The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, has joined other members of the Commission’s board in London, United Kingdom, for a three-day executive programme on strategic leadership and governance NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The training, being held at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University of East London, is designed to strengthen leadership capacity, institutional governance and strategic decision-making among senior public sector officials.
The NDDC delegation is led by the Chairman of the Commission, Chiedu Ebie, and comprises board members representing the nine Niger Delta states, federal ministries and other stakeholder institutions.
Speaking during the opening session, the Vice Provost (Business) and Executive Dean of the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Prof. Fatima Annan-Diab, described the programme as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation and collaborative learning.
She said the University of East London was committed to developing leaders capable of driving positive change through responsible leadership, strategic thinking and practical solutions to contemporary governance challenges.
According to her, participants will be exposed to emerging issues in strategic and sustainable leadership, governance, risk management, institutional development and the evolving challenges confronting public institutions globally.
The programme features sessions on board governance, risk management and leadership in public institutions, global trends shaping public sector leadership, executive decision intelligence in the digital age and inclusive leadership for effective governance.
Commenting on the significance of the programme, Orok Otu Duke described the training as timely, saying public institutions must continually equip their leaders with contemporary knowledge and innovative governance approaches.
He said, “The Niger Delta is at a critical stage of its development journey, and institutions like the NDDC must continually strengthen their capacity to respond effectively to the expectations of the people.
“This executive programme provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from global best practices, exchange ideas with leading experts and refine the leadership skills required to deliver sustainable development across the region.”
The Cross River representative stressed that effective governance extends beyond policy formulation and requires transparency, accountability, strategic planning, prudent risk management and informed decision-making.
According to him, the knowledge acquired during the programme will enhance the board’s capacity to provide effective oversight, formulate progressive policies and support the Commission’s mandate of delivering sustainable infrastructure, economic growth and social development across the Niger Delta.
Other members of the delegation include Chief Dimgba Eruba, Apostle Abasiandikan R. Nkono, Senator Dimaro Deyanbofa, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, Hon. Patrick Aisowieren, Dr. Chidiebere Kyrian Uchegbu, Hon. Otito Thompson Atikase, Chief Tony Okocha, Hon. Nick Wende, Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir, Mrs. Felicitas Okonkwo, Engr. Mrs. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Dr. Igo Weli and the Board Secretary, Victor Arenyeka.
The executive programme is expected to strengthen the Commission’s institutional capacity by exposing board members to global best practices in leadership, governance and strategic decision-making, with the aim of improving oversight and enhancing the delivery of development projects across the Niger Delta.
