The people of Ogbia Kingdom have recorded a historic and memorable milestone with their recent high-level courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.
The visit, led by the revered monarch of Ogbia Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Charles Owaba, stands as a defining moment in the political and developmental engagement between the Ogbia people and the Federal Government.
The distinguished delegation comprised 16 notable sons and daughters of Ogbia Kingdom, representing the collective voice, aspirations, and gratitude of the kingdom.
The visit was primarily to thank Mr President for the strategic appointment of indigenes of Ogbia into key national positions, most notably the appointment of Dr Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside other prominent appointees including Hon. Justice Adume, Hon. Tonye Okio, and Barrister Obiene.
During the visit, Dr Samuel Ogbuku formally introduced members of the Ogbia delegation to President Tinubu, reinforcing the strong bond between the presidency and the people of Ogbia Kingdom.
An official address was thereafter presented to Mr President, in which the delegation expressed profound appreciation for the confidence reposed in their sons and daughters to serve the nation.
Special commendation was reserved for the appointment of Dr Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director of the NDDC. The Ogbia people applauded his impressive performance, visionary leadership, and the renewed sense of purpose his administration has brought to the Niger Delta region.
They described his stewardship as impactful, result-oriented, and reflective of the President’s commitment to effective governance and regional development.
Beyond expressions of gratitude, the delegation also tabled key developmental requests before Mr President, reflecting the genuine needs and long-standing aspirations of the Ogbia people. These include:
- The construction of the Akaba–Okodi Road, critical to connectivity and economic growth.
- The siting of a petroleum-related institute in Ogbia Kingdom, particularly in Oloibiri, the historic community where crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria.
- The construction of strategic bridges to enhance mobility and development.
- The provision of shoreline protection for communities severely affected by erosion.
In a strong political statement of confidence and loyalty, the delegation concluded by openly calling on President Tinubu to seek re-election in 2027, assuring him of the total and unwavering support of the Ogbia people.
Responding, President Tinubu warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed sincere appreciation for the visit and the goodwill extended to his administration.
He addressed the concerns raised, assuring the delegation that their requests would receive due consideration.
The President also highly commended Dr Samuel Ogbuku for his exceptional performance at the NDDC, describing his work in the Niger Delta as commendable and impactful.
Mr President further emphasized that with Dr Ogbuku serving as a dependable son of the Niger Delta within his administration, the aspirations of the Ogbia people are achievable through collaboration and collective commitment.
This outing stands as a huge political and symbolic victory for Ogbia Kingdom.
It is a moment that will be etched in the collective memory of the people for a lifetime—an encounter that reinforces recognition, inclusion, and relevance at the highest level of national leadership.
Politically, the visit represents strategic engagement, effective political marketing, and a clear demonstration of Ogbia Kingdom’s alignment with progressive leadership and national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
