The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • NDDC budget must deliver real impact for Niger Delta people – Ibori-Suenu

    NDDC budget must deliver real impact for Niger Delta people – Ibori-Suenu

    The House of Representatives Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has insisted that the Commission’s proposed N1.75 trillion 2025 budget must translate into tangible development outcomes for communities across the Niger Delta.

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, gave the assurance on Tuesday during the NDDC’s budget defence session at the National Assembly, warning that lawmakers would not treat the proposal as a routine legislative exercise.

    According to her, the budget represents renewed hope and opportunity for millions of people in the oil-producing region and must therefore be people-centred, transparent, and strictly aligned with national development priorities.

    “The NDDC budget represents hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better quality of life for our people,” Ibori-Suenu said. “Every line item must be purposeful and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda. This Committee will insist on accountability, transparency, and value for money.”

    She stressed that the House would subject the 2025 budget to rigorous scrutiny to ensure it delivers measurable outcomes in critical areas such as infrastructure development, human capacity building, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion.

    While commending the Commission’s ongoing reform efforts, the Committee Chair noted that legislative support would be tied strictly to performance and verifiable results on the ground.

    “The people of the Niger Delta deserve projects they can see, use, and benefit from,” she said, pledging sustained legislative oversight to ensure effective implementation of the budget.

    Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku, presented the Commission’s N1.75 trillion 2025 budget proposal, themed “Budget of Consolidation.” He described it as a shift from transactional governance to a results-driven and transformational development approach.

    Ogbuku explained that the proposed budget reflects the reform agenda of the current management and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He added that the Commission adopted a no-borrowing strategy, resulting in a nine per cent reduction from the 2024 budget.

    According to him, personnel costs were estimated at N47.5 billion, overheads at N96.4 billion, while capital expenditure remains the core focus of the proposal.

    The Managing Director also disclosed that the Commission had abandoned line-item budgeting in favour of sectoral allocations, a move aimed at reducing project delays and improving efficiency.

    Reviewing the Commission’s 2024 performance, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC exceeded its revenue projections, recording N1.945 trillion in actual revenue against a projected N1.911 trillion.

    The session ended with assurances from both lawmakers and the Commission’s management to deepen collaboration towards delivering sustainable development and inclusive growth across the Niger Delta region.

  • Otu opens 2025 bikers’ carnival

    Otu opens 2025 bikers’ carnival

    With a renewed commitment to safety, tourism promotion, and global cultural exchange, Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu has flagged off the 2025 Bikers’ Carnival in Calabar.

    The bikers’ carnival is one of the Carnival Calabar Festival’s signature events.

    Represented at the event by his deputy, Peter Odey, who declared the carnival open amid cheers from bikers, residents, and visitors drawn from within and outside the state, the governor assured participants and the international community that the state remains safe and well-prepared to host large-scale events.

    He disclosed that he personally inspected the carnival routes to ensure they were motorable and free of hazards.

    The governor said, “Let us tell the world that Cross River State is safe. I have gone round the routes myself; there are no potholes, and the roads are smooth.”

    He stressed the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, urging all bikers to wear helmets, reflective vests, and ensure proper riding discipline to avoid accidents.

    He added that ambulances, medical personnel, and insurance coverage had been put in place to guarantee a hitch-free event.

    “With doctors on the ground, ambulances stationed, and insurance fully covered, we want this carnival to be remembered only for positive reasons,” he stated.

    Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, described the Bikers Carnival as part of a broader effort to preserve cultural heritage and reconnect younger generations with the values and creativity embedded in Carnival Calabar.

    He also revealed the presence of the ECOWAS Commission, with representatives from 12 member nations, noting that their participation underscored the growing business, talent, and creative-sector opportunities associated with Carnival Calabar on the regional stage.

    The event attracted strong international attention, with the Ambassador of Portugal to Nigeria, Paulo Santos, praising the organisation, professionalism, and enduring legacy of the carnival. He described his presence in Calabar as both a cultural and historical “homecoming.”

    “Calabar means ‘the quiet harbour’ in my language,” the ambassador explained, recounting the historic ties between Portugal and the ancient city. He lauded the enthusiasm and scale of participation, saying the carnival looked as though it had been organised for “200 or even 2,000 years,” rather than just two decades.

    Ambassador Santos pledged to encourage other diplomats in Abuja to experience Carnival Calabar, urging them to forgo their usual end-of-year holidays to witness what he described as one of Nigeria’s finest cultural showcases.

    One of the emotional highlights of the event came from 86-year-old UK-based diasporan, Mr. Richard Nzerem, originally from Imo State, who expressed deep gratitude for witnessing what he called a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    Having lived in the United Kingdom for over 60 years, Nzerem said the bikers’ carnival exceeded his expectations and left him fulfilled. He thanked the state government for granting him the opportunity to be part of the historic moment.

  • Niger Delta ex-agitators withdraw marginalisation claims, reconcile with PAP leadership

    Niger Delta ex-agitators withdraw marginalisation claims, reconcile with PAP leadership

    Aggrieved first-phase Niger Delta ex-agitators have formally withdrawn their earlier allegations of marginalisation against the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), reconciling with the leadership of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum in a move aimed at strengthening peace in the region.

    The reconciliation follows weeks of tension triggered by claims that some ex-agitators who surrendered their arms in 2009 were being sidelined in the implementation of the amnesty programme under the leadership of Dr Dennis Otuaro. 

    The ex-agitators have now attributed the claims to misinformation and communication gaps.

    In a joint statement, leaders of the aggrieved group, including Obekuma Jacob, Don Alex Watchman, Patrick Tebegha, Tallest Gilbert Isobo and Douglas Otokolo, publicly recanted their earlier stance and pledged loyalty to the existing forum leadership led by its National President, Chief Aroni Oputu.

    The statement said consensus was reached after engagements with the leadership of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum and the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, paving the way for renewed cooperation.

    “We, on behalf of the leaders that made the publication against Chief Dennis Otuaro, have come to declare that it was a misunderstanding. We have now resolved our differences and agreed to collaborate for the good of the Niger Delta,” the statement said.

    The ex-agitators admitted that their previous allegations of marginalisation of genuine first-phase beneficiaries were not based on facts but stemmed from personal misunderstandings and a breakdown in communication.

    They also warned against attempts by individuals or groups to exploit the earlier disagreement to create fresh divisions, stressing that such actions would be self-serving and against the collective interest of the Niger Delta struggle.

    Describing the development as the beginning of a new chapter, the ex-agitators cautioned that anyone seeking to undermine the renewed unity would be held personally responsible for their actions.

  • Group honours ACP Shaba with integrity award

    Group honours ACP Shaba with integrity award

    A group, ‘Urhobo People Integrity Organisation’(UPIO), has honoured the 2023 Best Policeman in Nigeria ACP Aliyu Shaba, with “Integrity Award On Effective Security and Policing”, for commitment to the protection of citizens lives and property, especially within Warri and Effurun metropolis where he’s currently serving as Area Commander.

    The award presentation ceremony held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government area, saw other prominent illustrious sons of Urhobo land including: the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, Hon . Francis Waive, representing Ughelli North, South and Udu federal constituency in  the Reps and a distinguished legal luminary, Ama Etuwewe (SAN).

    Speaking at the occasion, the President of UPIO, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, said the choice of ACP Shaba, for the award was carefully made after due recognition of his outstanding performance in various capacities where he had served since his redeployment to the Delta state Command.

    He noted it was based on his commitment to crime fighting, especially the flash points areas like Ekpan, Ovwian-Aladja and Ughelli that contributed in the drastic reduction of violent crimes in these places and kept the area safe for residents of these communities who now sleeps with their two eyes closed.

    “It was in recognition of all these crime combating abilities that earned him the award of the Best Police Officer in Nigeria 2023 that of the Delta state branch of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SANs) among others, in appreciation of his efforts to effectively policing of his coverage areas and beyond”.

    While stating awards such as this are meant to give honour to whom honour is due in the society, Okorodudu, urged other senior police officers to emulate the doggedness and resolve of ACP Shaba in the area of crime fighting and prevention wherever they are posted to serve.

    “It may interest you to know that the people in these communities are quietly observing the level of their commitment to a secured environment. It is in appreciation of these efforts that awards like this are being organized to honour their unrelenting crime fighting abilities within coverage areas”.

    Responding, ACP Aliyu Shaba, commended the leadership UPIO for finding him worthy to be honored among those eminent dignitaries and promised to continue to do his best in ensuring the sustenance of the ongoing war against criminal activities in the society.

    “I got all the honors and accolades I received in crime fighting as a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and this has encouraged me even more, so now that am an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) I want to assure you all that I I will stepping up my commitment to combating criminals within my coverage areas”.

    “I’m more than ever committed to this course based on the fact that to whom much is given, much is expected”.

    *I therefore wish to use this opportunity to appeal for more cooperation with residents of these communities to see security as a collective efforts. This they can do by divulging useful information to the police to work with, especially in crime prevention”, he stated.

  • Cross River sets pace in women’s economic empowerment -BudgIT Report

    Cross River sets pace in women’s economic empowerment -BudgIT Report

    Cross River State has emerged as a national pacesetter in advancing women’s economic empowerment in the latest State of Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Report by civic-tech organisation, BudgIT. 

    The report places the state among Nigeria’s top-performing sub-national governments in gender-responsive economic development.

    Presenting the report on Monday, December 22, 2025, BudgIT’s Senior Gender Analyst, Damilola Onemano, explained that the assessment evaluated how Nigeria’s 36 States are enabling women to thrive across five critical pillars—agriculture, entrepreneurship, labour markets, emerging industries, and education and skills acquisition.

    According to her: “Cross River State distinguished itself through strong, measurable outcomes in sectors that are critical to women’s long-term economic inclusion.”

    From an agricultural standpoint, Cross River recorded the highest score nationwide—3.5 out of 4 points, earning a green rating and underscoring the state’s leadership in integrating women into agricultural production and land access. “Cross River’s performance in agriculture reflects deliberate policy choices that prioritise women within the agricultural value chain,” Onemano noted.

    The report further highlighted the state’s strong showing in women’s land ownership, with rates exceeding 10 per cent but below 15 per cent—an impressive feat in a national context where women’s access to land remains significantly constrained. BudgIT described this outcome as “a meaningful step toward economic security and productivity for women, particularly in rural communities.”

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    In the emerging industries pillar—covering ICT, the green economy, creative industries and digital entrepreneurship, Cross River stood out as one of only three states, alongside Lagos and Kaduna, to achieve a green score. “These states are laying the groundwork for women to participate in future-facing industries that will drive economic growth,” the report stated, noting that no state attained the aspirational blue score in this category.

    Cross River also featured prominently in fiscal support for women, ranking among only four states nationwide, alongside Lagos, Gombe and Ebonyi,. with specific budgetary allocations for women’s access to STEM education or training. Additionally, the state was listed among a small group of states with dedicated budget lines for women in creative arts, entertainment and culture, reflecting forward-looking investment priorities.

    While Lagos State emerged as the overall best performer with a total score of 19 out of 24 points, BudgIT emphasised that Cross River’s leadership in agriculture and emerging industries positions it as “a model for inclusive and sustainable economic growth at the sub-national level.”

    Nationally, the report observed that women’s participation in emerging industries remains the weakest-performing pillar, with most states clustered in the red and yellow zones. Against this backdrop, BudgIT noted that “Cross River’s green rating signals what is achievable when gender inclusion is embedded in economic planning and budgeting.”

    The traditional labour market pillar recorded the strongest national performance overall, while women’s political representation in state legislatures continues to lag across most states. Nevertheless, BudgIT stressed that “economic empowerment outcomes, such as those recorded by Cross River State, are critical foundations for broader gender equality.”

    BudgIT acknowledged that although a majority of states now have interventions supporting women entrepreneurs, the reach of national programmes—particularly the CBN Entrepreneurship Development Programme—remains limited. “Bridging the gap between policy intent and real-world impact remains a pressing challenge,” the organisation said.

    For Cross River State, the findings of the BudgIT report serve as affirmation and impetus, reinforcing its status as a national leader in women’s economic empowerment and offering a compelling blueprint for other states seeking inclusive, gender-responsive growth.

  • Dafinone bags Integrity award for effective legislative representation

    Dafinone bags Integrity award for effective legislative representation

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has been recognised by the Urhobo people for his “effective legislative representation,” in the Senate. 

    The Urhobo People Integrity Organisation (UPIO) conferred on him an Integrity Award at its 2025 awards ceremony on Monday in Ekpan, Delta State. 

    The event, at Bon Hotel Hyatt, brought together leading Urhobo stakeholders to celebrate public officers whose actions have had a measurable impact on the Urhobo people.

    According to the President of  UPIO, Olorogun Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu, the award was in recognition of Senator Dafinone’s “immeasurable contributions to the growth and advancement of the Urhobo Nation,” citing in particular his “pivotal role in restoring peace to Okuama Community after the military attack” and his efforts in securing the release of the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom is His Royal Majesty,  Clement Ikolo.

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    To drive home the importance of his contributions to restoring peace in Okuama, the award was presented on behalf of UPIO by the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom HRM. Clement Ikolo, and received by the Senator’s Chief of Staff, Olorogun Barr. Adelabu Bodjor.

    In an appreciation message, Dafinone described the honour as “a motivation to do more for the Urhobo people at all levels,” while assuring UPIO his “continued partnership and support.” He reaffirmed his commitment to people-focused representation anchored on peace-building, justice, and development across Urhoboland.

    The ceremony was attended by prominent Urhobo sons and daughters from across the state and was chaired by the President General of the Urhobo Progress Union, Olorogun Barr. Ese Gam Owe, underscoring the broad-based validation of Senator Dafinone’s legislative impact and leadership.

    The UPU President General, Olorogun Ese Gam also applauded Senator Dafinone’s representation and tasked him to continue to promote and protect Urhobo’s interest. He also called on all Urhobo sons and daughters, home and abroad to work for the betterment of Urhobo Nation.

  • One killed, house burnt as Itsekiri communities clash in Delta 

    One killed, house burnt as Itsekiri communities clash in Delta 

    A clash between Itsekiri youths of Ugborodo and neighbouring Ogidigben riverine Itsekiri communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, at the weekend, left one person dead and a house burnt.

    The victim, Emiko Onuwaje, was reportedly attacked and killed along a road in Ogidigben, an incident that triggered outrage and heightened tension across the Ugborodo axis.

    Hours after the killing, the residence of Capt. John Deja Okpeyor was set ablaze by angry youths. Okpeyor had earlier the same day been installed as a chief of the Warri Kingdom.

    As of press time, details surrounding the incident remained sketchy. However, the killing and subsequent arson occurred amid reports of a youth leadership tussle in Ogidigben, which allegedly led to the mobilisation of youths to confront perceived opponents within the community.

    Community sources, however, maintained that Onuwaje was not involved in any mobilisation or attack on any residence. They said he was assaulted and killed on the road by unknown assailants, describing the incident as a criminal act that should not be linked to wider community disputes.

    Security presence was reportedly reinforced in parts of Ugborodo and Ogidigben to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and a text message sent to him were yet to be responded to. However, it was gathered that at least four suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing of Onuwaje.

  • PANDEF, Eradiri seek sustained N’Delta remediation, strategic investment in education

    PANDEF, Eradiri seek sustained N’Delta remediation, strategic investment in education

    Niger Delta stakeholders have renewed calls for a comprehensive, sustained environmental remediation of the Niger Delta and a “strategic” reorientation of youth education.

    They warned that failure to act could jeopardise the region’s future and Nigeria’s long-term stability.

    The call was made at the 2nd Media Conference of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) in Warri, Delta state, where the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali, delivered a keynote address titled “Safeguarding Niger Delta Natural Resources for Future Generations.”

    The IPF conference, which brought together media professionals, political leaders, including Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor (both represented), youth activists among others, saw stakeholders commit to redefining the Niger Delta narrative beyond oil dependency.

    Igali stressed that while oil and gas had defined the Niger Delta’s global relevance, the region’s future depended on environmental justice, human capital development, and diversification beyond hydrocarbons.

    “Studies abound to affirm that the Niger Delta is the most polluted place in the world. This must be addressed squarely by the Federal Government and the polluters and their successors through a conscious policy of sustained remediation,” Igali said.

    He argued that remediation efforts must go far beyond the Ogoni clean-up project, “which is a mere pilot project. This must go across the entire Niger Delta.”

    Igali identified education as the most critical tool for safeguarding the region’s natural wealth and securing intergenerational prosperity.

    According to him, the Niger Delta states are underinvesting in education despite their enormous revenues, urging state governments to meet the UNESCO benchmark of 26 per cent budgetary allocation to education.

    He said, “In 2025, the six Niger Delta states budgeted a total of ₦546 billion for education out of a combined ₦6.38 trillion budget. This is grossly inadequate,” he noted, warning that without a well-educated population, the region risks losing competitiveness.

    “If we have an educated population, we can dominate the labour market in Nigeria and perhaps all of Africa.”

    On his part, former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Udengs Eradiri, raised concerns about security, youth unemployment, and the need to realign educational priorities, particularly within the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

    On education, he argued that training must be deliberately linked to employable skills, especially with the possible end of the PAP.

    Eradiri called for a shift towards technical, maritime, aviation, robotics, petrochemical, and port logistics training.

  • Itsekiri community seeks ‘white paper implementation on Sapele lands’

    Itsekiri community seeks ‘white paper implementation on Sapele lands’

    • ...Demands halt on pipelines installations

    Abigborodo community in Warri North council area of Delta State, has called on the government to take a definite decision on the white paper report of their alleged ownership of Ugbekoko and Uton Iyatsere lands in Sapele council area.

    The community is demanding an immediate halt to ongoing pipeline installations by Seplat Energy Plc in the area, until the company engages the community as host to its oil facilities in oil mining lease (OML) 41.

    At a news conference at the community’s town hall, the people warned against deployment of security agents to intimidate or suppress their legitimate protests over its lands in Ugbekoko, Uton Iyatsere and Abigborodo.

    Leaders of the community accused the company of proceeding with new pipeline projects without consultation, despite repeated petitions and documentary evidence establishing Abigborodo’s ownership of the affected lands. 

    They said the actions of the company were in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 and the Host Communities Development Regulations of 2022, which mandate oil companies to engage and recognise their host communities.

    Further calling on the Delta State Government to urgently implement the white paper arising from a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Okpe Sobo Forest Reserve, published in gazette no. 1 of 2021, they claimed it affirmed Abigborodo’s ownership of the disputed lands and made recommendations for recognition and compensation.

    They also drew attention to the report of the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee set up to investigate complaints against Seplat, which reportedly concluded that Abigborodo and Ugbekoko are host communities. 

    According to them, the failure of government to act on the committee’s findings had left the community marginalised and excluded from benefits accruing from oil operations in the area.

    “The commencement of pipeline operations without resolving earlier disputes leaves much to be desired,” the community declared, warning that such actions could fuel communal crises and social unrest in the Niger Delta.

    Answering questions from reporters, the chairman of the Abigborodo Management Committee, Misan Ukubehinje Esq., stated that unless SEPLAT engages meaningfully with Abigborodo, tensions could escalate.

  • Oku Ibom Ibibio urges support for Tinubu’s reforms, Eno’s ARISE Agenda

    Oku Ibom Ibibio urges support for Tinubu’s reforms, Eno’s ARISE Agenda

    The Oku Ibom of Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, has called on the Ibibios and Akwa Ibom people to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa ibom state.

    He  made the made the call at the 58th General Assembly of the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio organisation, held at its International Secretariat Uyo at the weekend.

    The monarch said that Tinubu and Eno are repositioning Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State for greater glory, peace and sustainable development.

    His Eminence Etuk is also the President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio.

    He commended the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet, NPOM, for his exceptional, purposeful and unifying leadership, noting that the organisation has recorded renewed strength, cohesion and global visibility under his stewardship. 

    He urged members to sustain unity, warned against disunity and backstabbing, and encouraged Ibibio sons and daughters to support one another for collective advancement.

     The monarch also acknowledged the historic role played by Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio in the unity and development of Akwa Ibom State and bestowed royal blessings on members.

    In his welcome address, Akparawa James Edet, NPOM, paid tribute to the foresight of the organisation’s founding fathers and highlighted key milestones of his administration, including the upgrade of facilities at the Mboho Unity Schools, improvements at the International Secretariat, and enhanced welfare and administrative systems within the organisation.

    He also highlighted the execution of intervention projects at the Mboho Unity Schools, carried out in partnership with various chapters, notably Houston, New York, Dallas, London and Connecticut, describing the initiatives as strong expressions of unity, commitment and shared responsibility.

    The International President further outlined his administration’s achievements in global expansion and diaspora integration, announcing the establishment of new chapters in Phoenix, New Jersey, Ireland, Ikorodu, Uyo Metropolitan, Toronto, Calgary and Connecticut. He described the expansion as “a formidable pillar of unity, growth and international visibility.”

    Addressing challenges confronting the organisation, Akparawa Edet expressed concern over the destruction of Mboho’s legacy property in Lagos but urged members to remain calm, assuring them that the matter is being handled through appropriate channels at the highest level.

    On national issues, he raised concern over banditry, insurgency, kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening national stability and economic growth, and called for collective vigilance, renewed patriotism and full cooperation with security agencies. 

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, describing it as “a round peg in a round hole,” and urged broad national support for his efforts.

    He praised Governor Eno for the upgrade of the Victor Attah Airport to full international status, noting its benefits for aviation, tourism, commerce and global visibility, and acknowledged the governor’s achievements under the ARISE Agenda across infrastructure, agriculture, education, social welfare and rural development. 

    He also commended the cordial working relationship between President Tinubu, Governor Eno and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, describing the synergy as a stabilising force that enhances political stability and development prospects for Akwa Ibom State and the nation. 

    He further applauded the appointment of Senator Ita Solomon Enang as Ambassador-designate and appealed for greater inclusion of qualified Ibibio sons and daughters in federal appointments.

    The International President appealed to political leaders across party and ethnic divides to exercise restraint in words and conduct, rise above bitterness, and place the collective wellbeing of Nigerians above all other considerations, emphasising that the true strength of the nation rests on unity of purpose and sincerity of service.

    The General Assembly concluded with the Presidential Night of Distinction and End-of-Year Gala, during which past leaders were honoured for their enduring contributions and legacy, while some chapters and distinguished members were also recognised for their outstanding service and commitment to the organisation. Members and guests later celebrated in an atmosphere of music, dance and fellowship.