Traditional rulers and community leaders from riverine communities in Ondo State have pledged to collaborate with the government and its agencies to monitor and ensure the completion of all developmental projects undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
This commitment was made during a workshop organised by the NDDC, titled Capacity Building on Emerging Trends in Rural Governance, which was held in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.
The traditional rulers emphasised that the successful execution of these projects would significantly contribute to the unprecedented development of communities across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers of oil mineral-producing communities in the Niger Delta (TROMPCON), Oba Bamidele Dabo, the Odogun of Igbekebo Kingdom, stated that it was time for community leaders in the coastal areas to take responsibility for ensuring the completion of all projects within their territories, urging that no project should be left unfinished.
He noted that many NDDC projects in various communities had been abandoned by contractors, with poor supervision being identified as the main cause of these project failures.
This, according to Oba Dabo, has led to a lack of confidence in the government and its agencies among the residents.
Oba Dabo also called on the Ministry of Niger Delta Development Commission and the NDDC to give more recognition to traditional rulers in oil-producing areas to foster mutual relationships between the host communities and the agency.
He emphasised the need for the urgent completion of long-overdue projects, such as the Sabomi-Igbotu road, and the continuation of other abandoned initiatives. Furthermore, he advocated for capacity-building and infrastructural development in the region.
The resource person for the NDDC, Mr Eni Akinsola, called for increased synergy between community stakeholders in the oil-rich region and the NDDC.
He assured the gathering that the NDDC would continue to provide an enabling environment for the residents of affected communities through empowerment programs and infrastructural development.
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