By Frank Ulom
The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D, has joined the Chairman of the Commission, Chiedu Ebie, Esq., and other Board members in London for a three-day Executive Programme in Strategic Leadership and Governance at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University of East London.
The executive programme is designed to strengthen leadership capacity, improve institutional governance and expose participants to emerging global trends influencing public sector organisations. It brings together senior public sector leaders, renowned academics and governance experts for intensive learning and knowledge exchange.
Welcoming the NDDC delegation, Vice Provost (Business) and Executive Dean of the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Professor Fatima Annan-Diab, described the programme as a platform for innovation, collaboration and meaningful exchange of ideas.
She said the University of East London remained committed to developing leaders capable of driving positive change through responsible leadership, practical solutions and strategic thinking.
According to Annan-Diab, the programme focuses on strategic and sustainable leadership, governance, risk management, institutional development and the evolving challenges confronting public institutions globally.
Participants are expected to undergo sessions on Board Governance, Risk Management and Leadership in Public Institutions, Global Trends Shaping Public Sector Leadership, Executive Decision Intelligence in the Digital Age, and Inclusive Leadership for Effective Governance.
The NDDC delegation is led by the Commission’s Chairman, Chiedu Ebie, and includes representatives from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers states, alongside representatives of the North Central and North West geopolitical zones, the Federal Ministries of Finance and Environment, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, the Oil Producers Trade Section, the Board Secretary, Victor Arenyeka, Esq., and other senior officials of the Commission.
Speaking on the importance of the programme, Duke described the training as both timely and strategic, noting that contemporary public institutions require leaders equipped with modern knowledge, global perspectives and innovative approaches to governance.
“The Niger Delta is at a critical stage of its development journey, and institutions like the NDDC must continually strengthen their capacity to respond effectively to the expectations of the people. This executive programme provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from global best practices, exchange ideas with leading experts and refine the leadership skills required to deliver sustainable development across the region,” he said.
The Cross River representative emphasised that effective governance extends beyond policy formulation, stressing that transparency, accountability, strategic planning, prudent risk management and informed decision-making remain fundamental to achieving sustainable and people-centred development.
He added that the knowledge and experience acquired during the programme would enhance the Board’s capacity to provide effective oversight, formulate progressive policies and support the Commission’s mandate of promoting sustainable infrastructure, economic growth and social development across the Niger Delta.
The executive programme is regarded as an investment in institutional capacity building at a time when development agencies are increasingly expected to address complex economic, technological and governance challenges.
By exposing Board members to international best practices in leadership, governance and strategic decision-making, the programme is expected to strengthen the Commission’s effectiveness, improve oversight and reinforce its commitment to delivering transformational projects that will benefit communities across the Niger Delta.
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