NDDC to name headquarters building after late OMPADEC chair Horsfall

The Niger Delta Development Commission will name an ancillary building at its headquarters after Chief Albert Horsfall, the late pioneer chairman of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, in recognition of his contribution to the Niger Delta. The announcement was made by NDDC Governing Board Chairman Chiedu Ebie during the signing of a condolence register for Horsfall at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt. The event took place on Friday, according to a statement by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

Ebie described Horsfall as a patriotic Nigerian whose work had contributed to the development of the region and promoted national unity. He also said five panels that investigated Horsfall’s activities after OMPADEC was dissolved had cleared him of corruption allegations. Ebie directed that the NDDC’s flags at its headquarters, offices in the nine Niger Delta states and its Abuja liaison office be flown at half-mast in honour of Horsfall.

He said Horsfall’s contributions to the region and Nigeria would continue to be remembered. NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku said the decision formed part of the administration’s effort to recognise people who had contributed to the commission’s growth. He said the organisation had adopted a practice of bringing together former officials who had served it, whether living or deceased.

Ogbuku said infrastructure and services benefiting residents of the Niger Delta, including roads, street lights, schools and hospitals, represented contributions made to the region’s development. He also said the NDDC would soon begin a tree-planting initiative to immortalise former officials who contributed to the commission. Former NDDC Managing Director Timi Alaibe praised the leadership for bringing together former managing directors and retired OMPADEC directors to honour Horsfall.

He described the deceased as passionate about the Niger Delta and the NDDC headquarters. Horsfall’s son, Sekropribo, thanked the NDDC for recognising his father’s work. He said the family was pleased that Horsfall’s legacy was being acknowledged alongside development projects being carried out by the commission across the nine Niger Delta states.