Ogbuku- We cannot afford to let the people of the Niger Delta down.

The Niger Delta Development Commission’s Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has emphasised the critical role of leadership in fulfilling the organization’s purpose of aiding the region’s sustainable development.

On Monday, Dr. Ogbuku delivered a strong talk at the start of a workshop on strategic management and leadership for newly promoted directors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Abuja, emphasising the importance of rising to the occasion.

“We cannot afford to falter or stagnate,” he said.

Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the importance of the training programme for newly promoted directors.

“Stakeholder engagement, financial management, and sustainable development are all synonymous with leadership.”

“This immersive learning experience will equip you with the skills and insights necessary to lead with confidence and competence,” Dr. Ogbuku said, emphasising the importance of leadership in driving the NDDC’s mission and the impact of their decisions on communities in the Niger Delta region.

Mrs. Cecilia Umaru Gayya, Director-General of The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), also spoke and shared same concerns.

She highlighted that the training programme occurred at an important moment when the country is facing economic issues that necessitate a proactive and innovative approach to managing public resources.

“Our country is at a crossroads in its history.” The current economic downturn is a wake-up call for all of us to look inward and change our ways.

“Effective leadership and performance management skills of the NDDC’s directing staff must be sharpened to ensure greater effectiveness and efficiency,” Gayya explained.

She further emphasized the importance of the programme in light of the NDDC undergoing remarkable reforms and the need for highly skilled and competent officers to drive these changes

The NDDC Director of Human Resources, Patrick Ekade, further stressed the importance of the training, emphasizing the need for older directors to share ideas and experiences with the new ones.

He also acknowledged the necessity of the skills and mindsets the training would instill for the success of the new directors.

The course, coordinated by ASCON, aims to enhance the performance of directing staff of the NDDC by equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge in anticipation of the rapid socio-economic changes in today’s work environment.