The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

Tinubu’s love for Niger Delta has enhanced NDDC’s operations, say elder statesmen, professional bodies

…Stakeholders applaud NDDC board’s transparent leadership

Prominent elder statesmen, professional bodies and ethnic nationalities have appreciated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the development of the Niger Delta saying his love for the region has enhanced the operations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

In a communique they issued after reviewing the operations of the NDDC, the critical stakeholders said President Tinubu demonstrated his love for the region through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta.

Those, who signed the communique are Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Sen. Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Olorugun Ese Gams, Prof. Chris Akpotu, Prof. Simeon Achinewu Prof. Atuboyedia W. Obianime, Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, Chief Edward Okpoko Mr. Dominic Saatah, Prof. Emenike Wami and Sir. Essang Nsa Bassey among others.

In the communique entitled, NDDC Board and Management, Pioneering Excellence, the elders expressed their gratitude for the renewed peace in the region saying it was transforming the negative narratives of the past concerning the Niger Delta.

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The leaders said: “We sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the leadership and members of the National Assembly, and other key policymakers for their steadfast support for the Niger Delta through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“We see how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta have significantly enhanced the operations of the NDDC and has enabled the Commission to fulfill its mandate more effectively and been repositioned as a strategic vehicle.

*The President’s dedication to empowering the people of the Niger Delta through initiatives that prioritize skill acquisition, educational support, and entrepreneurial development through NDDC have not only transformed lives but have also restored confidence in the Commission’s activities”.

The stakeholders said the proactive oversight and legislative support from the National Assembly had further reinforced the President’s strides, ensuring that the unique needs of the region remained at the forefront of developmental initiatives.

They prayed that all funds due the commission that was yet to be released should be given to the commission to further boost the operations of the NDDC.

They said: “We commend the synergy between the current Board and Management of the NDDC. Under their stewardship, the Commission has demonstrated a renewed focus on addressing the core developmental challenges faced by our communities.

“Their strategic initiatives have not only prioritized essential infrastructure development but have also embraced the empowerment of our people through skill acquisition, educational support, and entrepreneurial assistance.

“We recognize their commendable efforts in driving sustainable development, fostering transparency, and implementing impactful projects across the Niger Delta.

“We applaud the Board and Management of the NDDC for their proactive engagement with key stakeholders and for establishing robust frameworks to ensure accountability and inclusivity in their operations.

“These measures have significantly restored public trust and enhanced the Commission’s credibility. We believe that, with continuous support from all stakeholders, the current Board and Management will consolidate the core mandate of the NDDC, as they have demonstrated the capacity to chart a transformative course for our region.

“We pledge our full support and partnership in advancing the shared vision of sustainable growth and peace in the Niger Delta.

“As stakeholders, we remain committed to collaborating with the NDDC, the Federal Government, and all other partners to build upon this foundation of progress. Together, we can achieve a Niger Delta that epitomizes peace, growth, and prosperity for everyone.

“We call on all stakeholders, governmental agencies, and the general public to continue their support for the leadership of the NDDC as they work diligently to realize the aspirations of our people”.

Others, who signed the communique are Chief Ita Ante, High Chief Thompson Fouye, Elder T. K Ogiriba, Dr. Aziba-Aloaguo Seibofa, Dr. Ken Robinson, Elder Marshal Kunoun, D. D Kalsuo Archbishop Emmanuel Julius Ediwe Legborsi Pyagbara, Chief Ebiegberi Domo-Spiff and Amb Kennedy Tonjo West among others.

January 29, 2025
Nwifuru’s aide not arrested over N200m contract, says Ebonyi

Ebonyi State Government has debunked reports alleging arrest of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s Senior Special Assistant on Project Monitoring, Chukwuma Nwiboko.

Nwiboko, according to some media reports, was allegedly arrested over some contracts he was involved in for the State Government.

According to the reports, he is allegedly under investigation for non execution of some contracts worth over N200m.

But the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa in a statement described the allegations as false and misleading.

According to him: “the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State on Project Monitoring, Chukwuma Nwiboko was not arrested by any Law Enforcement Agency and he is neither in detention nor under investigation of any contract, as non was awarded to him”.

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“Let me explicitly inform the general public, that this is false and misleading.”

Oketa explained that Governor Francis Nwifuru is investigating the ongoing contract execution of the duplexes of traditional rulers in the State.

He further explained that the Governor is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring all contractors who are found wanting in the execution of the projects are made to face the Law.

The Media aide further noted Nwiboko is part of the team carrying out the investigation and was only at the police station for a brief moment as a witness.

“The SSA to the Governor on project monitoring, Chukwuma Nwiboko is one of those saddled with the responsibility of fishing out the derailing contractors, as it is part of his job to monitor ongoing projects and report progress to the Governor.

“He was not awarded any contract, not to imagine one of such magnitude being alleged. He was only at the police station for some moments, as witness for the police who are investigating some of the arrested contractors,” Oketa said.

January 29, 2025
Onoh greets Fubara at 50

President Bola Tinubu’s former campaign spokesman in the south east Dr Josef Onoh has hailed Rivers Governor Simi Fubara who clocked 50 on Tuesday.

Onoh, in the message, asked Fubara to remain focused in offering good governance to the people of Rivers State as he swore in his oath of office..

He described Fubara as a man of wisdom whose large heart has accommodated and united the diverse people, residents and stakeholders of the oil-producing State in the Niger Delta.

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Onoh stated that the people of Nigeria, Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State are united in their support for the success of the Fubura administration and urged him to prioritise people’s needs over and above any other consideration.

“On behalf of myself and family, I wish you more prosperous years in good health and wisdom. In the words of Thomas Osbert Mordaunt, ‘Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife!
Throughout the sensual world proclaim,
One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name.”

“Happy birthday, Your Excellency. “Odunejogu Ndigbo! Odibo di uru Ndigbo, Dike di Igbo NMA,” Onoh stated.

January 28, 2025
Edo First Lady Office Administrator hails Sulaiman-Ibrahim on accomplishments

The administrator of the Edo State First Lady Office, Edesili Okpebholo Arani, has commended the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for her hard work and accomplishments in national assignments.

She spoke during a courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja on Monday.

The administrator was accompanied by the newly appointed Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief Bisi Idaomi, who sought the minister’s support on behalf of the Edo women.

She outlined all the beautiful projects of the governor, and his determination to create an enabling environment for women and children, and the entire Edo people.

According to her, the state’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Centre was the best as it boasts of modern facilities, which include a creche, skills acquisition centre, and a shelter home where victims are rehabilitated and re-integrated into society.

The Commissioner also commended the minister and urged her to carry her along in policies and other activities of the ministry.

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She assured the minister that the entire 18 local governments and 192 wards would be grateful for her practical assistance to the state.

The minister commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for hitting the ground running in such a short time.

She assured the Administrator and the commissioner that Edo is very dear to her heart, promising to make the state a focal choice of her programmes, among others.

The minister said her desire for each state is to set aside N1billion for victims of SGBV, which will be coordinated by the state and its committee.

She thanked them for the visit and promised to carry the commissioner along in all her activities.

January 28, 2025
Otti warns against extortion, fraud in Abia teachers’ recruitment

Abia State Government has warned individuals or groups planning to extort or defraud applicants in the ongoing recruitment of over 2,000 teachers for public schools, to be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

The government had last week announced its decision to recruit about 2,500 teachers in public schools across the state.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Alex Otti emphasised the commitment of his administration to a transparent and merit-based selection process.

The statement said the recruitment aimed to revive the state’s education sector, which had faced challenges over the years.

Ekeoma revealed that the application process would be conducted online, with detailed guidelines to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.

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He acknowledged concerns that some desperate applicants might fall victim of unscrupulous elements seeking to manipulate the system for personal gain.

The statement noted: ‘’Transformative measures, including sponsored extension of teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65.

‘’Approval of a special welfare package for teachers, particularly in rural areas. Introduction of tuition-free education in primary and secondary schools. Approval of monthly running costs for school heads.

‘’Reconstruction and retrofitting of school buildings across the state’s 17 local governments. Training of 200 master trainers by a renowned consultancy firm to enhance teacher capacity.’’

The government urged the public to report cases of bribery, extortion, or fraud, saying anyone caught violating the recruitment guidelines would face legal consequences.

January 27, 2025
FUTO warns against dropping governor’s name to grab disputed land

Host communities of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) have cautioned dubious individuals in Imo State against dropping the name of Governor Hope Uzodimma and his administration for the purpose of grabbing the community’s disputed land.

The communities, which spoke through their attorney, Chief Sam Anokam, described as misleading and outright falsehood, the claim by some individuals in media reports that the disputed land with FUTO in Obinze and Umuoma Nekede communities in Owerri West Local Government was acquired by the Imo State Government under a housing project.

The report also claimed that the land was collectively released by the communities to the state government, saying the land in dispute was outside the area under litigation between FUTO and host communities.

But, the host communities, which described the claim as untrue and misleading, insisted that the land was part of the subject land in contest between the host communities and FUTO.

Anokam warned companies and individuals against dragging the officials of the state government and Imo State Housing Corporation into the said land.

“These persons are pursuing vested, personal interests as land grabbers, who are dropping the name of the governor. Let me add that the said prominent persons should make public, letter of the land release.

“They should produce letter of land release by Imo State governor or the Federal Government. It is meant to once again defraud unsuspecting land purchasers.

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“These dubious people are fond of using Imo Housing Corporation. Where is the former Commissioner for Housing and ex-General Manager of Imo Housing Corporation? They were agents of land grabbing activities over this swathe of land.

“Imagine the dubious persons crediting my efforts at initiating the intervention of the Federal Government to Imo State Government. I challenge them to publish Imo State Government correspondence that gave rise to the Inter-ministerial Committee and I publish mine and the Federal Government response.

“If the governor is behind them, then the governor should apologise to his former Commissioner for Lands, Noble Atulegwu and Nze Chinasa Nwaneri for disgracing them out of office over the same land grabbing offence.”

January 27, 2025
Enugu okays landmark climate, off-grid electricity policies

Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, has approved Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP), making it the first subnational government in Nigeria to adopt a long-term climate strategy that incorporates emissions modelling, micro-energy audits and extensive stakeholder engagement.

The State Executive Council has also okayed Enugu State Off-Grid Electrification (OGE) Policy Strategy Plan, to expand electricity access to unserved and underserved communities, leveraging distributed renewable energy solutions to drive economic growth and improve public service delivery.

The approvals were announced by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the end of the State Executive Council meeting at the weekend.

Briefing reporters alongside the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Nathaniel Uramah, Onyia said ESCPAP underscored Mbah administration’s commitment to balancing economic transformation, environmental sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness and climate resilience, ensuring key sectors such as agriculture, energy and natural resources were climate-resilient and future-proofed against environmental challenges.

The ESCPAP, according to the government, represents a pioneering effort to facilitate clean energy development, stimulate job creation and foster green technology advancements.

“We do recall that Enugu State had started this policy design in the past eight months, and finally, after the surveys and after crunching the numbers from various instruments we used, we have come up with a policy and action plan.

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“This action plan will help us enhance economic growth. This is very important for us in job creation, and we are looking at a situation where we facilitate the creation of 792,000 jobs in renewable energy, waste management and reforestation by 2060,” he said.

In terms of sustainable economic growth, ESCPAP is projected to drive a 25-fold increase in the state’s GDP by 2060 through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and green technology.

In terms of energy transition, the state, going by the policy, targets 80 per cent renewable energy usage by 2060, with a 60 per cent emissions reduction in the transport sector and a robust afforestation plan to enhance carbon sequestration.

The comprehensive policy and action plan includes the setting up of an ESCPAP Implementation Committee, comprising representatives from the government, private sector, civil society and international donor organisations, to ensure effective execution of the policy’s goals as well as the introduction of a climate change curriculum in Enugu’s Smart Green Schools, to equip the future generations with knowledge and skills in green innovation.

The Climate Policy and Action Plan, he said ,aligned with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate agreements, thus positioning the state as a key player in the nation’s journey toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.

Also, highlighting the state’s Off-Grid Policy, Onyia said: “This policy is designed to complement the Enugu State Electrification Policy that was passed in 2023 Enugu Electricity Law.

“This provides a framework that will catalyse private sector investment, enhance socio-economic growth and improve the overall quality of life of Enugu people.

January 27, 2025
64 schools to compete for N10m prize Olu of Warri’s quiz, debate

Sixty-four schools drawn from across Warri and other neighbouring kingdoms in Delta State are set to participate in the 2025 Ogiame Atuwatse III Intercollegiate Quiz and Debate Competition.

Recall that His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III announced the N10 million-grand prize competition last October, through his Sole Representative Liaison to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Prince Collins Edema.

Speaking at a news conference at Nana College, Warri, Edema noted that the maiden quiz and debate competition were borne out of the monarch’s desire for children of Warri Kingdom and Delta State at large, to be educated.

Edema, who was flanked by team members of the project, including the Quiz Project Lead, Coker Tuoyo, expressed the traditional ruler’s gratitude to the educators and students for their readiness to participate in the competition.

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“I want to convey the heartfelt gratitude of His Majesty to all schools present here today, for being available to participate in this intercollegiate competition.

“The education of the Warri child and of course, the Delta child is dear to the heart of His Majesty. This is why we are having this competition,” the Olu of Warri’s sole representative said.

Hinting that the competition would explore science subjects and current affairs, he said besides the N10 million prize, participants would go home with other gift prizes.

The Project Lead, Tuoyo, stressed that the competition hoped to nurture young minds educationally.

According to him, 64 schools divided into 16 groups are earmarked to partake in the competition, which will be split into eight rounds, beginning from January, to culminate in June.

January 27, 2025
PIA: Trust Fund launches over N100m empowerment scheme to curb hardship

The NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust Fund has launched over N100 million economic empowerment scheme for 200 indigenes in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the launch of the programme at Ikot Ekong, in Mkpat Enin Local Government, Mr. Sunny Udo, the council’s representative on the Board of Trustees, hoped the programme would serve as a catalyst for job creation in the region, especially for youths.

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He said participants in the initiative would be trained in agro-business sectors such as fishery, poultry and piggery, and would each receive a financial grant of N500,000 to boost their businesses.

“EMOIMEE is here to stay and transform Mkpat Enin, We are committed to training youths in entrepreneurial skills, equipping them with the resources needed to create sustainable businesses and employment for others.”

January 27, 2025
‘Power outage, tariff hike threaten broadcasting’

Power outage, hike in telco tariffs, among other challenges, will cripple broadcasting industry in Nigeria, the management of Inspiration Radio Station in Akwa Ibom State has said.

It said National Assembly’s plan to enact laws to increase telecoms tariff would automatically bring down operations of broadcast stations and shut their businesses nationwide.

The radio station also observed that power outage had made the cost of production more expensive, considering the high cost of diesel to run broadcast stations.

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Speaking in Uyo yesterday during the new year thanksgiving service at Solid Rock Kingdom Church, the General Manager of Inspiration 105.9 Radio Station, Rev Silas Ufot, said if the telecoms companies should increase their tariffs, broadcast stations might have low patronage by subscribers.

He listed other challenges to include high cost of diesel, unfriendly economy, inflation and low patronage.

Ufot, who led other workers to the thanksgiving service, said the planned tariff hike would reduce the number of callers on their phone-in programmes and cut down audience interactivity/participation, as well as patronage.

January 27, 2025