The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has charged traditional rulers and community leaders to be vigilant and take collective responsibility in protecting public infrastructure across the Niger Delta region. This was stated by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at a stakeholders' forum on public infrastructure and vandalism prevention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The forum aimed to educate communities on the importance of protecting government-funded projects.
Dr. Ogbuku emphasized that while the government has a duty to provide basic amenities, communities are responsible for protecting them. He noted that destroying public infrastructure harms communities and individuals, not just the government. According to him, vandalism diverts funds meant for new projects to repair damaged infrastructure, limiting progress. Ogbuku stressed the importance of security in society, stating that development strengthens security and security protects development.
The NDDC Managing Director advised community leaders to view development in their areas as their own property, not government property. He urged everyone to protect public infrastructure against vandalism, theft, and destruction. Ogbuku also emphasized the need to create awareness and educate citizens that government-executed projects are community property. He encouraged building a culture where vandalism becomes socially unacceptable.
Theophilus Alagoa, NDDC Director of Community and Rural Development, lamented that vandals are destroying government facilities in communities, and no one is taking responsibility. He stated that the event was organized to inform and educate everyone that government projects are community property and require care. Alagoa warned that vandalizing, destroying, or stealing government projects is a serious crime and an act of economic sabotage.
Alagoa further stated that vandalism, theft, and deliberate destruction of public facilities pose serious threats to sustainable development. He noted that such acts result in the loss of valuable public resources, undermine the delivery of essential services, and increase the cost of maintaining and replacing infrastructure. The NDDC Director urged communities to take ownership of public infrastructure and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
The event facilitator, Mr. Ibiyekaribo Inko-Tariah, urged participants to propose solutions to vandalism, theft, and destruction of government projects in communities. He stated that the program was organized as part of efforts to safeguard government-funded projects and ensure critical infrastructure continues to serve communities. The stakeholders' forum aimed to encourage community participation in preventing vandalism of roads, bridges, electricity facilities, water projects, schools, health centers, and other development infrastructure.
The NDDC has called on residents, community leaders, youth groups, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to take ownership of public infrastructure within their communities. The commission urges them to promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. By working together, communities can protect public infrastructure and ensure sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
Key points
- The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of community participation in protecting public infrastructure.
- Vandalism of public infrastructure diverts funds meant for new projects to repair damaged infrastructure, limiting progress.
- The NDDC urges communities to view government-funded projects as their own property and take collective responsibility in protecting them.
