The people of Ogbia Kingdom in Bayelsa State South-South Nigeria, have pledged their unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu while appealing for the establishment of a Petroleum Institute in Oloibiri, the historic cradle of Nigeria’s oil industry.
The assurance and appeal were made during a courtesy visit by an Ogbia delegation to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
The delegation was led by the monarch of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba, and included prominent sons of the kingdom, among them the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku.
Speaking during the visit, King Owaba conveyed the gratitude of the Ogbia people to the President for what he described as the confidence reposed in their sons and daughters through strategic national appointments.
He specifically thanked the President for the appointment of Dr Ogbuku as Managing Director of the NDDC, noting that it reflected a commitment to inclusive governance and balanced development in the Niger Delta region.
The royal father stated that the President’s leadership style had inspired confidence among the people of Ogbia, assuring him of their continued loyalty and support for his administration’s vision of a progressive and united Nigeria.
Developmental Needs
During the engagement, the delegation formally presented the priority developmental needs of Ogbia Kingdom. These include the construction of the Akaba–Okodi Road, development of strategic bridges to improve connectivity, shoreline protection for communities threatened by erosion and the establishment of a petroleum-related institute in Oloibiri.
The proposed institute, they noted, would serve as a centre for skills development, research and capacity building in the oil and gas sector, while also preserving the historical significance of Oloibiri.
Dr Ogbuku, speaking on behalf of the delegation, expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s commendation of the performance of the NDDC Board and Management.
He said the President’s words of encouragement had further strengthened their resolve to deliver people-centred and impactful development projects across the Niger Delta.
According to him, the visit went beyond appreciation, as it reaffirmed the enduring relationship between Ogbia Kingdom and the Federal Government.
He stressed that the kingdom remains committed to working in unity and collaboration with the Federal Government to advance the aspirations of its people and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The delegation concluded by reiterating its belief that purposeful governance and sustained partnership would accelerate development in Ogbia Kingdom and the wider Niger Delta region.