Ukorebi Esien | July 28, 2026
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D, has stressed the need for visionary and adaptive leadership to address the evolving development challenges facing the Niger Delta, declaring that the region has reached a defining moment in its growth.
Speaking in a phone conversation with our reporter, ahead of a three-day Executive Programme in Strategic Leadership and Governance at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University of East London, Duke said the changing economic, technological and governance landscape demands leaders who are equipped with contemporary knowledge, strategic thinking and innovative solutions.
"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," he said.
According to him, the executive programme provides a unique opportunity for the Commission's leadership to learn from global best practices, exchange ideas with internationally recognised experts and acquire practical tools that will enhance effective governance and sustainable development across the region.
Duke noted that modern governance requires more than policy formulation, stressing that transparency, accountability, strategic planning, prudent risk management and evidence-based decision-making are essential to building stronger institutions capable of delivering meaningful development outcomes.
He expressed confidence that the knowledge and experience gained from the programme would strengthen the Board's collective capacity to provide strategic oversight, formulate progressive policies and support the Commission's mandate of driving infrastructure development, economic growth and improved livelihoods across the Niger Delta.
The Cross River representative is participating in the executive programme alongside the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Chiedu Ebie, Esq., and other Board members, senior management officials and governance experts from across Nigeria. The intensive training is designed to enhance leadership capacity, institutional governance and strategic decision-making in line with emerging global standards for public sector organisations.
Hosted by the prestigious Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University of East London, the programme features sessions on board governance, risk management, executive decision intelligence in the digital age, inclusive leadership and global trends shaping public sector institutions.
Duke maintained that continuous investment in leadership development is critical to strengthening public institutions and ensuring they remain responsive to the aspirations of the people.
He added that by embracing global best practices and strengthening institutional capacity, the NDDC is better positioned to deliver transformational projects and accelerate sustainable development for millions of people across the Niger Delta region.
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