The Unsung Hero of the Niger Delta: How Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua is Poised to Transform Nigeria’s Future
In a nation working through security challenges, economic adjustments, and ongoing conversations around equitable regional development, Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua (FNSE, PMP) has emerged as a figure many observers regard as a strong reservoir of capacity and experience.
With professional roots in Delta State and a record of service at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the accomplished electrical engineer has consistently demonstrated a measured commitment to institutional growth, cohesion, and sustainable empowerment initiatives.
As Nigeria navigates tough reforms and persistent challenges, voices like his—rooted in expertise and a deep love for the Niger Delta—remind us that real change is possible when competence meets compassion.
A Brief But Impactful Dawn at NDDC: Pledging a New Era.
Imagine stepping into one of Nigeria’s most critical intervention agencies amid high expectations and lingering skepticism.
That’s exactly what Engr. Audu-Ohwavborua did in October 2022 when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as Acting Managing Director/CEO of the NDDC.
In his first address to staff, he didn’t mince words: “I am here to change the story of the Niger Delta for the better.” He pledged transparency, righteousness, and a focus on “doing things right,” emphasizing the Commission’s vast professional talent—from engineers to PhD holders—and the need for collective will to deliver on its mandate.
Though his tenure was interim, it signaled a fresh approach: listening to stakeholders, advancing abandoned projects, and prioritizing sustainable development in the oil-rich but long-neglected region.
His leadership echoed his personal mantra—drawn from faith and experience—that true progress comes from integrity and hard work.Over 30 Years of Excellence: From Power Plants to Public Service. Engr. Dr. Audu-Ohwavborua’s journey is a masterclass in dedication. With more than three decades in electrical engineering, project management, and power plant operations, he’s worked across private and public sectors:
- Private Sector Highlights: Roles at Dresser Kellogg Energy Services, Granherne Limited (UK), and Bonny Allied Industries honed his global expertise.
- Public Sector Impact: Stints at NEPA (now PHCN), NNPC’s NETCO, and various directorships at NDDC, including Director of the Delta State Office.
He’s a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), and holder of advanced certifications from Harvard Law School, Cambridge Judge Business School, and London Graduate School.
His Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) specializes in Project Management.As an entrepreneur, he’s Chairman of Emmppek Farms Limited, driving agricultural innovation and food security—key to economic diversification in the Niger Delta.And let’s not forget his intellectual contributions:
In 2020, he authored Real Enemies of the Niger Delta, a bold book dissecting historical, socio-political, and economic challenges while prescribing transformative solutions through agencies like the NDDC.
At a time when the country is managing evolving security concerns alongside economic reforms and broader discussions on inclusive regional development, Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua (FNSE, PMP) stands out to many as a figure of notable depth and competence.
Drawing from his professional roots in Delta State and his experience at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the seasoned electrical engineer has shown a consistent focus on practical solutions, institutional stability, and people-oriented development.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.