Three prominent Niger Delta advocacy groups have accused the Special Assistant on Youth to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Matthew Asime Dango, of deliberate neglect and failure to implement directives from his principal, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
At a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Monday, 9th June, 2025, the Orashi National Congress (ONC), the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, and the Sustainable Development & Peace Initiative of Indigenous Contractors (Niger Delta) voiced their deep frustration over what they described as systematic exclusion from youth empowerment and development programmes initiated by the NDDC under Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe, President General of the ONC and Chairman of the Indigenous Contractors’ Initiative, criticized Mr. Dango for what he termed “open disregard for inclusion and grassroots engagement,” despite clear instructions from the NDDC Managing Director to involve indigenous youth and development-focused organizations in the region.
“It is unacceptable that after all our support and belief in the current NDDC administration, a key appointee like the SA on Youth would deliberately shut out groups that have been instrumental in promoting peace and development across the Niger Delta,” Amb. Ibe stated. “This act of neglect and insensitivity contradicts the inclusive vision of Dr. Ogbuku, who we know to be a man of integrity and fairness.”
The coalition accused Mr. Dango of being “sentimental and biased” in his dealings, asserting that such behavior is unbecoming of someone holding a sensitive office. They urged the NDDC Managing Director to take immediate disciplinary action against appointees who refuse to carry out his directives, warning that their continued presence could undermine the credibility of the Commission’s programmes.
“We are not against the MD Dr. SamuelOgbuku; we stand with him. But those he has empowered to implement his vision must not sabotage it,” Amb. Ibe continued. “We therefore appeal to Dr. Ogbuku to authorize the appointment of another Special Assistant who will genuinely engage youth organizations and grassroots stakeholders in line with his development agenda.”
The groups also reiterated their commitment to peace and progress in the region but warned that continued exclusion of credible youth and contractor organizations could breed discontent and hinder the effectiveness of the NDDC’s outreach programmes.
As calls for accountability grow louder, all eyes are now on the NDDC leadership to respond to the concerns raised and ensure that the Commission’s youth engagement strategies truly reflect the needs and voices of the region it was created to serve.