The people of Ogbia Kingdom, led by the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, have assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of their support and appealed for the establishment of a Petroleum Institute in Oloibiri, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs it was noted that the position was stated during a courtesy visit by the Ogbia delegation to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The delegation, led by the monarch of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba, alongside other prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom, expressed appreciation to the President for the confidence reposed in Ogbia indigenes through key national appointments, including the appointment of Dr Ogbuku as Managing Director of the NDDC.
The royal father noted that the gesture reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive leadership and sustainable development, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
During the visit, the delegation also presented priority developmental needs of Ogbia Kingdom. These include the construction of the Akaba–Okodi Road, strategic bridges, shoreline protection for erosion-prone communities, and the establishment of a petroleum-related institute in Oloibiri—Nigeria’s historic birthplace of the oil industry.
President Bola Tinubu (left) receiving a delegation from the Ogbia Kingdom at the Presidential Villa Abuja. Here the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (right) speaks during the visit.
Speaking on the visit, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ogbuku, expressed gratitude for the President’s commendation of the efforts of the NDDC Board and Management.
He said: “His words of encouragement further energise our resolve to sustain people-centred and impactful development across the Niger Delta region.”
Dr Ogbuku added that beyond appreciation, the visit reaffirmed the strong bond between Ogbia Kingdom and the Federal Government, noting that the people of the kingdom expressed firm support for President Tinubu’s leadership and vision for a progressive Nigeria.
He further stated: “Through unity, collaboration and purposeful governance, we remain committed to advancing the aspirations of our people and contributing meaningfully to national development.”
