It was a day of double celebration as Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), marked his 50th birthday alongside the public presentation of his two new books. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, conveyed the President’s warm greetings and commended Ogbuku’s remarkable contributions to the Niger Delta and national development.

In his remarks, Edun described 50 as “an age of reflection,” praising Ogbuku’s resilience, commitment, and vision in public service. He emphasized Ogbuku’s pivotal role in repositioning the NDDC to meet the hopes of millions in the region. The ceremony also saw the unveiling of Ogbuku’s books — “Rethinking the Niger Delta: Writings and Reflections of Samuel Ogbuku” and “Strategies and Imperatives for Developing the Niger Delta” — works he described as tools to inspire deeper thought and provide practical pathways for policymakers, leaders, and communities.

Highlighting the importance of the publications, the Minister noted that true progress in the Niger Delta requires both vision and execution, stressing that the region remains the economic heartbeat of Nigeria. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring peace, prosperity, and growth, while congratulating Dr. Ogbuku on his golden jubilee and urging him to continue transforming the NDDC into an institution of lasting impact.