By Daniel Agbor
In a concerted effort to bolster Cross River State’s infrastructural development agenda, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), under the astute leadership of the Cross River State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has been instrumental in cushioning and supporting the state’s drive. This partnership aims to address the needs of the people in alignment with Governor Sen. Bassey Otu’s “People First Mantra”.
Speaking to our reporter, the NDDC State Rep emphasised Governor Otu’s grassroots orientation, highlighting his extensive engagement with diverse segments of society throughout his political career. This ethos is encapsulated in his “People First Mantra”, which guides his governance philosophy and vision for the state.
In his words, the NDDC State Rep said, “The Governor is a grassroot person. He has interfaced with different classes of people in his political sojourn, so it was not surprising to see him christening his campaign and vision, ‘People First Mantra’.
“Today, he is working his talk, and it is only natural that we give him all the necessary support.
“For us in the NDDC, we made our position very clear to fight for the state and create a balance in the distribution of democratic dividends from the NDDC to the State.
“In all modesty, we are making progress, What we are doing now in road infrastructure, solar-powered street lights, flood palliative and others reflects our open heart and commitment to the trust and mandate given to us by the people.
“We will do more roads, as we intend to spread our road infrastructure development across the state, even to the hinterlands. The idea is to make accessibility to farm produce easy to guarantee food security and sustainability in the Agricultural sector which is one of the core thrusts of the Governor.”
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From the foregoing, the NDDC Rep recognising Governor Otu’s commitment to serving the people, has pledged unwavering support to his administration’s efforts. Their collaboration underscores a shared goal of fostering equitable distribution of democratic dividends and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.
With a sense of humility, the NDDC representative noted significant strides in various initiatives, including road infrastructure, solar-powered street lights, and flood mitigation measures.
These endeavours exemplify the agency’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate and earning the trust of the populace.
Looking ahead, the NDDC reaffirmed its determination to expand road infrastructure projects, extending reach to remote areas and hinterlands. This strategic approach aims to enhance accessibility, particularly for agricultural activities, thus bolstering food security and sustainability—a core focus of Governor Otu’s administration.
Among the ongoing projects is the development of roads such as the Etta Agbor Layout and its connecting arteries leading to the University of Calabar Demonstration Secondary School and surrounding streets. These endeavours underscore a commitment to improving transportation networks and fostering socio-economic growth in communities across Cross River State.
As the partnership between the NDDC and the Cross River State government continues to flourish, it promises to yield tangible benefits for residents, further advancing the state’s development agenda. With a shared vision and collaborative spirit, stakeholders are poised to surmount challenges and realise the aspirations of the people, placing their needs at the forefront of governance initiatives.
