The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially broken ground on the ambitious Kolo Creek channelization initiative, a vital infrastructure project designed to transform the lives of residents in 17 communities spanning the border of Bayelsa and Rivers states. The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Okarki Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, marks a significant step toward addressing longstanding environmental and economic challenges in the Niger Delta region.
Project Overview and Objectives
The Kolo Creek channelization project aims to clear blockages in the creek, which has long hindered water flow and exacerbated flooding in the affected areas. By dredging and widening the waterway—stretching from Okarki-Otuogidi in Rivers State to Ogbia communities in Bayelsa State—the initiative will:
- Mitigate Flooding Risks: Reduce perennial flooding that threatens homes, farmlands, and key infrastructure, including the Ahoada axis of the East-West Road.
- Enhance Navigation and Trade: Improve access for local fishermen and traders, boosting commercial activities along the creek and supporting livelihoods in fishing-dependent communities.
- Promote Public Health and Biodiversity: Enhance aquatic life, reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases like cholera, and foster sustainable environmental management.
NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who led the ceremony, emphasized the project’s urgency and long-term benefits. “This intervention responds to passionate appeals from community leaders to prevent potential havoc from unchecked blockages,” Ogbuku stated. He assured stakeholders that despite the high costs, the NDDC is committed to timely completion, targeting the second quarter of 2026. “We have started the project, and we will complete it on schedule—the benefits for our people far outweigh the expense.”
The Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, hailed the effort as a flagship achievement under the current NDDC board, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “This project exemplifies how targeted interventions can drive rapid, sustainable development in the Niger Delta,” Antai noted.
Community Reception and Cultural Milestone
Local leaders expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, viewing it as a beacon of hope for sustainable growth. King Elijah Harry Aduan, the Traditional Ruler of Okarki Kingdom, praised the NDDC for its proactive stance. “We are delighted as a people and have come together to celebrate this decision, which will pave the way for free-flowing water and boosted economic activities,” the monarch declared. In a symbolic gesture of gratitude, King Aduan conferred a chieftaincy title on Dr. Ogbuku, dubbing him “Itonji Oka-Akie I (Light of the People) of Okarki Kingdom.”
Representatives from the Paramount Ruler of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Waba, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the project’s potential to uplift interconnected communities like Nembe, Brass, and Akassa. Community needs assessments conducted prior to the launch ensured the project aligns with grassroots priorities, fostering buy-in from residents.
Broader Context and NDDC’s Commitment
This project is part of NDDC’s wider strategy to combat climate vulnerabilities in the oil-rich Niger Delta, where flooding and waterway degradation have displaced thousands annually. It complements ongoing efforts, such as the construction of six multi-purpose emergency shelters across Bayelsa (Otuokpoti and Odi), Delta (Patani and Ozoro), and Rivers states. These facilities will include schools, hospitals, cafeterias, police posts, and recreation centers to support flood-affected populations.
Dr. Ogbuku reiterated the Commission’s focus on service delivery and collaboration, urging Niger Deltans to prioritize partnerships over criticism. Recent stakeholder engagements, including with Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, underscore this collaborative spirit.
As work commences, the NDDC has called for community cooperation to ensure smooth implementation. For more details on NDDC initiatives, visit www.nddc.gov.ng.
