Traditional rulers lament NDDC projects left abandoned in Ondo

Traditional rulers from riverine communities in Ondo State have expressed concern over numerous abandoned projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the area. They pledged to work with the government and its agencies to oversee and ensure the completion of all NDDC projects. This statement was made during a workshop held in Akure, the state capital, titled “Capacity Building on Emerging Trends in Rural Governance,” organized by the NDDC in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.

Oba Bamidele Dabo, the monarch of Igbekebo Kingdom in Ese Odo Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers of the Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Niger Delta, emphasized the need for community leaders to stop neglecting important projects that benefit the economic well-being of local residents. He criticized the abandonment of many NDDC projects by contractors due to insufficient supervision, leading to a loss of confidence in the government and its agencies among the residents.

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He called on the NDDC to give more recognition to traditional rulers in oil-producing areas to foster better relationships between the communities and the agency. He also highlighted the urgent need to complete the long-delayed Sabomi-Igbotu road and other abandoned projects in the region. Furthermore, he urged the NDDC to focus on capacity building and infrastructure development.

Mr. Eni Akinsola, a resource person from the NDDC at the workshop, called for increased collaboration between community stakeholders and the NDDC. He reassured the people that the NDDC would continue to work on creating enabling environments for residents through empowerment programs and infrastructure projects.