The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially handed over the sites for the Emergency Reclamation and Shoreline Protection projects in Onuebum and Ayakoro communities in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to the contractor for immediate commencement of work.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Ayakoro Community Town Hall, the NDDC Director, Bayelsa State Office, Engr. Godknows Alamieyeseigha, said the formal presentation of the project sites and contractor to the benefiting communities was necessary to ensure transparency and collaboration.
He noted that the land reclamation and shoreline protection initiatives underscored the Commission’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people, adding that the benefiting communities had consistently demonstrated cooperation with the NDDC and its contractors.
Alamieyeseigha urged residents to take ownership of the projects and promptly report any irregularities observed during execution. He also appealed to the communities to work closely with the contractor to ensure timely completion.
In his remarks, the NDDC Deputy Director, Community and Rural Development, Mr. Diete Amiefamonyo, stressed the significance of the project handover process, noting that past interventions had been disrupted by interference from other development agencies.
“The NDDC introduced the project handover ceremony to eliminate such conflicts. It will enable communities to take ownership and foster better cooperation with contractors. Rather than obstructing project execution, communities should channel grievances through the NDDC State Office,” he said.
Amiefamonyo further called on youth groups, community development committees, and women leaders to work in unity, while also urging contractors to respect local customs and traditions.
Providing technical insight, the Project Consultant, Engr. Henry Okolie, explained that the shorelines along both sides of the river were rapidly eroding. He stated that the technology being deployed would help reclaim land for development, protect existing terrain, and safeguard critical road infrastructure in the affected communities.
Also speaking, the Acting Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Community, Chief Micah Itesi, assured that the people of Ayakoro and Onuebum would fully cooperate with the contractor to ensure smooth execution and timely delivery of the projects.
