The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced a suspension of all planned commissioning ceremonies for its completed projects across the region. This decision is a mark of respect for the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11, 2025.
Condolence Visit Leads to Programme Suspension
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, made this announcement on Tuesday, December 17. He spoke during a condolence visit to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and the bereaved Ewhrudjakpo family at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Ogbuku explained that the commission had scheduled a series of end-of-year project inaugurations. The programme was set to commence on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with the high-profile opening of the 700-bed President Bola Tinubu Hostel at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
"We have built a strong partnership with Bayelsa State since the inception of this administration," Ogbuku stated. "The NDDC was supposed to start commissioning projects to close the year, beginning today. However, following the deputy governor's passing, we have put all activities on hold."
High-Level Delegations Pay Respects
The NDDC's visit was one of several high-profile delegations that visited Yenagoa to commiserate with the state. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, led a team to convey the condolences of President Bola Tinubu.
Lokpobiri described the news of Ewhrudjakpo's death as shocking and saddening. He eulogised the late deputy governor as a leader who rendered invaluable service.
"For those of us from his senatorial district, we are even more pained by his death," Lokpobiri said. "We learnt a lot from his proverbs and wisdom. He died a fulfilled man, for it is not how long but how well one lived."
Unified Mourning and Strong Partnerships
In addition to the federal government's delegation, the leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Ambassador Godknows Igali, also paid a condolence visit. The collective pause in official activities underscores the deep respect held for Senator Ewhrudjakpo.
Dr. Ogbuku emphasised the strong collaborative relationship between the NDDC and the Bayelsa State Government. He noted that the decision to suspend the projects was taken both in honour of the late deputy governor and in solidarity with the mourning state government.
All other projects slated for inauguration have been suspended indefinitely. The NDDC has not announced a new date for the commissioning of the 700-bed hostel or other completed projects, indicating that activities will resume only after a period of mourning.
