Groups Hail Appointment of Ekere as NDDC MD

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Ibibio Elders’ Forum, Akwa Ibom State has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for nominating a seasoned professional and astute administrator, Mr. Nsima Ekere as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Also, the forum in a statement issued weekend lauded the nomination of Mr. Samuel Frank as the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the commission describing both appointments as well-deserved.

The Chairman of the Ibibio Elders’ Forum, Dr. Okon Akpan Uko, and Secretary-General, Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong, said Mr. Ekere has decades of experience in public administration including being a one time Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“With Obong Nsima Ekere on the saddle of the NDDC affairs, we are confident in his ability to deliver the long-expected development and transformation of the Niger Delta oil-producing region as well as create employment and empowerment for the unemployed youths of the region,” the forum said.

It called on Nigerians, in general, and Akwa Ibom people, in particular, to continue to support the President, appealing for appointment of more indigenes of the state into Federal Boards and Commissions.

In a similar message to President Buhari, the Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio expressed “profound gratitude and appreciation to the President for his well thought out decision” to nominate Messrs Ekere and Frank.

The body in a message signed by Ntisong Ibibio III, Dr. Essien Ekidem, and the Secretary-General, Mkpisong Harrison Ataide, said it was confident of Mr. Ekere’s capacity to deliver on his assignment, having known him as a man of substance coupled with his integrity, knowledge and wealth of experience in both public and private sectors for years.

The organization pledged its support to the President and expressed the hope that he would continue to carry the state along in more appointments and infrastructural development.

Congratulating Ekere on his appointment and accomplishment, the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio said it was grateful to the President for the honour done one of their members and one of the most illustrious sons of Ibibio Nation.

“We in Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio see your appointment as a divine act and a feat well-deserved; considering your outstanding professionalism, sterling leadership qualities and the many years of enduring service and landmark contributions to the development of our state and Nation,” the apex Ibibio youth group said in a message signed by its International President, Akparawa Monday Etokakpan, and International Secretary General, Akparawa James Edet.

While praying God to protect and grant Ekere a very successful and rewarding tenure, the urged him to continue in his chosen path of the crusade for excellence and nation building.