Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has been described as a detribalized and transformational leader who inspire his aides, invests on human capacity development, empowers the youths and influences deployment of socio-economic development for general wellbeing of the society.
Jeromi-Mario Utomi, Media Aide to the NDDC boss made the commendation Friday in Lagos shortly after his induction as an associate member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR.
Utomi, a journalist and development communication specialist said Ebie’s exhilarating and impactful leadership is exemplary, recalling that as Delta state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education from and later Secretary to the State Government, he brought transformational policies to bear on governance.
According to him, “in serving the state, Nigeria and humanity, Ebie knows neither tribe, tongue nor religion. As an urbane, cerebral and detribalised leader, Nigeria is his constituency.
“He is a leader reputed for inspiring his aides, investing in the youths through various scholarship programmes while attracting democratized socio-economic growth and sustainable infrastructure for the greater good of his people”.
Utomi likened working with Ebie to expanding the frontiers of knowledge “as everything he does or says enriches knowledge”
“Speaking from the point of experience, I can boldly say that finding someone like Mr. Ebie is a rarity. He is an exceptional personality who is not only interested in pro people initiatives but also ensures that his leadership, actions and decisions are guided by the principle of greater good for greater numbers.
“He is always ready and willing to assist anybody that comes across his path. I am a living example of a man that benefitted immensely from such favour from him without knowing him. “He has assisted me and I am, and will forever be grateful to him. I dedicated today to him, I dedicated this induction to him”
Speaking further, Utomi stressed that “those who christened Ebie a reformer and technocrat did not make a mistake”, noting that the same way Ebie inspires his aides with his sterling character, humility and result-oriented disposition is the way he attracts infrastructures and socio-economic development to the Niger Delta region, including the Ika federal constituency where he hails from.
“Ebie is a tireless promoter of peace and sustainable development in the entire Niger Delta region. Working harmoniously with Dr. Sam Ogbuku, the amiable Managing Director of NDDC, he has turned the region around”, Utomi added.
With specialization in advanced writing and reportorial skills, Utomi uses his numerous newspaper columns to discuss topical issues like gas flaring, regional development, political leadership in Nigeria, Leadership and Governance, Youth Empowerment, Environmental Issues, Politics and Policy and often highlights issues affecting the Niger Delta and advocates for the welfare of marginalized communities, such as widows in Delta State, usually spark critical thinking, inspire positive change, and promote social justice in Nigeria.
A former Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy) at Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA) in Lagos and prolific communicator whose opinion and columns appears in well respected national dailies in the country, Utomi is a staunch member of the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. He has attended various conferences, seminars, and workshops on justice development, anti-corruption, human rights, and electoral reforms.
Utomi has received recognition for his work, including an Award of Excellence from St Kizito Catholic Church, Iju, Lagos, for his contributions to human capital development.
He’s also associated with the Delta Unity Group, a political pressure group in Delta State, Nigeria. Utomi has written several opinion pieces on politics, governance, and social issues, particularly focusing on Delta State and the Niger Delta region.