The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has urged traditional rulers and community leaders in the Niger Delta region to be vigilant and take collective responsibility in protecting public infrastructure. This call was made by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at a Stakeholders' Forum on Public Infrastructure and Vandalism Prevention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
Dr. Ogbuku, represented by the Director, Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, noted that destroying public infrastructure harms communities and individuals. He emphasized that while the government has a duty to provide basic amenities, communities are responsible for protecting them.
The NDDC Managing Director stated that vandalism of public infrastructure diverts funds meant for new projects to repair damaged ones, thus limiting infrastructure progress. He stressed the importance of security in society, saying that development strengthens security and security protects development.
Dr. Ogbuku advised community leaders to view development in their areas as their own property, which must be protected against vandalism and theft. He urged residents, community leaders, youth groups, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to take ownership of public infrastructure within their communities and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
The NDDC Director, Community and Rural Development, Theophilus Alagoa, lamented that vandals are destroying government facilities in communities without anyone taking responsibility. He emphasized that vandalizing, destroying, or stealing government projects is a serious crime and an act of economic sabotage.
Alagoa warned that vandalism, theft, and deliberate destruction of public facilities pose serious threats to sustainable development, resulting in loss of valuable public resources, undermining essential services, and increasing the cost of maintaining and replacing infrastructure.
The event's facilitator, Ibiyekaribo Inko-Tariah, said the programme was organized to safeguard government-funded projects and ensure critical infrastructure continues to serve communities. The NDDC organized the Stakeholders' Forum as part of efforts to protect public infrastructure and prevent vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
Key points
- The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has called on Niger Delta communities to take collective responsibility in protecting public infrastructure.
- Vandalism of public infrastructure diverts funds meant for new projects to repair damaged ones, limiting infrastructure progress.
- The NDDC organized a Stakeholders' Forum to educate communities on the importance of protecting public infrastructure and preventing vandalism.
