CHIEDU EBIE: A Technocrat Takes On The NDDC - By Dr. ‘Tonye Timi

 

Upon the announcement of Mr. Chiedu Ebie's appointment as the new Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), there was a sense of celebration at the Owa-Alidinma oil flow station, close to his hometown of Agbor-Alidinma. Workers and engineers from Pan-Ocean Oil Company, along with those from Obi Anyima and Ekuku-Agbor oil wells, gathered to welcome him back to the petroleum industry.

As an experienced technocrat and a player in the oil sector, with his community boasting oil-yielding wells and crude gathering stations, Chiedu Ebie's appointment brings new expectations. The entire Niger Delta region, spanning nine states and currently a hub for crude oil production in Nigeria, looks to him and the NDDC to address infrastructure and human capital deficits.

Chiedu Ebie, born into a family of accomplished individuals, including his father, Professor John C. Ebie, and uncle, Sir Fortune Ebie, has consistently upheld the legacy of excellence. His public service journey in Delta State began as the Commissioner for Education (Basic & Secondary), where he excelled and earned praise from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Recognizing his diligence, Okowa promoted him to the position of Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) during his second term.

Ebie's tenure as SSG left a lasting mark on Delta State, marked by his organizational skills and calm leadership, even as Governor Okowa ventured into national politics. Despite his sudden removal from the SSG role, Ebie channeled his energy into forming the Delta Unity Group (DUG) to collaborate with the APC in the recent elections, leading to a resurgence in the party's fortunes.

Chiedu Ebie's role at the NDDC will be complemented by Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, a distinguished public servant. Igbuya's experience as a Local Government Chairman, Member of the Delta State House of Assembly (where he served as Speaker), and Chairman of the House Committee on DESOPADEC positions him well for this significant task.

These appointments signify a commitment to excellence and efficiency, rejecting cronyism and mediocrity in government offices. It is expected that Chiedu Ebie and Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya will bring their dedication and expertise to advance the infrastructure development of Nigeria's oil producing States.