Utomi lauds Ebie as inspirational leader upon joining NIPR

Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),Chiedu Ebie, has been described as a detribalized and transformational leader who inspires his aides, invests in human capacity development, empowers youths, and drives socio-economic development for the general well-being of society.

Jeromi-Mario Utomi, Media Aide to the NDDC boss, made the commendation on 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 and later Secretary to the State Government, he introduced transformational policies that positively shaped governance.

According to him, “In serving the state, Nigeria, and humanity, Ebie knows neither tribe, tongue, nor religion. As an urbane, cerebral, and detribalized leader, Nigeria is his constituency.

“He is a leader renowned for inspiring his aides, investing in youths through various scholarship programmes, and promoting 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, noting that “everything he does or says enriches knowledge.”

“Speaking from experience, I can boldly say that finding someone like Mr. Ebie is a rarity. He is an exceptional personality who is not only committed to pro-people initiatives but also ensures that his leadership, actions, and decisions are guided by the principle of the greater good for the greater number.

“He is always ready and willing to assist anyone who crosses his path. I am a living example of someone who has benefited immensely from his generosity without personally knowing him. He has assisted me, and I will forever be grateful. I dedicate today—and 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 results-oriented disposition is how he attracts infrastructure and socio-economic development to the Niger Delta region, including his home constituency, Ika Federal Constituency.

“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 transformed the region,” Utomi added.

With specialization in advanced writing and reportorial skills, Utomi uses his numerous newspaper columns to discuss topical issues such as gas flaring, regional development, political leadership in Nigeria, governance, youth empowerment, environmental concerns, politics, and policy. He often highlights issues affecting the Niger Delta and advocates for the welfare of marginalized communities, including widows in Delta State, sparking critical thinking, inspiring positive change, and promoting social justice in Nigeria.

A former Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy) at Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA) in Lagos, Utomi is a prolific communicator whose opinions and columns appear in well-respected national dailies. He is a staunch member of the Justice, Development, and Peace Centre (JDPC), Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, and 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 is also associated with the Delta Unity Group, a political pressure group in Delta State, Nigeria, and has written several opinion pieces on politics, governance, and social issues, particularly focusing on Delta State and the Niger Delta region.