TDThe Akwa Ibom State Representative on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. AbasiAndikan Nkono, has called for deeper collaboration between the Commission and the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State to expand the reach of developmental programmes across the state.
Mr. Nkono made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, in Uyo, where he led a delegation of senior management staff from the NDDC Akwa Ibom State Office.
Partnership for People-Centred Development
Nkono commended Lady Obareki for her dedication to initiatives that improve lives across Akwa Ibom.
He explained that the Commission is eager to partner with the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA).
He noted that GIFA’s programmes align seamlessly with the NDDC’s mandate of delivering people-centred interventions.
“We are delighted that the activities and programmes of the Office of the First Lady and GIFA align perfectly with the vision and mandate of the NDDC.
“This proposed partnership is timely and beneficial to the people of Akwa Ibom State,” Nkono stated.
He highlighted the Commission’s ongoing interventions across the nine Niger Delta states, including human capital development, environmental restoration, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, and education.
He further disclosed that the NDDC’s foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme awards beneficiaries up to $40,000, while the local scholarship programme now provides grants of up to ₦5 million per scholar.
First Lady Welcomes Collaboration
In her response, Lady Helen Eno Obareki described the NDDC’s interest in partnering with her office as heartwarming and a validation of the impact of GIFA’s programmes.
She observed that the growing interest from organisations and development partners demonstrates that the initiatives are achieving meaningful results.
“The growing interest from individuals, organisations and development partners to collaborate with the office and GIFA serves as a strong indication that programmes, meticulously implemented, are making meaningful impact across the state,” she said.
She commended the NDDC for its interventions and reaffirmed her commitment to work with the Commission and other strategic partners.
The objective, she said, is to advance sustainable initiatives that improve livelihoods and enhance quality of life.
“Our doors are always open, and this certainly will not be our last conversation.
“We look forward to many collaborations with the NDDC as we continue to make meaningful impact in the lives of the most vulnerable,” she added.
Lady Obareki also acknowledged the consistent support of the State Government.
She praised Governor Pastor Umo Eno for creating an enabling environment that allows her office to complement the administration’s people-centred initiatives.
Delegation Members
The NDDC delegation included:
- Engr. Evong Moduck Evong, State Director, NDDC Akwa Ibom State Office
- Mr. Norbert Brown, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries
- Dr. Mrs. Eno W. Ukpe, Deputy Director of Education, Health and Social Services
- Mrs. Ndifreke Essien, Deputy Director of Community and Rural Development
- Mr. Chukwudi Nwamadu, Principal Manager of Finance and Accounts
- Mr. Utibe E. Ikot, Principal Manager of Planning, Research, and Statistics/Management Information System
The courtesy visit marks the beginning of what both parties described as a promising partnership to deliver sustainable development and expand the reach of interventions across Akwa Ibom State.
