By Jimitota Onoyume

Groups and political leaders in the Ika area of Delta State have lauded Barrister Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for his significant contributions to the development of the region.

In a statement issued to newsmen, Mr. Jerome Mario-Utomi, media aide to the NDDC Chairman, highlighted the widespread commendations from various community groups and prominent political figures.

According to Mario-Utomi: “This piece, originally written shortly after Barrister Chiedu Ebie’s appointment in November 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the NDDC, was inspired by the massive outpouring of love, praise, and support from his kinsmen in Ika. It reflects the admiration of a people for a man they deeply revere.”

He noted that nearly a year since his appointment, the admiration for Ebie has not waned:

“Charismatic, selfless, unassuming, and people-centered, Ebie continues to be genuinely loved by the Ika nation. Beyond attracting unprecedented development projects to the area, he has become a strong political voice for his people through the Delta Unity Group (DUG), a progressive socio-political movement he convened, which aims to reshape the political landscape of Delta State.”

Mario-Utomi emphasized that DUG’s vision of a more progressive, visible, and developed Ika has deeply resonated with the people:

“The message has penetrated hearts and minds. The Ika nation continues to honour Ebie, unapologetically. He is arguably the exception to the biblical saying that ‘a prophet is not without honour except in his own town’—Ebie is both prophet and honoured son in his homeland.”

The statement went on to recall the enduring warmth and support Ebie received following his appointment, with numerous congratulatory visits and messages from Ika-based groups.

One particularly notable example was a visit from the Agbor Community Union (ACU)—the umbrella body of the Agbor people—alongside palace chiefs and other community leaders. During the visit to Ebie’s residence in Agbor, they presented a formal congratulatory message, which read in part:

“We, the Executive Members of Agbor Community Union, along with representatives of the Dein’s Palace and Ndi-Agbor, are here to congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment as Chairman of the NDDC. Your appointment did not come as a surprise to us, given your vast experience in public service—as a former Commissioner and Secretary to the Delta State Government.”

“We have followed your journey from your time in the Delta State Government and have consistently found you to be reliable, industrious, intelligent, and wise. Your future in Nigerian politics is undoubtedly promising.”

The ACU also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for finding Ebie worthy of the role, and to former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, for the role he played in facilitating Ebie’s appointment.

Mario-Utomi concluded by asserting: “Ebie’s capacity and readiness to lead Ika Federal Constituency out of political and socioeconomic obscurity is crystal clear. Just as he has elevated the NDDC, he is poised to take Ika to even greater heights.”