Coalition of NGOs demand end to corruption, looting in NDDC

A Coalition of Non-Governmental Organization, NGO under the aegis of Niger Delta Nigeria Women In Dialogue, NDNWID, have demanded immediate end to corruption and looting in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, calling for restructuring of the commission and 35% affirmative action in its appointment.

They made the demands Friday August 7, when they embarked on a peaceful protest to the Delta State Head Office of the NDDC in Warri.

The NDNWID which comprises of Morgan Smart Development Foundation, South-South Professional Women Association, Niger Delta Women Forum, Centre For Peace & Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Amazon Foundation, Development Initiative For Community Impact, Women Standard Bearers International and Lizdon International, carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Kill Corruption in NDDC!”, “"Niger Delta Women saying no to corruption”, “There should be Transparency and Accountability in NDDC”, “Resources should go to the Host Communities”,  “We Need Linking Bridges in the Niger Delta Region”, “NDNWID Demands 35% Affirmative Action in NDDC 's Appointment!”, “NDDC Empower Our Youths and Women” and “Give Us Drinking Water in the Riverine Communities.” 

The Convener of NDNWID, Madam Mary Fuludu, who addressed newsmen during the protest, frowned at the corruption allegations rocking the Interim Management Committee, IMC of the NDDC and stressed the need for accountability, transparency as well as proper management of NDDC funds.

A leader in the group, Amb. Adia Florence, urged NDDC to focus on capacity building of women and youths in the Niger Delta, especially in the areas of fishing, piggery, plantation of vegetables and cassava as well as other agricultural development programmes.

They commended Dr. Evelyn Urhobo, “for empowering women while at the helm of affairs at the NDDC”, adding that since Dr. Urhobo retired from the commission, “we don't have any empowerment from NDDC”, just as they appealed to NDDC to fast-rack empowerment programmes for women and youths of the Niger Delta through NDNWID.

Adia Florence (right) Madam Mary Fuludu (2^nd right) while addressing Engr. Stephen Ogheneare (left) & other NDDC staff, during the protest

The Deputy Director, NDDC Delta State Office, Engr. Stephen Ogheneare, who addressed the protesters on behalf of the commission, commended the NDNWID for their peaceful disposition and assured them of conveying their demands to the management of the NDDC for necessary action.

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