Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has solicited a stronger partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the growth of the State and speedy regional development.
Akwa Ibom State is a major oil producer but lacks any petrochemical facility like a refinery ot petrol depot.
Eno stated this while receiving the management of the Commission on a condolence visit to him in his country home, Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
He noted that the State and NDDC have been development partners over the years, but said it was necessary to further the partnership by sitting together to discuss areas where the commission could complement the development strides of the State government.
“We have been working with NDDC and it will continue. We hope to sit down and see how you can complement what we are doing. I want to thank you for what you are doing in the region and also solicit greater partnership.”
He thanked the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and members of the delegation, as well as the Chairman of the commission, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, who also sent his condolences said, “We thank you most profoundly for coming all the way from Port Harcourt with the management team on this condolence visit.
“Your presence here is comforting for us all in Akwa Ibom State. Like the MD said, we are a major and integral part of the Niger Delta.
Earlier in his message of condolence, Dr.Ogbuku said, “we are here to tell you that we are with you. The demise of your wife came to all of us with great shock. Our visit is to tell you that it is not only Akwa Ibom that is mourning.
“I want to use this opportunity to express my Chairman’s condolences to you, on behalf of the board and management of NDDC, and to tell you that our Chairman also sent his condolences.
“We are with you in prayers and our prayers also go to other members of the family, and the State Government.
“We are here to tell you that we will participate in all the activities and take some roles to ease the burden on the State Government.
Akwa Ibom is a major part of Niger Delta and whatever affects Akwa Ibom, affects the Niger Delta. We are here to tell you that we are with you in prayers and will stand with you throughout this period.”