The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched its agricultural specimen program, Project HOPE, in partnership with host communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States. The program aims to empower youths and women in the Niger Delta region and promote food security and self-reliance.
The launch event was attended by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, and other officials, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and representatives of the host communities. The Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Etim Antai, emphasized that Project HOPE is a signature project aimed at identifying, empowering, and transforming the lives of youths in the Niger Delta region.
The lead consultant, Ambassador Blessing Fubara, thanked the Managing Director and the 7th Board for the project’s birth and highlighted the communities’ readiness to be developed. The communities have donated hectares of land for the project, and the commission has promised to engage in public, private, and community partnerships to ensure its success.
Traditional rulers and stakeholders from the various states expressed their support and gratitude to the commission, assuring them of security and necessary support from their communities. The Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, thanked the lead consultant and the Project HOPE committee for their efforts and reiterated the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The onboarding exercise was marked by the presentation of documents for the seeded lands by the communities to the Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, symbolizing the partnership and commitment to the project’s success.
