A wave of positive change is sweeping through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, receiving widespread recognition for his transformative leadership. The commission, once synonymous with challenges, is now being celebrated for tangible gains and a renewed focus on service delivery to the region's communities.
A Cascade of Accolades for Transformative Leadership
Dr. Ogbuku's commitment to shifting the NDDC from a transactional body to a transformative force has not gone unnoticed. On December 3, 2025, he was honoured at the BusinessDay Public Lecture Series as an outstanding public service provider. The award was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who commended Ogbuku's leadership and urged him to continue his impactful work for the oil-rich region.
In his acceptance speech, Ogbuku dedicated the award to his team and the support from the presidency. "It is a recognition of our hard work all through the year," he stated. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the platform and the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, for technical support. Ogbuku pledged to redouble efforts to satisfy the yearnings of the Niger Delta people, aligning with the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Senior NDDC officials echoed this sentiment. Alabo Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration, said the honour would energise the commission, while Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director of Corporate Services, described it as significant validation of their work.
Presidential and International Recognition Follows
The BusinessDay award is just one in a series of honours. The Presidency, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will confer the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery and Sustainable Regional Growth on Ogbuku at the upcoming Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS). This follows President Tinubu's previous commendation of the NDDC board in July 2024 for accelerating development.
Ogbuku's impact has also resonated internationally. On October 21, 2025, he was named Nigeria Regional Government Development Champion of the Year 2025 by the London Political Summit and Awards at the UK House of Commons. Earlier, in March 2025, he received the African Public Service Award in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Broad-Based Endorsement from Army, Police, and Academia
The recognition extends beyond media and government circles. The academic community honoured Ogbuku with a Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on July 26, 2025.
Security agencies have also applauded the NDDC's support. The Nigerian Army decorated Ogbuku with its Outstanding Service Commendation Medal on June 30, 2025, citing his contributions to army infrastructure and operations. Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force presented him with a Police Support Recognition Award for partnership in strengthening national security.
Other media houses had earlier set the tone. The Sun newspapers gave Ogbuku its Public Service Award in April 2025, and the Daily Independent named the NDDC the "Interventionist Agency of the Year 2024."
Under Ogbuku's stewardship, the NDDC has fast-tracked critical projects in road construction, bridge building, and the provision of schools and hospitals. This tangible progress in infrastructure and community development is forging a new narrative for the Niger Delta, demonstrating what focused and visionary leadership can achieve for the region's future.
