Ogu kingdom honours NDDC MD as commission steps up sickle cell awareness in Niger Delta

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has stressed the need for a healthy population as a foundation for sustainable development in the Niger Delta, even as he received a chieftaincy title from the people of Ogu Kingdom in Rivers State in recognition of his leadership.

Ogbuku spoke during a Sickle Cell Health Promotion and Sensitisation programme held at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, where the commission reaffirmed its commitment to preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and community education.

Represented by the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, Ogbuku noted that sickle cell disease remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta.

“As a commission mandated to enhance the well-being of our people, the NDDC recognises that sustainable development is impossible without a healthy population,” he said.

“This programme reinforces our commitment to preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and community education. For our youths, knowing your genotype early is essential. For patients, we reaffirm our support for improved access to care. For health professionals, we appreciate your dedication and encourage continued collaboration in research, counselling and community outreach.”

The NDDC Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu (middle), handing over a health kit to Master Israel David (left), during the Sickle Cell Health Promotion and Sensitisation programme at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt. On the right is the Founder of Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland-Nigeria, SCAIIN, Mrs Esther Pepple Onolememen,

He said the goal of the commission was to ensure that every young person understands genotype compatibility, every family has access to screening and every patient receives care without stigma.

“Prevention is achievable, and informed choices save lives,” he added.

The Founder of the Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland-Nigeria (SCAIIN), Mrs Esther Pepple Onolememen, commended the NDDC for investing in public health, noting that sickle cell disease is not only a medical issue but also a social and developmental one.

She said the organisation was focused on breaking the cycle of pain, stigma and silence surrounding the disorder through research, education and community mobilisation.

Also speaking, Mr Derefaka Yemiesibo, whose child lives with sickle cell disease, thanked the NDDC for supporting awareness programmes that help families build resilience.

Meanwhile, the people of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State honoured Ogbuku with a prestigious chieftaincy title, describing him as a catalyst for “abundant development” in the Niger Delta.

During the installation ceremony at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Ogu, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Egbelekpeke, conferred on him the title Pere Se Bobo, meaning “He Who Comes with Abundance”.

“Among the Wakirike, abundance is measured not only in wealth, but in peace, goodwill, unity, progress and development,” Egbelekpeke said.

The Chairman of the Installation Planning Committee, Senator George Sekibo, said that under Ogbuku’s leadership, the NDDC had been repositioned into a transformational institution anchored on transparency, accountability and sustainable growth.

Responding, Ogbuku described the honour as both an appreciation and a call to do more for the region, attributing the opportunity to serve to President Bola Tinubu.

“We must unite and work in one accord to surmount the development challenges confronting our people. We are determined to succeed, and with your support, we will achieve our goals,” he said.

The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, and the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, Chief Vincent Nemieboka, also commended Ogbuku’s leadership and contributions to infrastructural development and community empowerment across the Niger Delta.