The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • 2027: South Uneme communities pledge 100% support for Tinubu, Okpebholo

    2027: South Uneme communities pledge 100% support for Tinubu, Okpebholo

    The people of the South Uneme communities in Edo North have pledged total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, vowing to deliver 100 per cent of the votes in their domain in the 2027 general election.

    They also reaffirmed their backing for Edo State Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, whom they credited for landmark grassroots development projects.

    At a meeting held in Fugar under the aegis of the South Uneme Leaders Forum, community leaders unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Governor Okpebholo and Senator Oshiomhole.

    They commended President Tinubu for stabilising the economy and pledged to mobilise for his re-election.

    Read Also: From chalkboards to civilisation: Okpebholo’s footprints in education 

    Secretary of the forum and former Etsako Central Local Government Chairman, Ambrose Kevin Akhigbe, noted that Oshiomhole earned the revered title “Ozemoya of South Uneme” for constructing the 30km Anegbette–Uzanu road and appointing indigenes to strategic positions.

    He stressed that the resolutions from the meeting include massive voter mobilisation, participation in the 2025 INEC Continuous Voter Registration exercise, and electoral unity to strengthen South Uneme ahead of local government polls and the 2027 elections.

    The meeting had in attendance the Forum Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Umaru; Acting Chairman of Etsako Central LGA, Yakubu Cephas Mohammed; former council chairman, Suleiman Bagudu; business mogul, Alhaji Inusa Azimih; APC zonal leader, Mohammed Okpafi; and several other political, community, women, youth, and religious leaders.

    The leaders affirmed that their resolutions reflect South Uneme’s unwavering solidarity and commitment to advancing development in line with the progressive vision of their leaders.

  • Oborevwori commiserates with APC national chair over mother’s demise

    Oborevwori commiserates with APC national chair over mother’s demise

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has commiserated with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over the death of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda. 

    Oborevwori, who led a delegation to Yilwatda’s residence in Abuja, described her development as a “mixed feeling,” noting that while Nigerians recently celebrated the APC Chairman’s election, the joy was soon overshadowed by the loss of his beloved mother.

    Read Also: Oborevwori releases N10bn to clear backlog of pension in Delta

    The Governor, who was accompanied by members of the National Assembly from Delta State including Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Hon. Francis Waive, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, and Hon. Ngozi Okolie as well as his Senior Political Adviser, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, noted that the late matriarch lived a fulfilled life, raising a family that has produced a professor, a minister, and now the National Chairman of the ruling party. 

    He stressed that her legacy of discipline, faith, and service would remain a source of pride to the family and the wider community.

    “We cannot question God. The Bible says there is a time to be born and a time to die. Mama has lived a very good life, and she has raised her family very well. Our prayers and thoughts are with our National Chairman and his family,” Oborevwori said.

  • 2027: Delta South APC women leaders declare support for Tinubu, Oborevwori

    2027: Delta South APC women leaders declare support for Tinubu, Oborevwori

    Women leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta South Senatorial District have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement was made during the Delta South APC women/stakeholders unity meeting held at Oleh, Headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area, and hosted by the Delta South Senatorial Woman Leader, Chief Onome Rita Ogagarojor.

    The motion for the vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori was moved by Hon. Joy Ejemudo, Leader of the Warri South Legislature, and seconded by Hon. Elohor Sim, Majority Leader of Isoko South Legislature.

    The decision was affirmed through a voice vote conducted by Orode Meyiwa Uduaghan, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community

    Support Services and Girl Child Development, Delta State.

    Addressing the gathering, the convener, Chief Onome Rita Ogagarojor, described the unity meeting as more than just a political assembly but a movement aimed at repositioning women for greater political participation.

    She recalled that Delta South is the only Senatorial District in the state to have produced a female senator, adding that the state itself has been blessed with illustrious First Ladies, noting that women have the capacity to achieve even more if they embrace unity.

    She said that; “We have the capacity to do more, and we will do more if we come together in unity. Since the dawn of our democracy, women from this district have shown that leadership is not beyond our reach. What we need now is solidarity to push the boundaries even further.”

    Ogagarojor, emphasized that the Renewed Hope for More Agenda must guide women in politics, urging them to choose collaboration over competition, celebrating achievements of each other, resolve conflicts with maturity, and stand together against injustice. “Women divided are vulnerable, but women united are unstoppable” she said.

    Read Also: Oborevwori releases N10bn to clear backlog of pension in Delta

    Several speakers at the meeting also lent their voices in support of unity and greater political engagement for women.

    Mrs. Mimie Igbrude, a member of Delta State Local Government Service Commission, said it was time for women to take decisive action and work together, stressing: “Men are powerful, but women are influential. With our numerical strength, there is no reason for us to remain at the background.”

    Chief Veronica Tamgbowei, former woman leader, urged participants to see themselves as leaders of the APC in Delta South and continue to show love for one another to move the party forward.

    Ann Iniovosa, immediate past Vice Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the success of the meeting, noting that the APC in Delta South Senatorial District would grow stronger with unity.

    Also speaking, Egbajinor Christabell, Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, lamented that women are often sidelined in political appointments despite being active participants during elections. She urged the women to uplift themselves and avoid fighting each other, warning against being “used and dumped” by politicians.

    In her closing remarks, the State Woman Leader, Mrs. Linda Okwudili, praised the women for coming out in unity, likening the gathering to the solidarity spirit of 1999. She disclosed that Governor Oborevwori has promised to work with women across the state and appealed to them to return to their units and strengthen the party at the grassroots.

    The meeting also honoured prominent women leaders including the wife of the Governor of Delta State, Her Excellency Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; wife of former Governor, Deaconess Rolly Uduaghan; former Chief Whip of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Stella Omu; and the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mrs. Lyna Ocholor (Esq), among others.

    Others who spoke to our correspondent on the sidelines noted that the meeting not only solidified the women’s endorsement of Tinubu and Oborevwori but also rekindled a new wave of solidarity among APC women in Delta South ahead of 2027.

  • CJD urges caution over circulating document, backs Ibas’ leadership in Rivers

    CJD urges caution over circulating document, backs Ibas’ leadership in Rivers

    The Coalition for Justice and Democracy (CJD) has urged Nigerians to disregard a circulating document on social media alleging financial mismanagement in Rivers State, describing the claims as unsubstantiated.

    In a statement on Wednesday signed by its president, Comrade Raymond Aighona, the group said its checks found no evidence to support the allegations of inflated contracts or missing funds.

    According to the CJD, all activities of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Eket Ibas, are conducted within the framework of the emergency measures declared in the state and under the oversight of committees from both chambers of the National Assembly.

    “Every action of the Sole Administrator is monitored by oversight committees from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. His expenditures are scrutinised and subjected to due process. For anyone to claim that he single-handedly pulled out half a trillion naira from the coffers of Rivers State is not only laughable but deliberately mischievous,” the group added.

    According to the CJD, the social media document, which alleged that inflated contracts were being used to bankroll the President’s 2027 campaign, bore “all the fingerprints of Fubara’s political desperation”.

    Read Also: Group urges lawmaker to mentor future leaders

    “This is nothing but a forged narrative manufactured by those who lost relevance under the emergency rule. Fubara is the unseen hand behind these malicious reports. He hopes to poison the minds of Rivers people against President Tinubu and to discredit Ibas, whose steady leadership has restored calm and order to the state,” Aighona said.

    The coalition commended Ibas for what it described as transparent and disciplined leadership, noting that his stewardship has contributed to restoring stability in the state.

    The group also called on security agencies to investigate the origin of the document in order to prevent the spread of misinformation that could inflame tensions.

    Reaffirming its support for the emergency measures in Rivers, the coalition stressed that the intervention has brought calm and preserved governance, urging the public to remain focused on the progress being achieved.

  • Olu of Warri’s fourth anniversary: Super Eagles legends, chiefs shine in celebratory football match

    Olu of Warri’s fourth anniversary: Super Eagles legends, chiefs shine in celebratory football match

    The second day of the week-long festivities marking the fourth coronation anniversary of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, was a spectacular tapestry of sporting nostalgia, youthful cultural pride, and a landmark commitment to community healthcare, underscoring the monarch’s vision for a holistic and thriving kingdom.

    The evening’s headline event was a star-studded novelty football match that sent waves of excitement through the packed palace grounds.

    In a rare and thrilling spectacle, legends of the famed Atlanta ‘96 Super Eagles Olympic gold medalists team laced up their boots once more, sharing the pitch with the kingdom’s highly esteemed and youthful chiefs, as well as other vibrant sons of Warri.

    The atmosphere was electric as the crowd cheered on every dribble, pass, and goal, witnessing an exhilarating display of football prowess that bridged generations.

    The match served as a thrilling culmination to the day’s events, symbolising the kingdom’s unifying spirit and deep passion for sports. Dignitaries, traditional leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters were united in a joyous celebration of their monarch’s reign.

    Beyond the glamour of the football pitch, the day was equally significant for its profound investments in the kingdom’s future—its youth and its health.

    Earlier, the palace courtyard had resonated with the eloquent sounds of heritage as children participated in an exciting Itsekiri Language Competition.

    The young contestants captivated the audience with vibrant storytelling, poetic recitations, and powerful spoken word performances, all delivered in the native Itsekiri tongue.

    The event was a joyful and poignant reminder of the importance of cultural preservation. Winners were honoured with significant prizes, an encouragement from the throne to continue being proud custodians of the Itsekiri language and traditions.

    “In the voices of these children, we hear the future of the Itsekiri Nation,” a palace official remarked. “Their fluency and pride ensure that the legacy of our people will not only be remembered but will continue to thrive.”

    In a demonstration of compassionate leadership, His Majesty also attended the historic commissioning of the Renewed Hope Mother and Childcare Hospital at Ugbuwangwe.

    Read Also: On Olu of Warri’s 4th coronation anniversary

    This state-of-the-art, 80-bed facility, built by the Presidency through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure, stands as a testament to successful collaboration between the traditional institution and the federal government.

    The hospital is designed to provide quality healthcare and specialised services for mothers and children, addressing a critical need in the community and representing a brighter, healthier future for countless families.

    His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was represented at the ceremony by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Ejiro.

    Speaking at the commissioning, His Majesty expressed his deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the significant contribution.

    He stated that the hospital reflects a shared desire for holistic development and aligns with his deep compassion for the most vulnerable in society.

    This milestone is hailed as a major achievement in the kingdom’s ongoing journey toward improved healthcare and socio-economic development.

  • Akpabio to Ogbuku: Your legacies will outlive you

    Akpabio to Ogbuku: Your legacies will outlive you

    The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commended the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for turning around the fortunes of the Niger Delta region and assured him that the legacies he would leave behind as managing director would outlive him.

    Akpabio made the commendation at the 50th birthday celebration and unveiling of two books authored by Dr Ogbuku in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said with the advent of the administration of Dr Ogbuku, the region has had a new NDDC.

    A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio to have saying, “The Managing Director has done a very difficult job well. It is not easy to manage the Niger Delta. It is not easy to manage the NDDC.

    “When I was a Governor, I recall taking over from the NDDC the road that comes from the Qua Iboe terminal, where Nigeria gets a lot of oil production in Ibeno, coming to Eket. NDDC gave that road to one Contractor for 11 years, and nothing was done.

    “That was the lot of NDDC, but 11 years later, I took over the road and instead of one lane, I dualised it with four bridges. NDDC was known for doing shoddy jobs. NDDC was a place where people would sit down in hotels and write names of creeks and rivers and award contracts for desilting. Some of the Contractors never even visited the rivers but got paid.

    Read Also: PGF, Akpabio, Adeola commiserate with Yilwatda over mum’s death

    “For us to celebrate Dr Ogbuku today, it is not a mere celebration of attaining the golden age, but we are celebrating God’s goodness to the people of the Niger Delta through the management of NDDC today. He has turned around the fortunes of the Niger Delta region in two years.

    “The National Assembly is very proud of Dr Ogbuku. We are very proud of what he is doing in the NDDC. We are saying he is 50 years old today, but God Almighty will keep him for another 50 years.

    “I also want to congratulate the Board of the NDDC, the most peaceful board so far. It has been two years of impactful leadership, two years of focus, two years of collaboration and two years of showing strength in leadership. The MD will not be remembered for this celebration, but the legacies he will leave behind for the good people of the Niger Delta,” he said.

    President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the 50th birthday of the Managing Director of the NDDC was a celebration of a life of service, scholarship and achievement.

    Two books authored by Dr Ogbuku, “Rethinking the Niger Delta” and “Strategies and Imperatives for Developing the Niger Delta”, were unveiled.

    The celebrant, Dr Ogbuku, recounted his difficult upbringing and said he was happy to be alive to witness his 50th birthday celebration.

    He thanked everyone who had played a part in his leadership career, from his days as a student leader through many political appointments, to the climax in his appointment as the Managing Director of the interventionist agency.

  • Dafinone condemns brutal assault on Corps member in Anambra, demands Justice, compensation

    Dafinone condemns brutal assault on Corps member in Anambra, demands Justice, compensation

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has condemned the brutal assault on a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Miss Edema Jennifer Elohor, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, describing it as “inhuman, barbaric, and an affront to national unity.”

    In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Dafinone demanded that members of the Operation Udo Ga-Achi, also known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, who carried out the attack should not only be arrested, but should be prosecuted by the police. 

    He said failure to hold them accountable would embolden further abuse of citizens’ rights under the guise of community security.

    A viral video circulating online showed the vigilante group storming the corps members’ lodge and assaulting them despite the production of valid NYSC identification cards. Miss Elohor was reportedly beaten, stripped naked, left bleeding, and subjected to humiliating and sexually degrading threats.

    “No Nigerian citizen, much less a young lady serving her fatherland, should ever be subjected to such dehumanising treatment,” Dafinone said, stressing that the incident highlights the urgent need to regulate the activities of untrained and unprofessional armed vigilante groups.

    The lawmaker also called on the Anambra State Government to take full responsibility for the incident by providing adequate compensation to Miss Elohor for the physical, psychological, and emotional trauma she suffered. 

    Read Also: Dafinone consoles APC National Chairman over mother’s death

    The statement reads in parts: “I, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, condemn in the strongest possible terms the inhuman and barbaric assault on a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Miss Edema Jennifer Elohor, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. 

    “The cruel actions perpetrated by armed operatives of Operation Udo Ga-Achi, otherwise known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, were not only a grave violation of her dignity and rights but also an affront to the ideals of national service and unity.

    “This barbarity is an indictment on the Agunechemba Vigilante Group. It underscores the urgent need to regulate the activities of untrained and unprofessional armed vigilante groups who now weaponise violence against law-abiding citizens. 

    “I demand that those who carried out this heinous assault be identified, arrested, and prosecuted by the Police authority to serve as a deterrent to others. Anything less will embolden further abuse of citizens’ rights under the guise of community security.

    “I call on the Anambra State Government to take full responsibility by offering immediate and adequate compensation to Miss Edema Elohor Jennifer for the physical, psychological, and emotional trauma she has suffered. This is the least obligation owed to her after such a harrowing ordeal. The state must act to restore her dignity and send a clear message that such lawlessness will not be tolerated.

    “Equally, I urge the leadership of the NYSC to ensure the safety and protection of corps members serving across Anambra State until the completion of their service year. The trust of parents and guardians who release their children to serve this nation must not be betrayed by negligence or failure to guarantee their wellbeing. Our young people should never be exposed to brutality while wearing the national uniform of service.

    “As representatives of the people, we must uphold the sanctity of human rights and protect the most vulnerable. The attack on Jennifer Elohor is a test of our collective resolve against impunity. Justice must be served swiftly, perpetrators punished, and reforms instituted to prevent a repeat of such shameful abuse in Nigeria.”

  • Delta signs REA renewable energy MoU to increase GDP by $2.9b

    Delta signs REA renewable energy MoU to increase GDP by $2.9b

    …to attract $158m investments

    …governor pledges return on investments

    The Delta state government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the deployment of renewable energy with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Programme (NESIP), capable of increasing its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $2.9 billion.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Secretary to the Government, Kingsley Eze Emu; Commissioner for Energy, Tataobuzogwu Sunday; and the Energy Permanent Secretary, Felicia Olugbo signed the pact at the REA State -By- Roundtable Engagement with Delta State in Abuja.

    The theme was “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State.”

    The governor pledged a return on investment for the would-be partners.

    “We promise investors a friendly business environment that guarantees sustainable returns on investment. We assure prospective investors of our determination to invest in the energy sector.”

    He said the goal was to accelerate energy assets for unserved communities through the deployment of renewable energy solutions in Delta State.

    Oborevwori assured the deployment partners, namely World Bank, Renewable Energy Companies (RESCO), and prospective investors, that Delta State is irrevocably committed to investments in the energy sector.

    According to him, the focus of the state shall be on scaling up renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.

     The REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu had in his presentation on “Scaling Electrification in Nigeria: Delta State,” said that electrification of off-grid in the state is capable of attracting $158million investments to the Delta.

    He also said investing in off-grid powered solutions will empower communities in Delta State and create 31,220 new jobs.

    On the GDP, he told the Governor that, “If we address the electricity access to all the communities within Delta State, we will boost the GDP of Delta State with at least 2.9 billion U.S. dollars.”

    Read Also: Army: We will maintain security in Delta

    He said using the VIDA platform, REA has identified 471 potential mini-grid sites in Delta State.

    He said, based on the assessment, 386,000 individuals in Delta State can be connected using the agency’s system.

    According to him, the agency has identified 531 educational facilities that can be powered with mini-grids in the state.

    REA, he said, has identified 471 off-grid communities and also realised it can connect 120,000 connections through mini-grid.

    He said, “Based on the assessment, this is what we are presenting to you. We now realise that 386,000 individuals of Delta can be connected by using the system that we have.

    “We have identified them, and we will show you.

    We also identified 531 educational facilities that can be powered using the mini-grid.

    “We also have identified 471 off-grid communities, that’s in Delta State. And we estimated that we can connect 120,000 connections using this mini-grid.”

    Speaking, the Rural Electrification Fund, Executive Director, Engr. Doris Uboh, having encouraged the private sector to bring the funds, the way forward is to have state participation.

    She said while 60% of the funding is from the private sector, the state government is expected to provide 30% and the land.

    She said, “So what the agency is trying to do is to bring these projects to you. So, the way forward is to have our participation from the state governments, having encouraged the private sector to bring in their funds there. The private sector will be putting in its funds into this project because it will create blended financing. For any projects that we bring in with this project we are talking about, 60% of the funds will be provided by R&D 30% by the state government, and the state governments also provide land to encourage, because one of the problems that the RESCOs run away from is the issue of land. So communities think Oh, it’s a government project, it’s a free project, it’s an opportunity for them to milk the developers but that discourages people.”

  • ‘Ogbuku’s leadership has repositioned N’Delta for devt’

    ‘Ogbuku’s leadership has repositioned N’Delta for devt’

    The innovative and inclusive leadership style of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has repositioned the agency for sustainable development in the oil-rich region.

    A former All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Warri South Constituency 1, Prince Stanley Oritsemolebi Emiko, said this in a goodwill message to felicitate with Dr. Ogbuku on the occasion of his birthday on Tuesday.

    Prince Emiko noted that the NDDC boss has distinguished himself through purposeful leadership and a clear developmental vision, which has repositioned the Commission as a beacon of hope for the people of the Niger Delta.

    Read Also: Sam Ogbuku and a birthday of intellectual festivity

    “Your leadership and vision for NDDC have been truly inspiring. Your dedication to the development of the Niger Delta is commendable, and your passion for the region’s progress is contagious,” Emiko stated.

    He added that Dr. Ogbuku’s impact has created renewed confidence in the NDDC’s mandate and left a lasting legacy that will inspire generations.

    “May this special day inspire new ideas and energies to drive NDDC’s mission forward. You have made a lasting impact, and I wish you strength and wisdom to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead,” the statement read in part.

    Dr. Ogbuku, who assumed office as NDDC Managing Director/CEO, has consistently emphasized sustainable development, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative approaches to addressing the infrastructural and socio-economic needs of the region.

  • IYC condemns calls for NCDMB’s boss removal 

    IYC condemns calls for NCDMB’s boss removal 

    The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has berated some stakeholders calling for the removal of the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Ogbe.

    The Ijaw youths warned the  aggrieved  stakeholders to desist from the habit of demarketing leaders from the Niger Delta occupying strategic positions in the country.

    IYC spokesman, Bedford Berefa, condemned the culture of pull-down syndrome among selfish individuals in the region saying it was breeding  disunity and underdevelopment in the Niger Delta. 

    Berefa said: “We must change our strategy, we cannot continue to fight ourselves, ethnic bigotry cannot help us, it is when we come together that we can achieve our purpose”.

    According to him Ogbe as the Executive Director of the NCDMB is carrying out the mandate of the board providing needed training to build local capacity particularly for young people.

    “Under the leadership of Felix Ogbe, the need for local content has increased. He has trained over 100 youths, let us allow him to focus and continue his good work,” he said.

    Berefa commended Ogbe for his service in the NCDMB and urged him to shun all forms of distractions and continue in his commitment and dedication to ensuring the development of local content in the oil and gas industry.

    Read Also: Lokpobiri family, Ekeremor youths back NCDMB boss, demand IYC President’s resignation

    He appealed to the youths in the Niger Delta to judiciously utilize the opportunities created by Ogbe to get requisite trainings required to secure employments in the oil and gas sector.

    He said: “Our youths should never sell scholarship slots or opportunities for training and workshops. They  should learn so that they can train others, let us focus on self development so that tomorrow we can occupy strategic positions in the country”.

    Berefa urged all stakeholders to support Ogbe and all other leaders in the  Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) as well as other Ijaw leaders for the advancement of the region.