NDDC Procurement Director Visits Otuan Community to Assess Development Needs
By Track news
NDDC Procurement Director Visits Otuan Community to Assess Development Needs
Dr. Doodei Week, the Director of Procurement at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), visited Otuan community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate an ongoing project awarded by the Commission and to identify additional development needs directly from the community.
He was formally received by His Royal Highness, Engineer Christopher Nana Okoto, the Amananaowei of Otuan Kingdom, also known as Akama VI. The traditional ruler welcomed the NDDC delegation in the presence of the Council of Chiefs and expressed appreciation for the Commission’s interest in the welfare of the community.
During the visit, Dr. Week emphasized the NDDC’s commitment to grassroots development and the importance of firsthand engagement with host communities. He stated that the Commission aimed to monitor existing projects closely and understand what further support was needed to improve living conditions in Otuan.
In his remarks, the Amananaowei of Otuan expressed gratitude for the visit and the NDDC’s attention to the needs of his people. He took the opportunity to outline key infrastructure challenges facing the community. He identified road construction as a top priority and urged the Commission to support the development of internal roads, which would significantly improve connectivity in the area.
He also appealed for the construction of a pavilion to serve as a central space for community gatherings and events. Additionally, the traditional ruler stressed the urgent need for a hospital, citing the lack of accessible healthcare facilities in the region. He explained that residents often have to travel long distances to receive basic medical attention, which poses a risk in emergency situations.
The visit drew participation from prominent sons and daughters of Southern Ijaw, including community leaders, youth representatives, and other stakeholders. Their presence underscored the importance of the NDDC’s intervention in addressing long-standing infrastructural gaps in the region.
Dr. Week took note of the concerns raised and assured the community that their input would be factored into future planning by the Commission. He reiterated that the NDDC’s mandate was to foster sustainable development in the Niger Delta and that community engagement was a crucial part of that process.
He also inspected the ongoing project previously awarded to the Otuan community. While the specific nature of the project was not detailed during the visit, he confirmed that a progress assessment was part of the trip’s agenda.
Community members expressed hope that the visit would mark the beginning of stronger collaboration between Otuan and the NDDC. Several attendees shared their experiences and appealed for improved service delivery in areas such as water supply, electricity, and education, in addition to the infrastructure highlighted by the Amananaowei.
The NDDC delegation concluded the visit with a courtesy meeting at the palace of the Amananaowei, where they exchanged views on how best to maintain an effective partnership between the Commission and the community. Dr. Week reaffirmed the Commission’s openness to feedback and said future visits to other communities in Southern Ijaw were also being planned.
The visit to Otuan reflects a broader effort by the NDDC to deepen its community outreach and ensure that development projects align with the immediate needs of the people.
By Track news
