An ultra-modern lodge
built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for members of the National Youth Service Corps NYSC, in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has been completed and would be commissioned next month.
This was announced by the Managing Director of the commission, Sir Bassey Dan-Abia, recently after inspecting the 44-chalet complex, accompanied by the Executive Director, Projects, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli and the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Dr. Henry Ogiri.
The executive management of the NDDC was shown round the new corps member’s lodge by the Director, Bayelsa State office of the commission, Dr. Princewill Ekanem, who explained that the facility was customized to meet the needs of the youth corps members.
He said that the complex, which would accommodate, at least 88 NYSC members, was fully fitted with air-conditioners, water heaters and other conveniences. In addition, he said, the chalets were complemented with one large conference room and an Information Communication Center (ICT).
Barr. Dan-Abia expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done in the building, noting that it exemplified the high standards which the new NDDC board stood for.
According to him, this focus of quality projects was part of the commission’s contributions to the transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
“We want to make a remarkable difference in the lives of the youth corps members. The old NYSC lodge has only 18 rooms, now we are giving them a 44-chalet complex,” the MD said.
A representative of the NYSC members in Otuoke,Mr.Hamat Oladeji, thanked the NDDC for building the new lodge for the comfort of the young men undertaking their one year national service, and appealed to the NDDC to open the new lodge as soon as possible as the 91 corps members serving in Otuoke were not adequately accommodated in the old lodge.
The NDDC top management also inspected the 15-kilometer internal roads network being constructed by the commission at the Federal University, Otuoke.
Speaking at the sandfilled portion of the road, the NDDC boss stressed that the project was very important to the commission, as it would provide access to the permanent site of the university and link various departments for the benefit of staff and students.
Barr. Dan-Abia charged the contractorhandling the project to approach the job with all seriousness as the NDDC considered it very critical to the growth of the new federal university. He said that, in spite of the swampy terrain and its attendant challenges, the contractor would be given all the necessary support to deliver the project on schedule.
