…As Chiefs, Elders Hail His Leadership Qualities
From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Hon. Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the vision of the founding fathers of the Basin Authority. He stressed that the agency under his leadership is determined to stimulate local economies within communities across its catchment areas.
Prince Amgbare made this known on Monday when he received a delegation of the South-South Chiefs, Elders and Opinion Leaders Association (SSCEOLA) at the NDBDA headquarters in Port Harcourt. He explained that the vision of the agency’s pioneers was to use its activities to create wealth and generate sustainable livelihoods within rural communities.
“The founding fathers, when they set up this agency, wanted it to stimulate the local economy and create wealth within the communities. There is no need for you to leave Agbere to Port Harcourt or Yenagoa for survival. With the right techniques and exposure, you can thrive in your own farm at home. That is what we are trying to revive—making communities vibrant again,” Amgbare stated.
The MD/CEO outlined several new policies aimed at repositioning the Authority. He noted the introduction of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which will allow professionals to manage the agency’s farms for better productivity, while encouraging oil and gas investors to diversify into agriculture.
According to him, some agricultural investors already in partnership with the Authority have begun to record tangible results. He revealed that a number of them were sponsored to Songhai Farms in Benin Republic to understudy its integrated farming system. This exposure, he said, has yielded the establishment of a cattle ranch at Sama Farms, alongside large-scale poultry production.
“Instead of waiting for supplies from Delta State, the local egg seller can now pick crates directly from Sama Farms, take them into town, and make quick profits. That is how the local economy will bounce back,” he added.
High Chief (Dr.) Omubo A. Harry, National Chairman of SSCEOLA, attested to the MD’s claims, confirming that the ranch at Sama Farms is already operational.
“I am a witness to it. If you go there now, you will be surprised. By the grace of God, in the next two months, things will start to happen,” he said.
Similarly, the association’s spokesperson, High Chief (Prof.) Stephen Timi Kalama, paid glowing tributes to Prince Amgbare, describing his leadership as exemplary.
“We appreciate your contributions to development in the Niger Delta. Your leadership is distinguished, and we are ready to partner with you to drive the vision and mission of the NDBDA,” Kalama assured.
Prince Amgbare further emphasized that the Authority is committed to reaching all communities within its operational states—Bayelsa, Rivers, and 18 local government areas in Delta—through agricultural initiatives that will empower people and strengthen rural economies.
