NDDC Urges Edo Communities to Safeguard Development Projects

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), through its Director, Merci Babawal, emphasized the importance of community ownership and protection of development projects during a workshop held in Edo State. The workshop, themed around capacity building for stakeholders across the Niger Delta region, aimed to create awareness and encourage community interaction regarding ongoing projects.

Babawal highlighted that the NDDC's core mandate is to ensure the development of the Niger Delta region and stressed that communities must actively protect project sites to prevent vandalism. She noted that many community members perceive government projects as not belonging to them, which leads to a lack of care and protection.

Babawal encouraged stakeholders to ask questions if they suspect any foul play regarding project execution. She also mentioned that the NDDC does not execute projects without assessing community needs and preparing budgets accordingly.

The workshop aimed to engage stakeholders to reduce damage to completed projects and promote community responsibility.