Commissioning Of Akwa Ibom NDDC Permanent Office Imminent -State Rep. Nkono
In a move set to significantly enhance its operational footprint, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will soon commission its new state office in Akwa Ibom, the State’s Representative on the NDDC Governing Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, has announced.
The announcement was made recently in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, when the Commissioner received delegations from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, and the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA).
Apostle Nkono described the new office as a cornerstone of the Commission’s renewed commitment to transparency and grassroots impact.
“The days of transactional governance are over. We are firmly in the era of transformation. This new office is more than a building; it is a symbol of our pledge to bring sustainable development closer to the people of Akwa Ibom,” he declared.
He revealed that the Akwa Ibom commissioning follows the recent successful unveiling of NDDC offices in Cross River, Bayelsa, and Delta States, marking a strategic push to strengthen operations and improve service delivery across the region.
Related: NDDC Commissioner Abasiandikan Nkono Thumbs Up Journalism Practice In Akwa Ibom State
Beyond the new office, Commissioner Nkono provided a sweeping overview of the NDDC’s ongoing interventions in the state, including over 10,000 youths across the Niger Delta trained in vocational skills with a ₦50,000 monthly stipend for 12 months and starter packs; foreign and local scholarships to Akwa Ibom indigenes; contract awarded for construction of a pavilion for Akwa Ibom State University, contract awarded for a 1000-capacity solar-powered water project in Ibiono, contract awarded for construction of internal roads in Eket, intervention for flood victims in Akwa Ibom State, anti-malaria outreach, anti-drug abuse outreach, contract awarded for a town hall in Abak, teachers’ quarters in Ukana, contract awarded for the construction of Corpers Lodge in Uyo, the “Light up the Niger Delta” street lighting project, and free medical outreaches across the State.
The Commissioner seized the moment to pledge his office’s robust support for the upcoming NUJ Press Week and the maiden ANPA Week 2025.
He gave a resounding endorsement to media practice in Akwa Ibom, particularly praising practitioners who have exhibited ethical standards and developmental reporting.
In his remarks, Comrade Nsibiet John congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment and lauded his commitment to service delivery.
“We create bridges of unity, and we have identified NDDC as a crucial partner. The reward for hard work is more work. We are happy that you are a media practitioner and are confident that you will deliver. We have confidence in you,” Comrade John stated.
The NUJ Chairman listed the union’s achievements within two months, including providing free internet for members at the press centre, welfare packages for elderly members, training for 120 members, forming partnerships with the Clement Isong Foundation, Amnesty International, and Policy Alert, and the ongoing beautification of the press centre.
He briefed the Commissioner on preparations for the upcoming 2025 NUJ Press Week and formally solicited the Commission’s support for its success.
The 2025 NUJ Press Week is scheduled for October 30 to November 5, 2025.
In a separate visit, the Central Planning Committee (CPC) for ANPA Week 2025 sought the NDDC’s partnership for its maiden event scheduled for November 9-13, 2025.
The CPC Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert, described community newspapers as the “heartbeat of journalism” and highlighted their role in fostering connections between the people and the government, promoting civic engagement, and supporting local economic growth.
The ANPA Week, with the theme: “The Relevance of Newspaper Publishers in State Development: The Case of Akwa Ibom State under the ARISE Agenda,” will feature a series of events. These include a Thanksgiving Service, Free Medical Outreach, Visit to Orphanages, Road Walk, Novelty Football Match, Inspection Visits to Government Projects, An Evening with Newspaper Distributors/Vendors, and a culminating Symposium, Awards, and Luncheon.
The highlight will be the conferment of Golden Awards on Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Senate President Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio for “their exemplary contributions to state and national development.”
