The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has called on residents of Ondo State to take ownership of projects sited in their communities and protect them from vandalism and theft.
The commission lamented that several completed projects across the state have either been stolen or destroyed by unscrupulous individuals within host communities, undermining development efforts in the Niger Delta region.
The Executive Director, Corporate Services of the NDDC, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, made the appeal during a one-day capacity-building engagement programme for stakeholders held in Okitipupa town, Okitipupa Local Government Area, on Wednesday.
Abegunde, who was represented by the Ondo State Director of the commission, Mr Kunle Karaki, said acts of vandalism, theft, neglect and destruction of public assets continue to slow progress in critical sectors such as electricity, roads and other basic amenities meant to improve the well-being of the people.
“Regrettably, we have observed instances where vandalism, theft, neglect and insufficient community engagement have compromised valuable assets intended to improve collective well-being,” he said. “Such setbacks not only delay progress but also diminish the returns on resources committed for the benefit of our people.”
He stressed that NDDC projects should not be seen as distant government property but as community-owned assets that require collective responsibility.
“Any NDDC project that is commissioned, everybody believes that the project is a government project. Who is the government? You are the owners and the government in that community. You are the eyes of NDDC in that community,” he stated.
Abegunde expressed concern over what he described as brazen acts of vandalism carried out in broad daylight, sometimes with community members as passive observers.
“We have recorded a lot of incidents where our projects have been vandalised in broad daylight by members of the community,” he said.
Citing specific examples, he referred to projects at Ilaje High School in Igbokoda, where he said three NDDC projects were allegedly destroyed in the afternoon while people watched.
“Look at the one in Ilaje High School, Igbokoda. Three projects were brought down in the afternoon, and everyone was watching. It has been recorded, and the money has been credited to those projects, whether you like it or not, and you are part of it,” he added.
He also recalled instances in some communities where solar power systems installed by the commission were completely removed.
The NDDC official urged traditional rulers, youth leaders, community development associations and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in safeguarding public infrastructure, warning that continued destruction of projects would hinder further development interventions in the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
