The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Warri delineation: Itsekiri accuse INEC of electoral fraud 

    Warri delineation: Itsekiri accuse INEC of electoral fraud 

    The credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under public scrutiny following revelations from analysis of its delineation fieldwork report of Warri Federal Constituency by the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality, accusing it of “fraud and bias” in the exercise.

    The Itsekiri people also called on the Federal Government to establish an independent judicial inquiry into the electoral umpire’s conduct in the Warri delineation saga and prosecute any official found culpable.

    At a well-attended press conference held in Ugbuwangue, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Monday, the Itsekiri people, led by the Chairman of the Warri Traditional Council of Chiefs and Ologbotsere of Warri, Chief Oma Eyewuoma, described the now controversial delineation of wards and units in Warri Federal Constituency as “fraudulent, unconstitutional, and ethnically biased.”

    “We are not asking for anything unusual. We are asking for the right thing to be done. Let INEC obey the law and stop being a tool for ethnic bias and electoral manipulation,” said the Ologbotsere of Warri.

    A communiqué read by one of the chiefs, Brown Mene, and released to reporters, read: “As a law abiding ethnic nationality, we are not against the execution of the Supreme Court Order on the re- delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.

    “We reject the bias and illegality associated with INEC execution of the said judgment. The technical sessions have shown that the coordinates of the polling units and Wards created by INEC do not correspond with the actual locations on ground.

    “We call on the Federal Government to set up an independent Commission of Inquiry to probe the actions of INEC on the re-delineation exercise that created phantom polling units and Wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    “At the end of the Commission of Inquiry, INEC officials and other public office holders found culpable in the INEC charade regarded as polling units and Ward re- delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, should be appropriately punished, to act as deterrent to others with intention for similar course of action.

    Read Also: Investigate alleged threats on NNPCL GCEO, Itsekiri group tasks IGP, DSS

    ‘We also demand the immediate implementation of all judicial decisions in the Warri Federal Constituency, including the Court of Appeal judgment on ten (10) Ward structure in Warri South LGA, for which there is no appeal.”

    In the same vein, Sir Amorighoye Mene, Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, stated that the process was “a violation of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s own guidelines.”

    When contacted, Nse-Abasi Udom, Head of Voter Education, Information and Publicity, in Delta state, said she could not speak on the Warri selineatiin matter. 

    “It is Abuja that is handling it. I don’t have any information on that. Abuja would handle it and decide,” she stated, declining sharing the contact of the INEC official to speak with in Abuja.

  • Tantita urges communication experts to support fight against oil theft

    Tantita urges communication experts to support fight against oil theft

    The management of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has called on the communication experts to use its intellectual and professional strength to support the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the 12th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), in Effurun, Delta State, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, noted that oil theft remained one of the most devastating forms of corruption, undermining governance, national revenue, and community development.

    Sp3aking on the theme “Corruption, Governance and Mmedia in Nigeria”, he stressed that beyond government action and security interventions, the role of communication professionals was crucial in shaping public consciousness against oil theft, exposing criminal syndicates, and amplifying the importance of transparency in the oil sector. 

    Read Also: Tantita bags Grand Defender of the Nation award at GbaramatuVoice @10

    According to him, the media and scholars of communication can serve as powerful allies in creating a cultural shift where acts of vandalism and oil theft are widely condemned.

    Capt. Enisuoh further highlighted the activities of Tantita, explaining that the company’s operations in collaboration with security agencies and host communities had drastically reduced incidents of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta. 

    He stressed the need for these gains to be sustained through continuous awareness and communication-driven advocacy.

    Commending ACSPN for engaging in discourse on corruption, governance, and media, he urged participants to expand their research and public enlightenment efforts to cover the dangers of oil theft, assuring that TSSNL would continue to partner with stakeholders to secure the nation’s oil assets for the benefit of all Nigerians.

  • 300 Niger Delta youths graduate from NDDC technical skills programme

    300 Niger Delta youths graduate from NDDC technical skills programme

    No fewer than 300 youths from the Niger Delta region have graduated from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Technical Skills Training Programme across various fields of specialisation.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the NDDC event centre in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Executive Director, Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, said the initiative was part of efforts to curb youth restiveness, create jobs, and reduce poverty in the region.

    Representing the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Antai explained that the training—covering pipe fitting, scaffolding, forklift operations, and sandblasting—was designed to fill critical manpower gaps in the oil and gas industry.

    According to a statement signed by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the programme reflects the Commission’s commitment to building human capacity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said, “It is noteworthy that we are gathered to celebrate the graduation of youths from the Niger Delta region who have been trained to acquire skills in pipe fitting, scaffolding, forklift operations, sand blasting to learn and to benefit from a programme such as this. This is in line with the Provisions of Section 7 of the NDDC Establishment Act 2000, as amended.”

    He said that NDDC was committed to realising its mandate of human capacity development that would be sustainable and regenerative, noting that trainees from the nine states of the region participated in the training.

    Antai advised the graduands to remain focused, as the NDDC invested a considerable amount of money to train them in the various areas to produce worthy trained personnel for various industries that require skills in oil and gas, and manufacturing.

    Read Also: UN, NDDC collaborate on Niger Delta sustainable development goals

    He added that the development would further lead to a decrease in the demand for white collar jobs, development in the SMEs among others, in line with the ideals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    He described the graduands as pioneers and ambassadors of the NDDC, part of the fulfilment of the current NDDC board’s vision to restore hope to the people of the region.

    The Director, Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs. Lyna Okara, said the training programme was well thought out to address the needs of the oil and gas industry.  

    In a goodwill message, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mr. Timothy Iyenabo urged the graduands. to develop a road map towards upscaling and training others.

    The ceremony, which was witnessed by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Director, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume and other NDDC Directors, featured the presentation of certificates to the graduands.

  • PBAT door-to-door movement hails Shettima at 59

    PBAT door-to-door movement hails Shettima at 59

    The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, led by High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Alias Tompolo), has felicitated with Vice President Kashim Shettima on his birthday.

    The group in a statement by Activist Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, National Coordinator, PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, praised the Vice President’s unwavering loyalty, commitment, and dedication to the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He also commended his humility, resilience, and patriotic zeal, which continue to inspire Nigerians, especially the youth.

    The statement read: “PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Felicitates with Sen.Kashim Shettima Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria GCON on His Birthday.

    Read Also: Shettima to Tinubu: I won’t take my bond with you for granted

    “The leadership and members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, under the Grand leadership of High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Alias Tompolo) heartily felicitate with His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the occasion of his birthday.

    “On this special day, we join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a visionary leader whose unwavering loyalty, steadfast commitment, and selfless dedication have remained a pillar of strength to the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    “Your Excellency, your humility, resilience, and patriotic zeal continue to inspire Nigerians, especially the youth, towards service, nation-building, and faith in the Nigerian project.

    “We pray that Almighty God grants you many more years in good health, wisdom, and strength as you continue to contribute to the growth and progress of our dear nation,” the statement read.

  • 2027: APC chieftain warns mischief makers against gagging Omo-Agege

    2027: APC chieftain warns mischief makers against gagging Omo-Agege

    A prominent youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC( and Convener of the Coalition For Delta Interest, Comrade Austine Kpedi, has cautioned those he described as “Belle first politicians” against alleged attempts to suppress the political ambition of the immediate past Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    Kpedi, who served as a political aide to Senator Omo-Agege in the 9th Senate, made this known while reacting to what he called “unprovoked and coordinated attacks” allegedly sponsored through social and print media, urging Omo-Agege to drop his 2027 governorship ambition.

    According to him, Omo-Agege is not only constitutionally empowered to aspire to any elective position, but also stands out in terms of competence, experience, and vision.

    “Aside from the fact that His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, has the backing of the Nigerian Constitution to express interest in any elective office, he is more qualified by his governance and legislative experience. He has superior knowledge of party structures, enjoys a deeply committed support base despite being out of office, has a well-defined policy vision for Delta State, and has strategically positioned himself for the 2027 contest without being intimidated by the over-hyping of incumbent influence,”  Kpedi stated.

    Emphasising Omo-Agege’s courage and leadership qualities, Kpedi predicted his victory in the coming polls, citing a local proverb from Udu Kingdom: “Avwe esan vwo dje Ighwre”—translated to mean “you don’t compare six with seven.”

    “Omo-Agege is coming into Government House in 2027 to redefine governance in Delta State. He has proven his capacity in his past political roles and possesses the courage and aura befitting a Governor,” he added.

    On the issue of the APC governorship ticket, Kpedi dismissed claims of automatic endorsement for the incumbent, stressing that every aspirant, including Governor Oborevwori must pass through a free and fair primary. “The party leadership never promised automatic tickets to new entrants. 

    “While we acknowledge the Governor as leader of the party in Delta State by virtue of his office, this does not translate into an automatic ticket for 2027. Even the President, who is the National Leader of the party, will go through the primary process for his return ticket. Who then should be exempted? Deltans are massively calling on Senator Ovie Omo-Agege to lead them as Governor in 2027?” Kpedi added.

  • OPM empowers 60 Army widows, families in Port-Harcourt

    OPM empowers 60 Army widows, families in Port-Harcourt

    Not fewer than 60 persons including widows of officers who died in active service, and children have been empowered by the Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Foundation. 

    At the event held at OPM multi-free skills acquisition center, Mbodo Aluu Port Harcourt, the Founder/General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries who also doubles as the President of OPM Foundation, His Royal Majesty Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere explained that empowerment was a way of encouraging the Nigerian Army and widows of those people who died in active service.

    The Foundation also organised a six-month intensive training at OPM multi-free skills acquisition center in Port Harcourt to train them on various vocational skills. 

    At the completion of their training, Apostle Chibuzor empowered them with sewing machines, laptops, ovens, gas cookers, and paint production materials. 

    Apostle Chibuzor said, “How else can we encourage these widows that their husbands died in active service while defending this nation. I now thought about training them in different skills and also empowering them to start their own”

    OPM multi-skills acquisition center which has trained over 50,000 Nigerians in various vocational skills has been in existence for the past 15 years and has the approval of the Ministry of Labour and Productivity which makes its certificate to be recognised in every part of the world.

    He said, “We don’t discriminate in this center. It is for both Christians and Muslims. For instance, those who are trained in the rigging department have secured employment in offshores while we also make personal arrangements for them to travel and work with some organizations in Saudi Arabia.”

    He called on the state government, federal government, international organisations and multinationals to partner with the foundation.

    Read Also: Ibas inaugurates 23 Rivers LG chairmen, sets agenda for grassroots development

    Dignitaries at the event includes: Major General Emmanuel Ejim-Emekah; General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army, his wife and other Senior Army officers. President of OPM Divine Distributors, OPM Director of welfare Dr Mrs Maurine Chukwu were also in attendance.

    Ejim-Emekah said, “When they started the training, I have been here to see the trainees and the graduands during their training and I was quite impressed. 

    “I cannot thank the General Overseer enough for what he has done, it actually resonates with the philosophy of Chief of Army staff and soldiers mantra which lays emphasis on the welfare of soldiers and their families.”

  • Dafinone hails ‘Nigeria’s beacon of Hope’ Shettima at 59

    Dafinone hails ‘Nigeria’s beacon of Hope’ Shettima at 59

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 59th birthday, hailing him as a “patriotic statesman” and a “shining example of purposeful leadership.”

    In a statement on behalf of his family and constituents, Senator Dafinone described the milestone as a celebration of a remarkable journey of service and resilience. The Senator noted that Vice President Shettima’s commitment to national unity, peace, and sustainable development continues to inspire Nigerians across all divides.

    Dafinone highlighted Shettima’s pivotal role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” crediting him with laying the foundation for economic revival and social stability. He commended the Vice President’s “humility, intellect, and political sagacity,” which he said have made him a beacon of hope for a new generation of leaders.

    Read Also: Dafinone hails Gov. Okpebholo’s leadership on 55th birthday

    The statement reads: “On behalf of my family and the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I heartily felicitate with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, as he marks his 59th birthday anniversary.

    “Your Excellency, this milestone is not only a celebration of age but also a celebration of a remarkable journey of service, resilience, and uncommon leadership. Over the years, you have distinguished yourself as a patriotic statesman whose commitment to national unity, peace, and sustainable development continues to inspire Nigerians across divides.

    “As Vice President, your role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has been pivotal in laying the foundation for economic revival, security reforms, and social stability. Your humility, intellect, and political sagacity have made you a beacon of hope for a new generation of leaders.

    “At 59, you stand as a shining example of purposeful leadership, dedication to public service, and unyielding loyalty to the Nigerian project. The nation is blessed to have you at the centre of governance at such a critical time in our history.

    “It is my earnest prayer that Almighty God will continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, strength, and long life as you dedicate yourself to the service of our great nation. Congratulations, and happy birthday Sir.”

  • NDYC lauds NSA’s leadership, condemns El-Rufai’s ‘divisive’ remarks

    NDYC lauds NSA’s leadership, condemns El-Rufai’s ‘divisive’ remarks

    The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for what it described as tangible gains in the fight against terror and insecurity.

    In a statement issued on behalf of the NDYC by the National Coordinator Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, he noted that major terror bases have been neutralised, notorious bandit leaders eliminated, and communities once abandoned by fear are now returning to normalcy.

    This is just as the group condemned former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai’s attempts to smear the Ofice of the NSA, describing his comments as “reckless” and “careless soundbites” that trivialise the sacrifices of the armed forces.

    El-Rufai on Channels Television, speaking on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), said insecurity has been on the rise since 2023.

    The NDYC emphasised that the achievements of the NSA are concrete and verifiable, purchased with blood, sweat, and sacrifices, and not propaganda victories.

    The group also criticised El-Rufai’s past record, citing his divisive utterances, questionable antecedents, and arrogant disposition, which they said had made him unfit for higher office. The NDYC urged citizens to rally around the administration and support the government’s security agenda, which has already yielded tangible results.

    Read Also: NDYC urges politicians to respect INEC’s integrity, condemns Amaechi, El-Rufai’s comments

    The group warned El-Rufai to desist from undermining national security for personal vendettas, stating that Nigeria is now wiser and Nigerians are watching. The NDYC declared that El-Rufai is “yesterday’s mistake, not tomorrow’s promise” and that his reckless utterances are “nothing but the groans of irrelevance.”

    “We urge politicians to desist from the dangerous pastime of undermining national security for personal vendettas. The days when politicians could throw inflammatory bombs into the national space and walk away unchallenged are gone. Nigeria is wiser, and Nigerians are watching.

    “We urge citizens across the country to rally around this administration and the Office of the NSA and support the government’s security agenda, which has already yielded tangible results. 

    The sacrificed of our armed forces cannot and must not be diminished by the idle rants of a rejected politician seeking attention.

  • Niger Delta group lauds Tinubu, NNPCL boss, disowns protests against reforms

    Niger Delta group lauds Tinubu, NNPCL boss, disowns protests against reforms

    A Coalition of Niger Delta Groups, made up of the Niger Delta Peace Awareness Movement (NDPAM), Youths And Peace Advocate Movement of South South (YPAMSS) and Volunteer Unity Force of Niger Delta (VUFND), has praised President Bola Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, for their transformative leadership in the oil and gas sector.

    Following a solidarity visit to the NNPC Towers in Abuja, the group commended Ojulari’s commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, evident in his sweeping reforms, which they say are revitalising the sector and unsettling entrenched interests.

    In a statement by Briggs Lokpobiri, the group noted that since his appointment in April, Ojulari, a seasoned engineer with over 34 years of experience, including a stint as Managing Director at Shell, has introduced bold initiatives to reposition NNPCL for global competitiveness.

    Within his first 100 days, Lokpobiri said daily crude oil production has surged from 1.2 million to 1.8 million barrels, driven by enhanced collaboration with upstream partners and improved pipeline security.

    For the first time in years, Lokpobiri added that the NNPCL resumed publishing monthly financial and operational reports, a move hailed as a hallmark of transparency.

    The NDPAM highlighted NNPCL’s ambitious investment drive, targeting $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

    “Key projects, including the Ntokon Offshore Development, OML 29 Production Expansion, and the Brass Methanol & Fertiliser Project, are expected to create jobs, boost revenue, and push oil production to 2 million barrels per day by 2027,” the statement added. 

    “Gas output is also projected to reach 8–10 billion cubic feet daily, supporting industrial growth and power supply. These reforms, anchored on the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), have positioned NNPCL as a beacon of progress.”

    The Coalition regretted that Ojulari’s reforms have faced resistance from vested interests.

    While dismissing protests by “faceless elements” unknown to the region, Lokpobiri accused them of being sponsored by cabals threatened by Ojulari’s anti-corruption measures.

    “These disgruntled individuals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress,” he said, disassociating the Niger Delta from their actions.

    “Their recent disruptions at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, falsely calling for Ojulari’s resignation, are nothing but orchestrated attempts to perpetuate corruption and inefficiency,” he added. 

    “We categorically disassociate the Niger Delta region from these sponsored agitators and condemn their actions in the strongest terms.”

    The group praised President Tinubu for appointing Ojulari, describing it as a masterstroke that signals an end to business as usual at NNPCL.

    Read Also: Ojulari: NNPCL lost $500m monthly to refineries operation

    “The Coalition of Niger Delta Groups stands firmly with President Tinubu and Engr. Ojulari. The early signs of their leadership are overwhelmingly positive, and we urge all Nigerians to support these efforts for the greater good.

    “We call for patience as these transformative changes take root, confident that they will yield sustainable benefits for generations to come. To the detractors, we say: your plots have failed, and the will of the Nigerian people will prevail.

    “Engr. Ojulari’s resolve to resist short-term pressures and focus on long-term gains, as evidenced by his commitment to sustainable refinery operations through the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model, is a beacon of hope.

    “We salute his resilience and the support of his capable team, including Adedapo Segun, Isiyaku Abdullahi, and Udobong Ntia, whose expertise is driving NNPCL’s modernisation.”

  • Dafinone hails Gov. Okpebholo’s leadership on 55th birthday

    Dafinone hails Gov. Okpebholo’s leadership on 55th birthday

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has extended warm felicitations to Edo Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, on his 55th birthday anniversary.

    In a goodwill message he signed,  Dafinone described Governor Okpebholo as a leader whose life of service, humility, and commitment to the progress of his people continues to inspire confidence and unity, not only in Edo State but across Nigeria.

    The Delta Central lawmaker also commended Okpebholo’s vision for a prosperous Edo State, urging him to remain steadfast in his efforts to consolidate growth and stability in the state.

    He noted that the Governor’s inclusive leadership style has become a model for fostering harmony and development, stressing that his commitment to the welfare of the people is widely acknowledged.

    Read Also: Warri crisis: Dafinone calls for calm, urges dialogue, justice

    The statement reads: “On behalf of my family and the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I extend heartfelt felicitations to His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, on the joyous occasion of his 55th birthday anniversary.

    “Your Excellency, I celebrate your life of service, humility, and commitment to the progress of your people. At 55, you stand out as a democrat whose leadership continues to inspire confidence, unity, and hope in Edo State and Nigeria at large.

    “As you mark this remarkable milestone, I commend your efforts in fostering peace and development in Edo State and urge you to remain steadfast in your vision for a prosperous future for your people.

    “It is my earnest prayer that Almighty God will continue to grant you wisdom, strength, sound health, and long life as you serve with dedication and passion. Congratulations, and happy birthday.”