By Jimitota Onoyume

Jerome Mario-Utomi, media aide to the Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC,  Mr. Chiedu Ebie,  in this statement made available to the Vanguard captures eulogies on his boss by various groups in Ika Federal conscience.

The statement reads : ” For Mr. Chiedu Ebie, an illustrious son of Ika nation and Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), it is a harvest of ceaseless eulogies from his Ika kins and other ethnic groups that make up Delta state.

“The numerous infrastructures he has attracted to the state excite the people to no end. Though unassuming, like a good fish, Ebie has no hiding place as his good works have consistently put him on enchanting spotlight.

“Speaking recently at a function in Agbor, the Deputy Governor of  the state, His Excellency, Sir Monday Onyeme praised Mr Ebie for his outstanding performance as Chairman, Governing Board of the NDDC and for his notable contribution toward infrastructural development of Ika nation.

“Said the Deputy Governor: “My brother, the chairman of NDDC, has done a lot. I want to use this opportunity to publicly thank him for the good work he has done in Ika nation, and I want to also say, he should extend it to other nations, like Ndokwa nation. As we are also extending to Ika, let our Ika brothers also extend to us, because all of us are one. This time around, the government is going to be doing better and faster because we now have two tiers working together. If the state does its own, the local government does its own, we will now go to the federal government, and collect our own. Instead of one or two, we will now be having three. No be so? He concluded.

“Deputy Governor’s

acknowledgement of Mr. Ebie’s sterling contributions came a few days after the members of Ika Landlords and Landladies Association expressed gratitude to the NDDC Chairman for using his good offices to ensure that new electricity transformers were delivered to the Ika Federal Constituency. They appreciated Ebie’s efforts in bringing the transformers to the Constituency.

“Speaking on behalf of his members, the Chairman, Ika Landlords and Landladies Association, Comrade Vincent Arimokwu, described Ebie as an answer to their prayers regarding the provision of electricity transformers to the area. He noted that the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has failed to deliver well in her service to electricity consumers in the Constituency despite years of advocacy for improved electricity supply and fair billings.

“I would like to extend a special thank you to our dear son, brother and father, Barr. Chiedu Ebie for all his efforts in advancing development in Ika Nation, particularly, for the recent distribution of electricity transformers to Ika Federal Constituency.

“On behalf of the Ika Landlords and Landladies, as well as all residents of Ika Federal Constituency, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to Chiedu Ebie for his contributions to the growth and development of Ika Land. We pray that God continues to strengthen him to do more,” Arimokwu stated.

“He also shared his personal appreciation for Ebie’s responsiveness to his plea in addressing electricity challenges in Ika Land. “Overall, Ebie is making us proud,” he declared.

” In a related development, Ika born but United State of America resident  Dr.  Henery Onyemarin,  Physician , a fortnight ago during a heartwarming online interview with Nma Ewere of EOB Media, shared a deeply personal testimony about how Barr. Ebie changed the course of his life—without ever meeting him in person, noting that when the name, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, comes up in conversations across Ika land, one thing rings true—impact.

“According to him, whether you’re talking about the sudden glow of streetlights that now dot many rural streets or the silent but strategic support he renders behind the scenes, one cannot ignore the presence of a man whose public service records continue to touch lives.

“Yes, I’ve never met him physically,” Dr. Onyemarin began, “but we’ve spoken on the phone. That conversation was a turning point in my life.”

“Dr. Onyemarin explained that during their chat, he opened up to Barr. Ebie about the struggles he and his wife—both qualified medical doctors—were facing in trying to secure jobs in Nigeria before relocating abroad. “Honestly, I just poured out my frustration to him. I wasn’t even expecting much. But Barr. Ebie didn’t just listen; he acted—swiftly and selflessly,” he said.

“According to him, Barr. Ebie used his network to secure employment for both him and his wife at a government hospital—an intervention that gave them both the professional leap  they needed before his eventual move overseas.

“Dr. Onyemarin went on to commend the former Secretary to the Delta State Government and now Chairman of the NDDC for his visible, indelible footprints in Ika land.

“Just take a drive through our communities. The streetlight projects alone have changed the narrative—markets are open later, businesses are booming, and security has improved,” he said.

“He also highlighted road construction and maintenance efforts, as well as human capital development initiatives that are subtly reshaping the socio-economic fabric of Ika communities.

“Dr. Onyemarin didn’t mince words when he called on the Ika people to show greater political support to Barr. Ebie.

“If he can do all these with so little fanfare, imagine what he would do with more support. I sincerely believe that Barr. Chiedu Ebie is a blessing to the Ika nation and Nigeria at large. Let’s not take that for granted.”

“For many who may only know Barr. Ebie as a politician or technocrat, stories like these reveal another side of the man—one committed not just to policies, but to people. And in a nation where public service is often marked by self-interest, this story is a refreshing reminder that some still serve with heart” He stated.

“Recall that the Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor,  Professor Stella Chinyere Chiemeke, some months ago, alongside other principal staff of the University, expressed delight for the NDDC’s contribution towards quality education delivery in a conducive environment. Professor Chiemeke specifically thanked Ebie for his good works.

“I have acknowledged your huge intervention projects through the NDDC in my speech delivered on the just concluded 4th Founder’s Day of the institution. We will continue to thank you, and as Oliver Twist asks for more.

“For now, you have done enough for the Faculty of Law. I will appeal that you come to our aid in other areas such as providing the institution with buses. We are proud of you and your outstanding leadership quality at the NDDC. This is a testament to your track records”, the V.C. noted.

“Some of these infrastructures attracted include but not limited to: an ambulance well equipped with modern medical/health facilities to the Central Hospital Agbor, the ICT centre at the Faculty of Law, University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, with modern computers and state of the art infotech equipment;  the inspection of construction project at the first phase of the failed portion of Umunede/Umutu Road by Pan Ocean Flow station, at Owa-Alidinma, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

“Others include the donation of over 5000 Solar powered street lights and most recently, donation of 16 transformers to the Federal Constituency, giving a boost to  their hope of enjoying stable electricity. Institution of a yearly award for the best graduating medical student at the University of Delta, Agbor. According to him, the award by the family which would be reviewed after five years, is in honour of his father, the pioneer Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching hospitals (UBTH), late Professor John Ebie.”