger Delta. By prioritizing unity, collaboration, and sustainable development, stakeholders aim to unlock the region’s vast potential and create a brighter future for its people. The Borikiri-Okrika Bridge project symbolizes this shared vision, representing a tangible step towards achieving transformative development and fostering lasting prosperity in the Niger Delta.
