‘Light Up Bende’ Event Raises Questions Over NDDC Project Ownership

Residents of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State were on Sunday, March 22, 2026, treated to a high-profile gathering tagged “Light Up Bende,” an event hosted by the Abia State Government Liaison Officer in Abuja, Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, popularly known as Dogo.

The event, which drew political stakeholders, community leaders and residents from across the local government area, was presented as an initiative aimed at bringing solar-powered streetlights to parts of Bende in order to improve security and stimulate economic activities at night.

However, the programme has since sparked debate among political observers and stakeholders over the ownership and presentation of the project showcased at the event.

Findings by observers indicate that the solar streetlight installation highlighted during the gathering is a project executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a Federal Government intervention agency established to facilitate development in the Niger Delta region.

The discovery has prompted questions from critics who argue that the branding of the project under the “Light Up Bende” initiative could give the impression that the project was conceived or funded by local political actors rather than the federal agency responsible for its implementation.

Hon. Chinasa, who is widely regarded as a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), has been active in political engagements in the area. The development has therefore triggered discussions in political circles about the role of public office holders in presenting federal intervention projects within their constituencies.

Some stakeholders insist that while political leaders often facilitate or draw attention to development projects for their communities, proper attribution of such projects remains important for transparency and public accountability.

Observers also note the political undertone surrounding the debate, given that the NDDC operates under the Federal Government currently led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Hon. Chinasa is associated with the Labour Party (LP).

Critics argue that initiatives funded with public resources should be clearly credited to the appropriate institutions to avoid political misunderstandings among the public.

Supporters of the liaison officer, however, maintain that highlighting development projects in communities should not be misconstrued as an attempt to claim ownership, adding that collaboration between federal agencies and political representatives often helps attract infrastructure to underserved areas.

Meanwhile, residents of Bende say their main concern remains the expansion and sustainability of development projects capable of improving security, boosting local commerce and enhancing the overall quality of life in the area.

For many residents, beyond the politics surrounding the event, the hope is that more communities in Bende will benefit from projects that bring reliable lighting and improved public infrastructure.