By Barikui Felix
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has called on the people of Ibaa and Obelle Communities in Rivers State to continue in their support for President Bola Tinubu.
The Rivers State Representative on the board of NDDC, Chief Tony Okocha made the call during the commissioning of an ultra-modern market built by NDDC in the area.
He noted that the project was made possible by Tinubu through funding support to the NDDC and further urged the people to be united in their support for the president.
The Rivers NDDC representative disclosed that he inspired to build the market during a visit to the community in 2024, and was moved with compassion after witnessing women trading in makeshift stalls. That experience, he said, ignited a burden in him to ensure the construction of a befitting market for the community.
Okocha appreciated the contractors for delivering the project on schedule and the community leadership for their support.
He said: “I enjoin all of you to work together, to keep supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“If he didn’t give us opportunity, we won’t be here. What we are doing here is not our personal monies. The president gave us opportunity through the 7th Board of the NDDC. The money we have put in here is from the Federal Government under the Niger Delta Development Commission as mandated by Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Okocha added.
He advised the Ibaa and Obelle people against being swayed away by the current wave of coalitions happening in the country, insisting that President Tinubu is delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians and as such be allowed to complete his tenure.
Okocha alleged that those forming coalition against Tinubu are persons angry with his (Tinubu’s) economic policies which he claimed has blocked looting of public funds.
“A man has just done two years and you are saying you want him out, how? Because he has blocked those holes where people were siphoning funds and those people have come together to say he must go. Will you allow a man who is delivering on the dividends of democracy to go?” he queried.
Inaugurating the project, the member representing Delta State on the board, Monday Igbuyia who represented the Chairman of the governing of board of NDDC, Chiedu Ebie, emphasized that President Tinubu has touched the community through the project.
He further advised the community people to be meticulous during allocation of the shops to traders to avoid causing chaos in the community.
“The president cannot touch everybody but through this project he has touched everybody.
“Let me tell you that you are the luckiest to have this project. So let me advise the community to guide it jealously,” he stated.
Paramount ruler of Ibaa/Obelle, HRH, Dr Wobodo Jonah expressed gratitude to NDDC for the kind gesture.
He stated that the project would enhance commerce in his community.
The project inaugurated by the NDDC consists of one-storey building housing 20 lock-up stores and 126 open shops alongside other facilities.
