The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Int’l Youth Day: ‘How EdoInnovates is building global tech talent’

    Int’l Youth Day: ‘How EdoInnovates is building global tech talent’

    The executive director, EdoInnovates, Asemota Izoduwa, has spoken about the impact of the technology hub in the last seven years.

    He said that the hub has remained one of the most ambitious projects of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

    He said EdoInnovates boasts of a talent pool of over 50,000 trainees since 2018 across various aspects of technology including software development, robotics, data science, artificial intelligence, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) and product design, among others, Izoduwa added..

    According to him, “In Nigeria, when you think about tech talent, the temptation is to limit your gaze to Lagos with its thriving tech ecosystem and other institutional structures that prop technology innovation and talent development. However, the trend is shifting as new entrants such as Edo State are now showing promise and creating the right environment to nurture globally-relevant tech innovators.”

     Izoduwa said: ‘’Under  Obaseki, the state government sought a piece of the pie in Nigeria’s growing tech space, running with a vision to position the state to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

    ‘’This led to the setting up of Edo Innovates, a technology hub located in the heart of Benin City that serves as a platform to nurture talents in technology innovation and build a thriving community of talents, start-ups and innovators. Initially an iteration of EdoJobs, a skills development agency of the government, EdoInnovates pivoted to become a platform for tech talent development, providing bespoke training in collaboration with global companies such as ALX, Udacity, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Decagon, among others.

     ‘’Today, EdoInnovates boasts of a talent pool of over 50,000 trainees since 2018 across various aspects of technology including software development, robotics, data science, artificial intelligence, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) and product design, among others.

     “As we celebrate the International Youth Day today, we look back at the impact of EdoInnovates on youths in the State. It has been a thrilling journey with Edo Innovates so far.

    ‘’One thing that has stood us out over the last couple of years is our ability to turn out good quality talents that are globally competitive.

    ‘’Some of our trainees have gone to work for Microsoft while others have founded their own businesses. For us, EdoInnovates is a one-stop shop for all technology-enabled businesses in Nigeria. We have a world-class training faculty, co-working space, start-up incubation and funding support and lots more that stands us out. We have trained over 50,000 youths in EdoInnovates and they are ready for work.”

     ‘’He noted that EdoInnovates recently on-boarded 50 start-ups which were provided with funding and support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and CcHub. Izoduwa added.

     “As we celebrate the International Youths Day, we are excited to have provided a new lease of life for youths in Edo State providing them with relevant skills and preparing them for the challenging world of work.”

     “One of the success stories of the EdoInnovates is Japhlet Nwamu, who is now a Developer Advocate with Microsoft. He had trained at EdoInnovates and worked with Coven Works out of the hub. After being trained, he ran Data Science and AI bootcamps, which built the capacity of over 250 participants to become Junior Data Analysts and Scientists.

    ‘’He also led an agile team that mentored over 600 secondary school students during Africa Code Week in 2018 and trained over 1500 in Edo State during Google’s CSFirst 2019.

    ‘’Another product of EdoInnovates is Co-Founder, Paywise, Kelvin Odionwe, who started his tech journey from the Edobits programme, an entry level training programme at the hub. He grew through the ranks and built his FinTech start-up out of the hub.

    Read Also: Int’l Youth Day: are we still leaders of tomorrow?

    ‘’He believes he would not have been in the tech scene if not for the support from EdoInnovates, noting that the guidance and capacity building opportunities were instrumental to his success as a founder. He adds that the hub also serves as a veritable source for talent as it trains young people in key tech disciplines for the global workplace.

     ‘’The partnerships lead, EdoInnovates, Efosa Iguodala, said that the hub has thrived on partnerships, noting that the youths in the state are able to acquire globally-relevant skills through an extensive partnerships network that includes ALX, Udacity, among others. 

    He said: “We have achieved a great deal working with local and international partners who have continued to deepen the talent at EdoInnovates.

    ‘’These partnerships have been beneficial because it has ensured that we train people who are able to stand shoulders high with their peers across the globe,”Izoduwa added.

  • Delta recorded least violence during protests, says Report

    Delta recorded least violence during protests, says Report

    A group, South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI), has appraised the level of violence recorded across the country, especially in Niger Delta region during the #EndBadGovernance protests 

    It scored the Delta State Government and security agencies very high in ensuring maximum control of uprisings across the state.

    The body applauded the pro-activeness of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in protest boycott campaigns to various communities prior to the August 1 date and the professionalism exhibited by security agencies, mostly Delta Police Command led by CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, in curtailing the excesses of the protesters.

    Making its assessment on the nationwide protests in a statement in Warri, SSPTI hinted that compare to other states, mostly in the Northern region, where protesters were seen to be violent and destructive, Delta state recorded zero destruction of property and minimal violence in some part of the state.

    The body in a statement by Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie and Engr. Kayode Ayomide, Chairman and Secretary respectively, also commended the men and officers of the various military formations in the state, especially the troops of 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Asaba, as well as men and officers of 3Battalion, Effurun barracks near Warri, for providing maximum security at strategic locations in the state.

    According to the statement; “Just as the dust of the recent nationwide protests settled, We, the members of the above named organization have taken it upon ourselves to do a general appraisal of the violence that characterized the protests with a view of determining how best to have a violent-free protests in the country going forward “.

    “Having observed that Delta state is one of the states that recorded an insignificant level of violence during the 10-Day period of the protests, especially within the South-South region, we decided to conduct a research on how the state was able to curtail the protests from being violent as we have experienced in other states, particularly in the North.

    “Our research revealed that the State Governor, Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, had engaged the traditional rulers across the three (3) Senatorial districts, as well as the various community and youth leaders in a boycott sensitization campaigns of the protest and the need to be very peaceful even if they must embark on any at all in their areas. 

    “We also observed the zeal and commitment with which the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) under Delta state Command, ably led by CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, carried out their law enforcement mandate diligently all through the duration of the protests. They were able to display high level professionalism on the job while dealing with the protesters”.

    “Reliable information from our field officers has it that CP Abaniwonda, opened a Special Protest Situation Monitoring Room that was furnished with sophisticated communication gadgets that were distributed to the field officers leading various units across the state from where incidences were reported as they unfolds and await further directives from the Command on the next line of action”.

    “We are indeed happy to say that CP Abaniwonda has provided leadership to his men and officers at the Command since his resumption. This is evident in the reduction of crimes and other social vices in the state, particularly in Warri, Uvwie, Udu and Ughelli areas that used to be notorious for all sorts of violent crimes in recent past.

    Read Also: Troops swoop on oil thieves in Niger Delta, clamp down on 13 illegal refineries

    “We cannot conclude this report if we failed to acknowledge the role played by the military in this protests. The troop of the 63Brigade, Asaba under Brigadier General Ugochukwu Vitus Unachukwu, were very outstanding all through this period, as they conducted themselves professionally in their various post”.

    It added: “Also not forgetting officers and men of the 3Battalion, Effurun Barracks, Uvwie Local Government, for their synergy with the police. The Commanding Officer (CO) Rear, Major Ohegbe Augustine, provided the needed leadership by ensuring that his men were well positioned while he embarked on regular patrol and using his drone to monitor activities in other locations.

    “And finally, we also want to appreciate Deltans for their understanding and law abiding dispositions throughout the duration of the protests. We are not unmindful of the fact that Deltans are not going through the hardships experienced in the country today but choose to be more tolerance and give the government time to do the needful in addressing the situation “

  • NDDC hosts retreat to boost operational efficiency, corporate governance

    NDDC hosts retreat to boost operational efficiency, corporate governance

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) recently organised a three-day Retreat and Master Class aimed at improving operational efficiency and accountability within the commission.

    The event titled: “Building synergy for optimal service delivery and effective corporate governance,” was facilitated by Peace and Development Projects (PEDEP) and MARG Education International, with contributions from academic and consultancy experts, including KPMG.

    In his keynote address, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director of Corporate Services, highlighted the retreat as part of NDDC’s ongoing efforts to enhance internal processes and service delivery across the Niger Delta.

    He urged staff to take the lead in promoting diligent corporate governance to ensure the commission fulfills its mandate.

    Abegunde underscored the retreat as a testament to the commitment of the NDDC leadership under Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku and Governing Board Chairman Chinedu Ibie, aimed at repositioning the commission for effective and impactful performance across the Niger Delta.

    Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine of Lagos State University, in his presentation titled: “Discipline Capital: Service Delivery in Corporate Governance,” emphasised that the NDDC’s role is to drive development rather than serve private interests.

    He stressed the importance of the commission delivering tangible benefits, such as reducing environmental degradation, providing potable water, and creating job opportunities for the youth.

    Read Also: NDDC: Ex-federal lawmaker knocks APC chieftain over baseless allegations against Ogbuku

    “The NDDC role is cut out for it. It is a development agency that informs its mission, vision, and values. It has somewhat of an oversight function over the activities of corporate actors in the region from which it partly draws its funds.

    “But reciprocally, the contributing bodies must not be made to feel that they are wasting their money. That feeling can only be cured by the performance and delivery of services-the extent to which it can reduce environment degradation in the region, provide portable pipe-borne water, access roads to communities, provide employment opportunities to the teeming unemployed youth, and equip them with twenty-first-century accommodating skills,” he added.

    KPMG Nigeria’s Managing Partner, Tolulope Odukale, also spoke on the necessity of robust governance frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability within the commission.

    He described the Retreat/Master Class as a pivotal moment for the NDDC as it seeks to enhance its governance and operational standards.

    Seyi Olulade, Managing Partner of Teh Impeccable Skills, discussed the significance of corporate services in the public sector, explaining how these functions are crucial for the smooth operation of organizations like the NDDC.

    During the event, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, spoke on the importance of synergy within NDDC’s governance structures, stressing the need for collaboration between the board, management, other federal agencies, and the private sector.

    The retreat also featured a tour of key cultural sites in Lagos, including the National Arts Theatre, National Gallery of Arts, and Universal Studios of Arts, allowing NDDC personnel to observe the state’s developmental strides firsthand.

  • USC appeals to Gov Oborevwori to expedite action in rebuilding and resettling Okuama

    USC appeals to Gov Oborevwori to expedite action in rebuilding and resettling Okuama

    The leadership of the Urhobo Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos, has appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to expedite action in fulfilling its promise of rebuilding and resettling Okuama people to their ancestral land.

    The President of Urhobo Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos, Chief Wilson Okpubigho, appealed on Saturday when the representative of the Club visited the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Ewu-Urhob to donate relief materials to ameliorate the pains of the people who were sacked by the Nigerian military over the unfortunate incident that happened around the community.

    Chief Okpubigho, who was accompanied by Chief Clement Awhana and others to Okuama IDP Camp, commended the Delta State Government for setting up the camp to serve as a stop-gap measure while working out permanent solutions to the plight of the Okuama people.

    He said the Urhobo Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos (USC) was pained by the sad incidence of the killing of soldiers and the disproportional use of force by the military in their quest for revenge on their slain colleagues.

    According to him: “We felt your pains since the incident happened, and we had plans to reach you people; we were also following up with the Delta State Government on steps to rehabilitate and resettle the Okuama people to go back to their ancestral home.

    “Delta State Government has promised that it will rebuild and resettle Okuama people, but you know that government bureaucratic protocols would take time before that can happen to enable Okuama people to go home.

    “So, what we are doing today as part of USC social responsibility, we pulled resources together to get these items to ensure that our people are taken care of while they remained in the Camp, while we continue to appeal to the Delta State Government to fulfil their promises to the people of Okuama so that they can go back to their ancestral home.

    “Urhobo Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos, wants to encourage the Delta State Government to act fast in rebuilding Okuma. I am sure that with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori that has a human face, it would not be too long before Okuama people will go back home.

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    “As you all know, the Urhobo Social Club doesn’t shy away from anything that concerns the Urhobo Nation. So, we will not relent in our efforts until we see that Okuama people are resettled in their place.”

    Receiving the items, which include a big cow, 20 bags of 50kg rice and 10 bags of 50kg garri, the Chairman of the Ewu-Okuama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Management Committee, Mr Abraham Ogbodo, applauded the donation and thanked the USC Club for the gesture.

    Ogbodo also appealed to other good-spirited Urhobos, Deltans and groups to show concern about the plight of the Okuama people, “since the inmates have to be alive and healthy before returning to their homes permanently.”

    He added that while the government works out a permanent solution to the pains of the Okuama people, the welfare of those in the camp, particularly women and children, must not be compromised, considering the trauma the people have gone through.

    “I want to appeal to other good-spirited Urhobos to come to the aid of the Okuama people; the journey has not finished; this is just a stopgap before a more permanent solution, which is rebuilding and resettling Okuama people to their ancestral homeland, so we solicit for more assistance.”

  • Ibeno elders demand even development in A’Ibom 

    Ibeno elders demand even development in A’Ibom 

    The paramount ruler of Ibeno Local Government, Owong Effiong Bassey Archianga, has called on Governor Umo Eno to address the longstanding developmental imbalance and well-being of Ibeno residents.

    Owong Archianga, in a statement, lamented the neglect of Ibeno LG.

    He said: “Previous administration relegated the local government area to the periphery in terms of infrastructure development and political appointments. 

    “Ibeno hosts the highest number of International Oil Companies (IOCs), including ExxonMobil Nigeria, and contributes approximately 75% of the state’s monthly revenue. Despite this substantial contribution, the people of Ibeno have been treated poorly, facing scorn, neglect, and degradation.”

    While recounting the challenges faced by Ibeno, the monarch noted that “Since 1999, Ibeno has produced only four commissioners, two of whom were appointed by Obong Arc. Victor Attah between 1999 and 2006. Currently, Ibeno has no representation in the State Executive Council or the State House of Assembly.

    “The people have never had access to potable water; the last attempted water project was in 1975 and remained incomplete, leaving behind decaying steel tanks as a grim reminder of the community’s plight. The terrain of Ibeno, rich in oil deposits, complicates the availability of clean drinking water, forcing residents to rely on stagnant and polluted ponds.”

    Speaking further, he said: “Under the current administration of Governor Umo Eno, the government introduced a One-Project per LGA initiative. While projects in other local government areas have progressed, the project selected by the people of Ibeno has yet to materialize. It is particularly disheartening that the second phase of these projects has already commenced across the state while Ibeno has not even begun the first phase.”

    Read Also: Remapping: Obolo youths reverse quit order on oil firms

    Owong Archianga also highlighted that: “The Akwa Ibom State Government, under Pastor Umo Eno, awarded a minimum of 10 kilometers of road contracts in each local government area. To the shock and dismay of Ibeno residents, the area that contributes significantly to the state’s revenue was excluded from the road project. The only hospital serving the entire local government is a Cottage Hospital built during the Godswill Akpabio administration. 

    He asserted that Ibeno is an integral part of the Akwa Ibom Project and deserves better treatment from the state government, reassuring the Governor of the continued support and cooperation of the people of Ibeno in achieving greater heights for the state.

    The monarch called on Governor Eno to explore ways to bring the people of Ibeno closer to the government and foster a sense of unity amongst them.

  • Ministers, CEOs NMDPRA, Zenith Bank, others for dinner of Niger Delta Int’l Festival, Trade Expo

    Ministers, CEOs NMDPRA, Zenith Bank, others for dinner of Niger Delta Int’l Festival, Trade Expo

    Notable personalities have graced the dinner to unveil the Niger Delta International Festival and Trade Expo organised by KenEva Consult Ltd, KenRich Global Consult Ltd and Brevity Anderson . 

    Among those in attendance are Niger Delta Minister Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar A. Bagudu, who was represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, a representative of the Chief Executive Officer Zenith Bank Plc, Adaora Umeoji, SEPLAT representative and others.

    The dinner is ahead the Niger Delta International Festival and Trade Expo coming up this year, which will feature Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit 2024. 

    The twin event, the Niger Delta International Festival & Trade Expo and Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is in partnership with the Ministry of Niger Delta and Brevity Anderson 

    The Ministry and KenEva Consult Ltd had signed an MoU in Abuja for the hosting of the event.

    The founder NDIFTE, Amb Kenule Nwiya, told newsmen that the festival and trade expo is strategically designed to give back to the people of the region by way of economic empowerment, rich cultural display, trade expo and more. 

    “We will have the charity medical outreach, as well as lots of empowerment programmes in line with the festival’s show structure. 

    “Of course the empowerment is something that we have designed to enhance small, medium scale enterprises and empower our people in this sub-sector of the economy. That is not all, people that promote our local foods, they will also be empowered”, he said. 

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    He stated: “There will be a lot of pitch around this cycle, they will showcase their local foods, local fabrics and whatever it is that oils the wheel of their economy. This is what we intend to do and this is the kind of empowerment that has sustainable integration”. 

    The unveiling dinner at Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Aug. 6, is one of the programmes lined up ahead of the twin events. 

    It is expected further unlock the economic potentials domiciled in the Niger Delta region as well as give youths of the region opportunity to leverage on their capacity and capability to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.

  • Oskar Ibru donates cow, relief materials to Okuama IDP camp

    Oskar Ibru donates cow, relief materials to Okuama IDP camp

    The Chairman of Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oskar Ibru, has donated relief materials to the Ewu-Okuama Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp at Ewu town in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Among the items donated include a cow, cartons of fish and other materials to support the feeding of the victims of ravaged Okuama displaced Indigenes.

    Thousands of Okuama community indigenes in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Delta State have been homeless since March when soldiers invaded the community and destroyed it over the killing of 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen.

    Following the destruction of the community, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, established the Ewu-Okuama IDP Camp to house displaced persons pending the rebuilding of the community.

    Presenting the items on Wednesday to the management of the IDP Camp at Ewu town, Olorogun Oskar Ibru said the gesture was to show solidarity with his kinsmen in Okuama and support what government and other individuals are doing to bring succour to Okuama people.

    Oskar, represented by the Chairman of Ewu-Okuama IDP Camp Management Committee and former Editor of the Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, assured that he would continue to be of support to the people of Okuama and Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in their difficult time.

    “I have to be very grateful to the almighty God that people are rallying around us. I never expected we would have this level of support, especially from our Urhobo brothers and sisters. 

    “Not long ago, it was Olorogun (Engr.) Matthew Edevbie that came to make donations to the camp. Today, I am here on behalf of another illustrious son of Urhoboland. His name is Olorogun Oskar Ibru. He’s the Scion of the Ibru dynasty. He’s the eldest son of the famous Olorogun Micheal Ibru. 

    “I got in touch with him and I told him we have an emergency in our hands as Urhobo Nation. I told him we needed his support. As I speak, he’s not in the country, but he reacted. The cow that’s standing there is part of the donation. We also bought cartons of fish and other items.

    Read Also: Seven babies delivered by medical team in Delta IDP camp

    “On behalf of Olorogun Oskar Ibru and incidentally, we are also from the same Agbarha Kingdom, I present these items as his donation for the running of the camp. When he returns to the country, he might be physically here to do more. He’s in solidarity with the people of Okuama and the entire Ewu Kingdom”, Ogbodo stated.

    Receiving the donations on behalf of the Camp Management Committee, the IDP Camp Commandant, Mr. Austin Ohwofaria, thanked Olorogun Oskar Ibru and the Ibru family for the gesture, noting that the Ibru family is known for their charity deeds to the Urhobo Nation.

    Ohwofaria also commended the chairman of the Camp Management Committee, Mr. Ogbodo, for using his position to attract donations and supports to alleviate the suffering of Okuama displaced indigenes.

    The Camp Commandant, flanked by other officials of the committee, said “we thank Olorogun Oskar Ibru for this wonderful donation.

    “This is the fifth cow our chairman (Ogbodo) is personally influencing to the camp. We are happy that he’s our chairman. He has shown capacity. He has taken the running of the camp as his personal project.”

    He further prayed for Olorogun Oskar Ibru and other donors for their support for the people of Okuama, Ewu Kingdom and the camp management committee.

    Also speaking, the women (Ewheya) leader flanked by other IDPs including children, thanked Olorogun Oskar Ibru and Urhobo people for supporting them.

  • INGO identifies drug abuse, land dispute, others as factors fueling criminality in Niger Delta

    INGO identifies drug abuse, land dispute, others as factors fueling criminality in Niger Delta

    NDLEA urges states to set up rehab centers

    An International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO), Search for Common Ground (SCG) has identified drug abuse, land dispute and child trafficking among others as factors fueling criminality and disputes in the Niger Delta.

    The Country Director of SCG, Fatima Madaki, said the project’s findings, recommendations and activities were aimed at reducing violent crime in Niger Delta communities.

    Madaki said: “It is impressive to see that issues around drug abuse has come up and how that further exacerbate violence to conflict in the community. How land dispute is increasing divisions in communities. We are also seeing child trafficking. All of these affect the people.”

    She spoke during the maiden meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on community-centred approach to tackle criminality and violence in the Niger Delta tagged, Fostering Inclusive Community Security Approaches to Address Systemic Drivers of Violence and Criminality, which was organised by SCG, PIND, EU, SDN and AAPW.

    She said: “The project is a community centred approach to address criminality and violence. We have structures that are embedded in the community level, local government level as well as state level where the issues are analysed and solutions proffered by the community*.

    While reeling out some of the challenges impeding the success of crime fighting, Madaki urged the government to build facilities to complement efforts made by non-governmental organisations.

    She said: “Insecurity is on the increase across the country and as practitioners, what we are seeing is that the dynamics are changing. It is a very fluid environment that needs due attention to addressing the challenges.

    “We want to see government supplementing our efforts because they have the core responsibility to ensure security provided in communities. They have the responsibility to ensure that facilities are provided in communities to build peace architecture and sustain it over time.

    “The government has all it takes to be responsive. On behalf of all the communities across Nigeria, we are advocating government to give attention to resource and structures in building peace across Nigeria.”

    However, the Project Coordinator of the EU Projects in PIND, Aniekan Achibong, said the meeting was timely and called on government to implement effective measures in tackling criminality in the region.

    In its presentation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) lamented a surge in drug use by youths, noting that criminality was propelled by use of illicit drugs.

    The Deputy Commander in charge of Operations and Training, NDLEA, Rivers State Command, Emmanuel Ogbungbada, insisted that the major driver of criminality was drug.

    He said: “Major driver of crime is drug. There is high level of crime because of the level of drug abuse. We are calling on members of the public to provide us with useful information that will help us reduce this menace to its barest minimum.

    “We need information that will help us crack down on those involved and we will protect the identity of those who will volunteer useful information to us.”

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    He called for the establishment of state-owned drug rehabilitation centres, adding that the facility would provide better opportunity for treatment of victims.

    He said: “We are advising Search for Common Ground to make efforts to reach out to the state government to see how they can build a state owned drug rehabilitation centre.

    “The facility we have can only contain 30 people and it is for only males. We don’t have female treatment facility that is why we usually refer people to UPTH and others.

    “If government can build a rehabilitation centre, it will go a long way in addressing the number of issues around drug and its effect.”

  • Igbuya salutes Ibori at 66

    Igbuya salutes Ibori at 66

    Delta State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Monday Igbuya has felicitated with former Governor James Onanefe Ibori on his 66th birthday anniversary.

    Igbuya, a former Delta Speaker, in a statement while celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of Ibori at 66, noted the Niger Delta leader has touched many lives with his compassionate disposition to life. 

    He noted that Ibori laid the groundwork upon which the infrastructural and economic development of Delta State is anchored by successive administrations in the state.

    The statement reads: “It is with great honour and heartfelt joy that I extend my warmest congratulations to Chief James Onanefe Ibori, an eminent political leader in Delta State and a cherished son of the Urhobo nation, on the occasion of his 66th birthday anniversary.

    “Today, we celebrate not only his remarkable journey through life but also the profound impact he has had on our state and its people. As a former Governor of Delta State, Chief Ibori’s legacy continues to inspire and guide the leaders of today and tomorrow.

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    “During his tenure as Governor from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007, Chief Ibori demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. His administration was marked by a commitment to infrastructure development, education, and economic empowerment.

     “Under his guidance, Delta State witnessed unprecedented growth and development, setting a standard for governance that has become a benchmark for successive administrations. His dedication to improving the lives of Deltans is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service.

    “Chief Ibori’s tenure as Governor was a period of transformation for Delta State, characterized by strategic investments in key sectors that catalyzed progress and enhanced the quality of life for our people. His visionary policies laid the groundwork for infrastructural development, improved healthcare, and educational advancements, all of which have had lasting positive effects on our state.

    “As we celebrate his contributions, we are reminded of the importance of visionary leadership in fostering sustainable development.

    “Beyond his achievements in governance, Chief Ibori has remained a pivotal figure in the socio-political landscape of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. His advocacy for the rights and welfare of the Urhobo people, as well as his efforts in promoting peace and unity among diverse ethnic groups, have earned him the admiration and respect of many. His influence extends beyond the borders of Delta State, reflecting his dedication to national development and unity.

    “Today, as we honour Chief Ibori on his 66th birthday, we acknowledge his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he has left on our state and nation. His journey serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of leaders, emphasizing the importance of resilience, dedication, and a genuine desire to uplift the lives of others. Chief Ibori’s story is a testament to the transformative power of leadership driven by vision and compassion.

    “As we celebrate this significant milestone in Chief Ibori’s life, we also look to the future with optimism and hope. It is my sincere wish that this new chapter of his life brings him continued success, good health, and happiness. May he continue to find fulfilment in his endeavours and inspire others with his commitment to the betterment of society.

    “On behalf of my family and the good people of Sapele, I extend our warmest wishes to Chief James Onanefe Ibori on his 66th birthday. We look forward to many more years of his positive influence and contributions to our beloved Delta State and Nigeria.”

  • Igbuya felicitates Omo-Agege on 61st birthday

    Igbuya felicitates Omo-Agege on 61st birthday

    The Delta State Representative in Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Monday Igbuya has congratulated the immediate past Senate Deputy President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on his 61st birthday anniversary.

    Igbuya, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former Delta Speaker, hailed Omo-Agege for his numerous contributions to the nation’s progress and development.

    The prominent Niger Delta leader in a statement said: “On behalf of my family and the people of Sapele, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to a distinguished leader and statesman, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, on this special occasion of his 61st birthday anniversary.

     “Senator Omo-Agege’s dedication and service to Delta State and Nigeria have been exemplary, and today we celebrate his numerous contributions to our nation’s progress and development.

    “As the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Omo-Agege displayed remarkable leadership and legislative acumen. His tenure was marked by a commitment to democratic principles, effective governance, and advocacy for policies that promote the welfare of all Nigerians. He played a pivotal role in advancing legislative initiatives that have positively impacted the socio-economic landscape of our country, and his efforts in championing the interests of the Niger Delta region have been particularly commendable.

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    “His work has consistently reflected a deep understanding of the issues facing our communities, and his advocacy has brought about significant improvements in areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. His leadership continues to inspire and guide those who follow in his footsteps.

    “As we celebrate this milestone in Senator Omo-Agege’s life, we acknowledge his enduring legacy and the positive influence he has had on our state and nation. His contributions to the political and socio-economic fabric of Nigeria serve as an inspiration to current and future leaders, emphasizing the importance of integrity, resilience, and dedication to the greater good.

    “May this year bring you joy, good health, and continued success in all your endeavours. We look forward to your continued contributions to the development and prosperity of our beloved Delta State and Nigeria.”