The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Locally-driven approaches to peace, conflict management in Niger Delta

    Locally-driven approaches to peace, conflict management in Niger Delta

    By David Udofia 

    Data has shown that violent conflict in the Niger Delta is driven by a variety of interrelated and often overlapping factors, including historical tensions and grievances over natural resources’ allocation, leadership tussles, land disputes, cultism and a proliferation of armed groups.

     Over the years, PIND through its peacebuilding program has amplified the efforts of local peace actors by facilitating locally owned interventions and peacebuilding networks, filling knowledge gaps that hitherto held back local peace actors from taking their efforts to scale, and by providing skills, information, platforms and resources for advocacy, conflict analysis and mitigation. 

    This has also resulted in enhancing the capacity of peace actors to respond in a more coordinated and targeted manner to the rapidly changing conflict dynamics in the region. 

    PIND’s peacebuilding program plays a vital role in Chevron Nigeria Limited’s (CNL) community engagement efforts in the Niger Delta. In October 2023, PIND facilitated a peacebuilding and conflict Early Warning Response (EWER) training and engagement for CNL’s Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) in Delta and Ondo states. 

    The HCDT committees nominated community members including youth and women for the peacebuilding and EWER capacity building training In Delta state, a total of 43 participants were selected from four HCDTs including: Warri Kingdom Onshore; Ogulagha; Egbema OPUDIS; and Gbaramatu HCDTs, while 33 participants were selected from Ugboland HCDT in Ondo State. 

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    The participants were trained on various aspects of conflict management such as volunteerism, cooperation, leadership, peacebuilding, conflict analysis, conflict management styles, and conflict early warning and early response (EWER) system as a strategic tool for reporting and proactively responding to grievances and conflict issues. 

    The peacebuilding and EWER capacity building training for the CNL’s HCDTs was essential for the implementation of the HCDT component of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Following the signing into law of the PIA in 2021, CNL dissolved its Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) arrangement, and established the HCDTs in 2021 to continue its corporate social responsibility activities through the multi-stakeholder community engagement approach. 

    There are currently six CNL’s HCDT community clusters, each composed of community representatives responsible for identifying and implementing community development projects. The ultimate aim is to improve the relationship between CNL and its host communities, reduce communal tensions, decrease violence, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. 

    The successful implementation of the HCDTs requires an operational-level conflict management support through a grassroots-based conflict EWER system that can help stakeholders to spotlight communal grievances and respond quickly in a targeted manner to prevent escalation of violence, and in the long run effectively manage the changing dynamics of conflicts in the host communities. 

    Locally-owned and community-driven conflict management initiatives are key to achieving sustainable peace and economic growth in the Niger Delta. The direct involvement of local actors in conflict early warning and response interventions helps to prioritize the perspectives and needs of communities facing conflict by ensuring that the design and management of early warning systems are closely connected with the process of understanding what types of response mechanisms exist in their community. 

    The strategic engagement of community-based peace actors ensures that conflict management interventions are locally owned, address the current realities on the ground in contextually appropriate ways, promote sustainability and effectiveness of interventions, and appropriately respond to longer term peacebuilding needs and opportunities.

    Over the years, PIND through its peacebuilding program has amplified the efforts of local peace agents by facilitating locally owned interventions and peacebuilding networks in the Niger Delta. PIND is currently leveraging traditional institutions including traditional rulers and community leaders as part of efforts to empower and engage critical stakeholders in peacebuilding and conflict prevention at the community level. The ultimate aim of this approach is to ensure that conflict management interventions are locally owned, and to promote sustainability and effectiveness of interventions. 

    To ensure the effective and sustainable engagement of local peace actors in managing conflict at the community level, stakeholders including civil society organizations (CSOs) must continually fill knowledge gaps that are holding back local peace actors from taking their efforts to scale, and by providing skills, information, platforms and resources for advocacy, conflict analysis and mitigation planning and implementation. This must include periodic capacity building training, to sustain the capacity of local peace actors to respond in a more coordinated and targeted manner to the rapidly changing conflict dynamics in the region. 

    David Udofia is the Peacebuilding Program Manager, at the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND)

  • Why we chose our 4th lecture theme – Delta Online Publishers

    Why we chose our 4th lecture theme – Delta Online Publishers

    The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) is set to host its highly anticipated annual convention and lecture series on November 22, 2023. 

    With the central theme, “Fiscal Policy and Taxation – Balancing Revenue Generation and Economic Growth,” the forum aims to delve into the intricate relationship between revenue generation strategies and sustainable economic development.

    In a statement jointly signed by Chairman Emmanuel Enebeli and Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, the organizers highlighted the critical relevance of the chosen topic, especially in the current landscape where governments continually seek to bolster revenue streams while struggling to communicate the rationale behind increased taxation vis-à-vis tangible economic growth.

    “The topic is very germane, especially with the present conditions where the governments of the day are daily exploring avenues to increase revenue to meet up with development plans, but still, the people find it difficult to understand reasons for the drive for an increase in taxation but little in the areas of economic growth,” stated the organizers.

    The keynote speaker for the event is esteemed tax expert, Dr. Mrs. Doris Amaka Ochei, whose insights promise to shed light on the complexities of taxation and its correlation with economic progress. The occasion will be chaired by a distinguished chief and academician, adding prestige to the discourse.

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    Backing the keynote address, a diverse panel of discussants will offer multifaceted perspectives from various sectors. Representatives from traditional institutions, government bodies, the legislature, and civil society, including Boney Akaeze, Programs Coordinator at the Foundation for Non-Violent Social Change (FNSC) and Convener of The Back of the Yard Vanguard (BYV), will contribute their invaluable viewpoints.

    The annual event will commence on November 21, 2023, beginning with the induction of new members. The induction will be followed by a retreat focusing on business development and strategies to access funding from institutions like the Bank of Industry and Premium Trust Bank.

    This convention serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering dialogue among stakeholders, and charting a path towards a more balanced approach to fiscal policy and taxation that fosters both revenue growth and sustainable development.

  • NDDC chairman harps on collaboration, renewed hope agenda

    NDDC chairman harps on collaboration, renewed hope agenda

    The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mr. Chinedu Ebie, has stressed the need for collaboration with all stakeholders in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for Nigeria and the Niger Delta region in particular.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the NDDC Board at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, Ebie said that the Commission would achieve more when there is collaboration and harmony in the development process.

    He stated: “To maintain focus on our development efforts, the Board will honor and collaborate with critical stakeholders in the region. We will execute legacy projects based on detailed needs assessment. Furthermore, we will seek strategic collaborations and partnerships with opinion leaders, community leaders, professionals and development partners to leverage constructive and attainable outlooks.

    “Effective communication with key stakeholders is paramount in the discharge of our duties as this will foster trust, restore transparency and promote accountability; all of which are of great importance to the people of the region and Nigeria in general.”

    “The Board will stand on the pedestal of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope mantra. We will look back at the vision and history of NDDC’s 23-year existential journey, aligning it with current realities and the objectives of the current administration. This approach will illuminate the yearning needs of the people of the Niger Delta, identify the commission’s challenges, and proffer workable solutions.

    “We acknowledge the genuine endeavors of our predecessors, who, at various times worked towards the development of the Niger Delta region through infrastructure projects and human capital development. Nonetheless, evident gaps still persist, as brought to light during our confirmation hearing at the National Assembly, especially concerning legacy and signature projects. This emphasizes the imperative for additional efforts and reforms centered around the needs of the people.”

    “In tandem with the Presidency, National Assembly and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, we will take coordinated steps to come up with plans that will systematically guide our actions and efforts in actualizing our mandate.

    “We earnestly seek the support and goodwill of stakeholders and people of the Niger Delta Region to enable us usher in a new era of vitality, hope, peace and sustainable development for the region.”

    Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, warned the new Board of the NDDC to either perform or get the boot.

    He challenged the newly inaugurated board on the need to change the narratives around the commission. 

    He explained that the current administration has a template to measure performance and any board that fails to measure up will be shown the way out. 

    According to him:  “And it is also necessary for you to know that this administration is quite different from others because they are going to be a lot of supervision and monitoring in order for us to deliver. 

    “Mr. President as you are aware, two weeks ago, myself as a minister and the Permanent Secretary signed performance bond, with Mr. President and the performance bond that we signed with Mr. President, have deliverables that are associated with the eight presidential priorities. 

    “He also said the members of the board would be made to sign performance bond just like the ministers.

    “This, he however said will be done during a proposed retreat for NDDC board members and management team.  

    ” So it’s very, very important because the President is not joking with this, and from time to time, we are expected to present our reports and there is also a committee that will be set up by Mr. president to monitor the performance of each ministry and the agencies. 

    “So I think I want this one to be behind your mind so that as you start your work, you know exactly what is expected from you.”

    On the need to change the negative perspective about the Commission, Momoh said: ” We are all aware that over time, there have been a lot of complaints about NDDC

    “I want to also use this opportunity to appeal that this time around, we need to change the narratives.

    “All those negative statements around the commission let us as much as possible, this time to say well under the presidency of Mr. President, Senator Bola Tinubu and my leadership in the ministry and yourself operating at that level, that all those negative statements about NDDC are changed.

    “And what am I saying, there are quiet a number of abandoned projects in NDDC,  there are quite a number of indebtedness in NDDC. 

    He further posited that members of the board should take it as a responsibility to develop the region.

    “Because you are all from Niger Delta, and the progress of that area is supposed to be your utmost concern,” Momoh said.

    Momoh also challenged the board on the need to complete abandoned projects scattered across the nine states that makes up the commission. 

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    He said, “So, I believe by the time you resume work, first of all check around and see such projects and get them completed.”

    He also urged the board to look inward, saying that “By the time you start project execution, let us focus on those projects that will give us name. 

    He also appealed to the new management to offset the debt of the commission to its contractors, especially the local contractors with “very small amount, not more than N30 million”.

    “So that’s why we say you need to be advised from the beginning on the need to work in harmony both members of the board and management, you need to work in harmony and make sure that you deliver and let it be record in your name that in your time NDDC was transformed,” he stressed. 

    He said, “Let me also advise you, you are going to work as a team. Needless to tell you that you need to work in harmony. You must work in harmony. Every person should understand his/her role.

  • Dafinone congratulates Brume-Ataguba over appointment as NPC Commissioner

    Dafinone congratulates Brume-Ataguba over appointment as NPC Commissioner

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has congratulated Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba on her appointment as a Federal Commissioner Designate of the National Population Commission (NPC) by President Ahmed Bola Ahmed Tinubu to represent Delta State.

    In a statement on Friday, Dafinone described the appointment as well-deserved, given Brume-Ataguba’s contributions to the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta and her long-standing loyalty to the party as a founding member.

    While applauding the President for his choice of Brume-Ataguba, a worthy Urhobo daughter, Dafinone assured that the grassroots mobilizer and community leader would bring her wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of her duties.

    The statement reads: “On behalf of the great people of Delta Central Senatorial District, which I represent in the 10th Senate, I wish to congratulate you, my dear sister, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, on your meritorious appointment as NPC Commissioner by Mr. President,” Dafinone said. “This has shown that loyalty and hard work pay.”

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    “This is one appointment that has gladdened the hearts of many APC faithful in Delta State. As a member of the State Executive Committee, Brume-Ataguba’s unwavering commitment and loyalty to the party is unquestionable.”

    “As a grassroots mobilizer and community leader who has lived most of her life interacting and relating with our people both in rural and urban areas, coupled with her international exposure, I can assure Mr. President that Mrs Blessyn Brume-Ataguba will help his administration Renew Hope Agenda.”

    “We can attest to the fact that she is well-read and can deliver on her mandate, having successfully run her family business and estate, thereby sustaining the legacies of late Senator Fred Brume. 

    “The experiences she has garnered over the years will be valuable in her current appointment, and we are confident that she will not disappoint Mr. President and the Urhobo nation”

  • Amnesty: group calls for Ndiomu’s replacement

    Amnesty: group calls for Ndiomu’s replacement

    A group under the aegis of Ijaws in Oil and Gas (IOG) has called on President Bola Tinubu and his National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to replace the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major-Gen Barry Ndiomu (Rtd).

    A statement by the National Coordinator of the group, Comr. Ebipams Johnny, Momday asserted that the PAP boss is out of ideas to run the Office and his tenure has expired, hence the need for his replacement. 

    Expressing concern that the pattern of corruption that bedeviled the Niger Delta Development Commission was “now unfolding within the Amnesty office,” the group appealed for swift action noting that several ex-agitators are miffed by the development.

    Alleging “incompetence,” the statement said: “The Amnesty programme, led by Maj-Gen Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), has lost its effectiveness in disarming, rehabilitating, and reintegrating former militants and agitators into the society.

    “This has led to dissatisfaction among the youths in the Niger Delta, particularly in the light of recent events in Rivers State and the upcoming Bayelsa State elections. 

    “It is evident that Ndiomu’s interim tenure has long expired, both in terms of ideas and the delay in reintegrating these youths, especially considering the economic challenges in the country.”

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    Continuing, it said, “this is a strong appeal to the National Security Adviser, Nuru Ribadu, and the President to prevent a return to the turbulent conditions experienced prior to 2009, when Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo led other agitators and initiated peace in the region. 

    “It is crucial to emphasize that, given the current economic challenges and ongoing events in the Niger Delta, it would be prudent not to politicize an office that is vital for promoting peace and development in Nigeria.”

    Stressing the need for sustained peace and security in the Niger Delta, especially to enable smooth crude oil activities, the group stated, “it’s imperative for the National Security Adviser, Nuru Ribadu, to take proactive measures by appointing a highly competent individual.”

  • Group hails Speaker Abbas, Bichi over Supplementary budget passage

    Group hails Speaker Abbas, Bichi over Supplementary budget passage

    A National Assembly Support Group has lauded Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, for the passage of what it called the people-oriented 2023 supplementary budget proposals by President Bola Tinubu.

    The group, in a statement, said the commitment of Speaker Abbas and Bichi led to accelerated hearing, defence and passage of the N2.176 trillion budget signed into law by President Tinubu on Wednesday.

    According to the statement by the group’s conveners, Umeh Faith and Fidelis Sunday, the swift action of the House under Abbas and the Bichi-led Appropriations Committee showed they were sensitive to the plights of Nigerians and interest of the Nigeria at heart.

    “Having recognised the urgency of the budget to address hardship being faced by Nigerians and addressing security as well as infrastructure needs of the people, the Green Chamber wasted no time to approve the request to make funds available to tackle those challenges.

    “Recall that President Tinubu had sent a letter on Tuesday last week 

    requesting for the speedy passage of the supplementary appropriation bill (budget) to enable the federal government finance additional palliative measures and other projects.

    “The House of Nigerian people concerned with the current socioeconomic situation on the same day slated the executive bill (budget) for second reading and it was passed and referred to the Committee on Appropriations for further legislative action.

    “The Appropriations Committee too took immediate action and on Wednesday held budget defence with the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi; Minister of Defence, Hon. Abubakar Badaru; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; the Director General Department of State Service, Yusuf Bichi; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and all the Service Chiefs, among others.

    “Bichi and his team had sleepless night to make the tedious report ready for laying, consideration and approval on Thursday when it was given the nod of the parliament. Thereafter, the Committee worked round the clock to harmonise with Senate and transmit the bill to the President who eventually signed it on Thursday,” they said.

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    The group further said that in demonstration of genuine concern about real issues disturbing Nigerians, the Appropriations Committee tinkered with the budget by moving funds to the areas in dire need of attention.

    “For instance, they increased students loan from the N5 billion proposed by the executive to N10 billion; Ministry of Defence had about N456 billion but they gave it  the largest share because of how important security is. They increased thee budget from N456 billion to N546, 209,099,671 billion.

    “The office of National Security, the initial budget was N29 billion but it was increased to N50 billion. Service wide votes initially was N615 billion but was reduced it to N515 billion,” they added.

  • Bayelsa grassroots movement demands peaceful poll, drums support for Diri

    Bayelsa grassroots movement demands peaceful poll, drums support for Diri

    The Grassroots Movement for the re-election of Governor Douye Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has pledged to ensure they win on Saturday.

    It also urged the people to turn out and vote massively for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and ensure the election is peaceful.

    The group spoke in Yenagoa at a political rally, which attracted teeming supporters of the Governor.

    At the forum, various stakeholders stated that Diri’s first term scorecard is enough for him to be re-elected.

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    They noted that for there to be continuity in good governance, Diri should be re-elected.

    Those who spoke include Bayelsa Central Coordinator Coordinator, Abel Ebifemowei, Bayelsa West Coordinator, Jenakumo and Deputy Coordinator, Charity Kens GodwinGodwin among others.

    Deputy Coordinator, Bayelsa East East, George Turner and Deputy Coordinator, Bayelsa Central, Chief Natus Zebakame, said the group is made up of “people of good conscience who have deplored their personal resources and dedicated themselves to the growth and development of Bayelsa State to the glory of God.”

  • Delta, Igbinx Ede Construction sign contract for road, drainage works in Asaba–Okpanam corridor

    Delta, Igbinx Ede Construction sign contract for road, drainage works in Asaba–Okpanam corridor

    The Delta State Government has signed a ₦42.5 billion contract with Igbinx Ede Construction Co. for new road and drainage works across the Asaba–Okpanam corridor, a fast-growing area that has faced recurring congestion and severe seasonal flooding. 

    The project forms part of the administration’s effort to improve mobility, protect residential zones, and support commercial expansion around the capital region.

    At the signing ceremony in Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, said the selection of Igbinx Ede Construction Co. followed months of technical assessments, engineering reviews, and budgeting evaluations carried out by the Ministries of Works and Finance.

    “This agreement reflects a careful process. We considered capacity, past performance, and alignment with the State’s long-term infrastructure goals. We believe the company is well-prepared to deliver,” he said.

    The Governor explained that the works will ease traffic along key access roads serving Okpanam, Ibusa Road, and sections feeding into the dual carriageway toward Ogwashi-Uku. 

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    He added that the drainage components are designed to address long-standing flooding that affects homes, small businesses, and transport operators during peak rainfall.

    The scope of work includes reconstruction and widening of selected roads, installation of reinforced concrete drainage channels along high-risk flood zones, and upgrades to adjoining routes that connect residential layouts to the main Asaba urban network.

    Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, and Comrade Reuben Izeze, Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), signed on behalf of the Delta State Government. The Managing Director of Igbinx Ede Construction Co. signed on behalf of the company.

    The Managing Director thanked the State Government for the opportunity to execute the project. “We take this responsibility seriously. Our team is prepared to mobilize quickly and deliver work that will serve the State for the long term,” he said.

    Senior officials from the Ministries of Works and Justice, along with engineers and representatives from Igbinx Ede Construction Co., attended the ceremony.

  • Dafinone congratulates Ajagba for defeating Australia’s Joe Goodall In Nevada

    Dafinone congratulates Ajagba for defeating Australia’s Joe Goodall In Nevada

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta North) has felicitated Nigerian boxing heavyweight, Efe Ajagba, for defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title after defeating Australia’s Joe Goodall on Sunday.

    Dafinone also congratulated Nigerian musician and former winner of BBNaija, Michael Efe Ejeba, famously called Efe, for his remarkable performance to welcome Ajagba into the fighting arena.

    Ajagba defeated Goodall in the fourth round through a knocks-out after the Aussie failed to recover from uppercut punches from the Nigerian hard-hitting puncher.

    The fight was held at the Reno Tahoe Event Center in Nevada, United States, on Sunday morning (Nigerian time).

    Ajagba hails from Ughelli Kingdom while Efe hails from Okpe Kingdom both in Delta State.

    In a statement on Sunday, Dafinone said he received the victory of Ajagba and the successful defence of his WBC heavyweight title with joy and fulfilment.

    Dafinone said he was particularly elated watching two Urhobos collaborating to make Urhobo and Nigeria proud on the global stage.

    He noted that Nigeria is richly endowed with talents in sports, music, education and entertainment, but only waiting to be properly harnessed for the country’s benefit.

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    The Delta Central lawmaker, however, called on Delta and Federal Governments to harness the abundant talents inherent among the youths for the betterment and development of the state and country.

    Senator Dafinone added that he enjoyed Efe’s performance which had a fusion of Urhobo and English. He enjoined Nigerian musicians of Urhobo extraction to use their craft to protect and sustain the Urhobo language just as their counterparts from Yoruba and other tribes are currently doing.

    “I congratulate Efe Ajagba on his victory against Australia’s Joe Goodall early this morning. I watched the duo of Ajagba and Efe doing Urhobo and Nigeria proud on the global stage. It was fascinating watching a fellow Urhobo singing for another to defend his title.

    “Urhobo from time immemorial has been the centrepiece for producing legendary sportsmen and women, accountants, musicians, comedians, and entertainers. Urhobo’s contribution to Nigeria’s good name on the global stage was reechoed today through Ajagba’s victory.

    “I congratulate Efe Ajagba for defending his title. Knocking out his Aussie opponent in the 4th round, clearly shows, he is ready to be a World champion in the boxing arena and I can’t wait to watch this happen.

    “Also, I commend Efe for his performance while opening the fight for Ajagba. Such collaboration and brotherliness is what the Urhobo youth need to emulate and win together.

    “All Urhobos including our musicians have a task of protecting the Urhobo language through their songs and communication from going into extinction,” the statement added.

  • Media aide thanks Eno over appointment

    Media aide thanks Eno over appointment

    The Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Media, Comrade Eneh John has extended heartfelt appreciation to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on his appointment.

    In a statement, Eneh said: “I write to extend my profound appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for bestowing upon me the honour to serve as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media.

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    “I will continue to propagate the gospel of the ARISE Agenda, and seek further collaborations with stakeholders in the media, and Akwa Ibom people, to support the administration of His Excellency.

    “His Excellency is a man of his word, loved by Akwa Ibom people, and with his wider acceptability across board since assumption of office, we’re confident that the Governor will deliver effectively.

    “I’ll continue to pledge my unalloyed support to the administration of His Excellency, and deliver on every assigned task. When the Governor wins in every delivered promises, the greater beneficiaries will be Akwa Ibom people.”