Residential accommodation to the military has been boosted in Bayelsa State as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has handed over official residential accommodation and supporting facilities built for the 16-Brigade, Nigerian Army. The facility is at its base in Ayama-Ogbia, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Samuel Ogbuku, NDDC Managing Director, said as an interventionist agency, the Commission was always prepared to support security agencies because there would be no development without peace.
Ogbuku, who was represented by Godknows Alameieyeseigha, the NDDC Director, Bayelsa State Office, assured that the partnership between the Commission and the Nigerian Army would continue, expressing optimism that the military authorities would maintain, own and make good use of the facilities.
The NDDC boss explained that the base consisted of a two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, four one-bedroom bungalows, and a ten-unit self-contained bungalow. He noted that it also included a generator house, a 100 KVA power-generating set, and a borehole.
Responding, H.M Mohammed, a Major, who is the Acting Garrison Commander, 16- Brigade, appreciated the NDDC for all its support to the Nigerian Army, especially 16- Brigade, and expressed delight at the Base project. He assured the NDDC that the Army would make good use of the facilities.
He lauded the current board and management of the NDDC for assisting security agencies operating in the Niger Delta region with critical infrastructure to boost their operations.
Meanwhile, the NDDC says it is ready to support vulnerable groups. It has also applauded Miss World Nigeria 2026 winner, Tamunosoye Karibi George.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable development in the Niger Delta region through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives to support vulnerable groups across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the reigning Miss World Nigeria 2026, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku stated that the Commission believed in partnerships with governments, non-governmental organisations, and development-focused stakeholders.
He disclosed that the NDDC would explore avenues for collaboration with the beauty queen’s non-governmental organisation to support programmes that target the less privileged in Niger Delta communities.
Ogbuku assured Miss Karibi of the Commission’s support in actualising her vision of reaching out to vulnerable members of society, noting that such initiatives align with the core mandate of the NDDC.
The MD further described Miss World Nigeria as a role model whose achievements would inspire younger generations. He recalled that the Niger Delta had previously produced a global beauty icon, Agbani Darego, who made history as the first Black African woman to win the Miss World crown.
Congratulating the beauty queen on her emergence, Ogbuku stated that the Commission was proud of her accomplishment and would be delighted to support initiatives that promote social inclusion and uplift vulnerable communities.
He highlighted several intervention programmes undertaken by the NDDC across the Niger Delta, including free medical outreaches, educational support programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition training, and community development projects.
The reigning Miss World Nigeria 2026 expressed gratitude to the NDDC for its support and confidence in her ability to represent the Niger Delta on the national stage.
The beauty queen outlined her advocacy project, “Beyond Label,” which focuses on promoting education, awareness, and inclusion, and on challenging societal stereotypes about children living with disabilities and special needs.
She described such children as “diamond labels,” emphasising that, despite being underserved in society, they possess immense potential and can excel with opportunities and support.
“We want society to see ability before disability and possibility before limitation. These children are capable of achieving remarkable things if given the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
Karibi explained that her passion for children with special needs was inspired by her experiences at a school that catered to them. She recalled witnessing their transformation from complete dependence on caregivers to greater independence through education, mentorship, and dedicated support from teachers.
Also speaking, Karibi George, the beauty queen’s father, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for its encouragement and support.
He described his daughter’s victory as the product of hard work, determination, and commitment to service, noting that her advocacy project embodies the Miss World philosophy of “Beauty with a Purpose.”
George stated that the “Beyond Label” initiative would serve as a platform to raise awareness and champion the cause of vulnerable and underserved children, while inspiring greater inclusion and acceptance within society.
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