President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has praised the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for what he described as a remarkable transformation of the Commission and the Niger Delta region, assuring that his legacies as MD will endure long after his tenure.

Akpabio gave the commendation on Tuesday at the 50th birthday celebration of Dr. Ogbuku and the public presentation of two of his books, Rethinking the Niger Delta and Strategies and Imperatives for Developing the Niger Delta, in Abuja.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio noted that the Niger Delta, once synonymous with abandoned projects and contract scams, has witnessed a refreshing change under Ogbuku’s leadership.

According to him, “The Managing Director has done a very difficult job well. It is not easy to manage the Niger Delta. It is not easy to manage the NDDC,” Akpabio said.

“NDDC was once notorious for shoddy jobs and fictitious contracts. But in two years, Dr. Ogbuku has turned around the fortunes of the region. For us, today is not just about celebrating his golden jubilee, but celebrating God’s goodness to the Niger Delta through his leadership.”

The Senate President recalled his experience as Governor of Akwa Ibom, when he had to take over a road project abandoned by the NDDC for 11 years, transforming it into a dual carriageway with four bridges. That era of inefficiency, he said, was now being corrected with Ogbuku’s focus and impactful management.

Akpabio also commended the current NDDC Board, describing it as “the most peaceful and collaborative so far,” and assured the MD of the National Assembly’s support.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, described Ogbuku’s 50th birthday as “a celebration of a life of service, scholarship, and achievement.”

In his emotional response, Dr. Ogbuku recounted his humble beginnings, rising from a challenging childhood through student leadership, political appointments, and ultimately his current role at the NDDC.

He expressed gratitude to God, his family, and all who have contributed to his journey.

The event climaxed with the unveiling of his two books, which underscore his vision for sustainable development in the Niger Delta.