NDDC restates commitment to women’s leadership, capacity building in Niger Delta

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s development and leadership within its ranks, as part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and drive sustainable growth in the Niger Delta.

The commission made this known during a summit for its female directors held in Port Harcourt, where senior officials and stakeholders highlighted the critical role of women in organisational effectiveness and regional development.

Speaking at the event, NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Kelechi Nwelue, commended the contributions of female directors to the commission’s mandate in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

He noted that women make up about 35 per cent of the commission’s management cadre, stressing that their participation remains essential to the agency’s performance and impact.

“No institution can thrive without the active involvement of women,” he said, urging participants to remain committed to their duties while continuing to build capacity and mentor others within the system.

Ogbuku described the summit as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening leadership skills among female directors and fostering greater dedication to service delivery. He also emphasised the importance of mentorship, noting that empowering women creates a ripple effect that drives broader societal progress.

In her remarks, Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State branch, Tamunoibuemi Life-George, called for stronger collaboration, ethical leadership, and accountability among women in leadership positions.

She advised participants to lead with integrity, avoid abuse of office, and serve as role models for younger professionals, stressing that transformational leadership must be reflected in everyday conduct.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of The Reach Nigeria Foundation, Benedicta Ebiere Ayerite, encouraged female directors to build intentional influence within their workplaces. She emphasised that leadership must be guided by purpose, accountability, and responsible use of authority to achieve sustainable institutional change.

Adding a health perspective, Ununuma Oguzor, a consultant and senior lecturer at Rivers State University, urged participants to prioritise their wellbeing.

She recommended regular medical check-ups, particularly for women above 40, and highlighted the importance of managing stress, maintaining healthy lifestyles, and seeking timely medical care.

The commission reiterated that strengthening women’s leadership remains central to its broader development agenda, positioning female empowerment as a key driver of institutional effectiveness and sustainable progress in the Niger Delta.