The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NDDC

  • NDDC deploys 370 collation officers, supervisors for Project HOPE

    NDDC deploys 370 collation officers, supervisors for Project HOPE

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has deployed 370 collation officers and supervisors from the 185 local governments in the nine Niger Delta states for the registration of youths to benefit from its Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE) project.

    Speaking during the deployment at the Rivers State Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Centre in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, urged the collation officers and supervisors to register the youth, adopting the transparent process already established by the commission.

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the development and empowerment scheme was designed to create a comprehensive resource database of the youth population of the Niger Delta.

    He said it would provide a platform for the NDDC to empower youths of the region on sustainable basis.

    Ogbuku said the Project HOPE initiative, coming after many years of unplanned and mismanaged projects execution in the region, would focus on the needs of the youth, their qualifications, skills, passion, interests and employment status.

    He said: “Project HOPE has come to stay. When it was launched on July 12, 2023, some sceptics thought it was not going to be feasible. The initial rush by youths to register on the platform crashed the system, but it was quickly restored.”

    He described the collation officers and supervisors as the real hope of the Niger Delta, saying the trainees came from all the local governments in the region through a transparent online selection process.

    He said: “I assure you that the HOPE initiative is real and will be sustained. The database that we are building will not only help us to select the right persons, but it will also help us to monitor their progress. We are using technology to ensure that you do not need to know anybody to be enlisted into the programme.”

    Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said  the HOPE project represented a true capacity building.

    Read Also: Tinubu calls for synergy within housing agencies

    He said: “We must commend the NDDC for the initiative. The process of selection was very transparent, and this gives credibility to the programme.”

    He advised the collation officers and supervisors to train others, saying Rivers Government was very passionate about the programme.

    Gbali congratulated the NDDC and the Rivers State Government on achieving what he called a significant milestone.

    He said: “The NDDC has indeed, changed the narrative. The selection process is excellent and transparent. We want Niger Delta youths to excel and we want to train people and equip them with useful skill sets. This is a big milestone. For once, we are getting it right.”

    The consultant for NDDC Project HOPE, Ambassador Blessing Fubara, thanked the NDDC for initiating the novel project in youth empowerment and pledged to cooperate with the commission to ensure the success and sustainability of the programme.

    Responding on behalf of the Collation Officers and Supervisors, the Ogbia Local Government trainee, Mr. Azibator Azimo, thanked the NDDC for giving them the opportunity to contribute in building a comprehensive database for youth development.

  • Be apolitical, movement tells NDDC, Amnesty

    Be apolitical, movement tells NDDC, Amnesty

    Bayelsa Renaissance Movement (BRM) has called on heads of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) not to interfere in the November 11 poll.

      In a statement yesterday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, National Coordinator, Jackson Oroyi, wondered why government agencies will engage in politicking.

      He said by campaigning for one party against the other, NDDC and PAP interim administrator will be using their offices to advance personal interest.

      According to Oroyi, such has the tendency of derailing them from paying attention to the mandates of their offices, urging caution should be taken  not to slaughter the interest of Niger Deltans on the slab of selfish interest.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Clark calls for removal of Abia, Imo, Ondo from NDDC

      “Government agencies as NDDC, with the responsibility of taking the region from under-development and PAP, which should concentrate on managing amnesty instituted by former President Umar Musa Yar’Adua for ex-agitators ought not to be seen romancing with a political party.

      “The two heads of agencies have been working for the sacked candidate of a political party in Bayelsa and have pledged funds from their agencies to support the candidate.

      BRM urged President Bola Tinubu to call both agencies to order, noting sensitive positions as NDDC and PAP heads should be purged of political biases and interests.

  • NDDC vows to support Niger Delta youths

    NDDC vows to support Niger Delta youths

    Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to support young entrepreneurs and creative talents to promote Niger Delta’s rich cultural heritage and sustainable development.

    Speaking about the commission’s support for music and culture at the inaugural Niger Delta Cultural Music Festival, known as NIDCUM Fest, in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described the event as a convergence of culture, music and development.

    He said NDDC would assist young entrepreneurs in the region through targeted skill development initiatives.

    Said he: “We recognise that empowering our young musicians is not only an investment in their future, but also in the future of Niger Delta.”

    Ogbuku, represented by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, stressed the transformative power of supporting cultural music talents, drawing inspiration from artistes like Asu Ekiye, Burna Boy and Yemi Alade.

    He said such artistes had risen from the Niger Delta to achieve global recognition, adding that they became employers, creating opportunities for others and shedding light on Nigeria’s cultural diversity.

    Ogbuku said he envisioned a future where the talents of the Niger Delta’s cultural musicians would enrich the world’s cultural tapestry, while uplifting the region and its people.

    He said NIDCUM Fest was more than just a cultural extravaganza, noting that it was a manifestation of NDDC’s commitment to the Niger Delta’s future.

    Ogbuku said:  “It is a platform where our differences become a source of strength, and our unity is celebrated through the universal language of music.

    Read Also: Tribunal upholds ex-House leader Doguwa’s election

    “This sentiment underpins the festival’s core mission of fostering appreciation and understanding among the region’s diverse population.”

    He urged elders to share their wisdom and encouraged youths to connect with their cultural roots.

    The NDDC boss acknowledged the economic potential of cultural tourism, saying he was committed to boosting local economies by attracting tourists and generating revenue for businesses in the region.

    Ogbuku said: “The festival aims to educate attendees about cultures, broadening horizons, promoting cultural exchange and fostering appreciation of the region’s diversity. It provides a stage for the region’s untapped artistic talent, offering artists and groups an opportunity to showcase their creativity and potentially turn their dreams into reality.”

    In his welcome address, the facilitator of NIDCUM Fest, Asu Ekiye, said:  “NIDCUM is a platform where we, Niger Deltans, can celebrate our cultural heritage. It is also a crucial step in preserving and embracing the culture that has shaped us into who we are today as a people.”

    The Creative Minds of Bayelsa State, a music and cultural group, won the first prize of N3million, Ekemini Theatre Troupe from Akwa Ibom State, which came second went home with N2million,

    while the third prize of N1million was won by ThankGod Enas Team, a cultural troupe from Delta State.

  • I won’t fail to meet people’s expectations, says NDDC boss

    I won’t fail to meet people’s expectations, says NDDC boss

    The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has vowed to meet the expectations of the people of the region

    Ogbuku spoke at the weekend when the Ezue Obhan Anyama, in conjunction with the Council of Traditional Rulers in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, bestowed a chieftaincy title on him describing him as a light shining on all Niger Delta communities.

    He said that the honour given to him was a call to higher service to the people.

    He said: “I am confident that I will not fail to meet the expectations of the people. I know that you will support me to succeed and build more pillars for the development of our communities.”

    The MD in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, restated the commitment of the NDDC to make a difference in the region.

    He promised to work hard to build pillars that would reinforce the structures set up to drive the sustainable development of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

    He said: “We must unite and work in one accord to surmount the development challenges that confront our people. We are determined to succeed and there should be no excuse for failure.”

    Speaking on behalf of Ezue Obhan Anyama during a grand reception in honour Ogbuku at Onuebum Ultra-Modern Playground in Onuebum Town, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Olali Marline Ebe, said they had “implicit confidence in the ability of Ogbuku to perform his duties efficiently, effectively and creditably.”

    Read Also: I wasn’t appointed to shift blame, says NDDC boss Ogbuku


    He said: “The light on the mountain will illuminate everybody. Chief Samuel Ogbuku is that light and everybody will benefit from his policies and actions.

    “Ogbuku has shown courage, astuteness and firmness, becoming even more determined and committed in providing purposeful, focused and visionary leadership. This is targeted at ensuring peace to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.”

    While conferring the traditional title of Edi I of Obhan Anyama Kingdom, meaning the Pilar of the Kingdom on Ogbuku, the traditional ruler of Obhan Anyama, King Omie Theophilus, said that it was in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region.

    King Theophilus said: “What you are doing at NDDC to serve the people of the Niger Delta region is pleasing to us. We recognise and commend you. The people of the Niger Delta need a leader like you who cares about their affairs, who cares about their development and I want to assure you that we shall support you.”

    In his remarks, a former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, said he was delighted that the NDDC under the leadership of Ogbuku was making efforts to ensure that all communities in the Niger Delta region were electrified through solar power.

    He said: “Dr Samuel Ogbuku is imbued with enormous capacity. For him, this is just a stepping stone for higher responsibilities. We must learn to mentor and support our young people. You should, therefore, continue to support him. The office he is occupying is not an easy position, the nine states in NDDC are struggling for his attention.”

    Others, who attended the ceremony were the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration designate, Chief Boma Iyaye; the NDDC Representative for Bayelsa State, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa; the Representative for Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha and the Representative for Abia State, Chief Dimgba Eruba.

  • I wasn’t appointed to shift blame, says NDDC boss Ogbuku

    I wasn’t appointed to shift blame, says NDDC boss Ogbuku

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has said that his appointment by President Bola Tinubu was not to engage in a blame game but to fix the problems of the Niger Delta region.

    Ogbuku also declared that he would deliver his duties without partiality insisting that his focus was to tackle the developmental challenges in the nine states of the Niger Delta.

    Speaking in a meeting with the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide at the headquarters of the commission, Ogbuku urged all stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to unite and confront the challenges facing their communities.

    The NDDC boss in a statement on Wednesday, October 18, signed by the commission’s corporate affairs director, Pius Ughakpoteni, said the NDDC under him would operate within the principles of inclusiveness.

    He said: “NDDC is for the nine states of the Niger Delta region, meaning I am here to work in the interest of the nine states of the region. No matter your ethnic group in the Niger Delta region, we all face the same challenges. Therefore, we must all work together to address our challenges.

    “All Niger Deltans must be accommodating and work in harmony to drive the process of development for the well-being of our people. I was not appointed to look back or shift blame. I was appointed to look forward to fixing the problems in the region.”

    Read Also: NDDC, NLNG in embrace for sustainable development

    Ogbuku said his inclusive policy aligned with the global vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    He said regardless of ethnicity, the people of the Niger Delta were bound by common challenges of underdevelopment and ecological issues, adding that the commission was prepared to tackle them.

    He said: “Regardless of our ethnicity, we are all related and we face common challenges. These challenges, like underdevelopment and ecological problems, bring us all together.”

    Ogbuku said the commission adopted a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy to fund major projects to accelerate progress in addressing the challenges.

    He said: “We are actively engaged in solar power projects to contribute to the fight against climate change. Our goal is to electrify every community using solar energy, while also seeking to recover carbon credits through our projects.”

     Ogbuku said the commission had entered into critical collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Limited, aimed at revitalizing essential projects such as the Bonny Ring Road, Okrika-Borokiri Road, and Sampou-Sabagrigha-Ulako Road and Bridge projects.

    He said: “Recently, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, and through that partnership, we intend to revive the Bonny Ring Road project which was stalled for many years.

    “The Okrika-Borokiri Road and Bridge project is also being revived in partnership with the Rivers State Government. Similarly, in Bayelsa State, we are partnering with the Bayelsa State Government on the Sampou-Sabagrigha-Ulako Road and Bridge project.”

  • NDDC seeks investments in solar power, carbon credits to combat climate change

    NDDC seeks investments in solar power, carbon credits to combat climate change

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has hinted that the commission would make investments in solar power in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address issues of climate change in the country.

    Ogbuku spoke when a delegation from the Asteven International Company paid him a visit and made a presentation on Renewable Energy and Carbon Credit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    He said: “Our target is that every community in the Niger Delta region will be powered by solar; which is renewable and a cheap form of energy. In addition to this, we shall create industrial clusters to be powered by solar which will help in improving the agricultural value chain.”

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, said the NDDC had demonstrated its dedication to climate change matters by collaborating with a US-based firm and complying with the National Council of Climate Change.

    He said: “Solar power has the dual benefit of helping people with projects and building carbon credits. We expect to recover the carbon credits we have garnered so far. Such recovered funds can be reinvested”.

    In his remarks, the President of the Council on Renewable Energy, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, pledged support to NDDC in developing projects with carbon values.

    He added: “NDDC should work towards getting a return on sustainable development. The Commission needs to unlock trapped values in its projects.”

    Read Also: Role of NDDC in harnessing power of indigenous knowledge for devt

    Asteven International Company, during its presentation, highlighted the global significance of NDDC’s green projects.

    The firm assured the commission of its assistance in monetising carbon credits and unlocking a substantial $2bn carbon investment potential in the Niger Delta region.

    The Executive Director of Asteven Group, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, underscored the centrality of the Niger Delta in the international climate change discourse and urged NDDC to actively engage experts for climate finance and technology support.

    The statement said NDDC’s investments in solar power and carbon credits aligned with SDGs, particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action) adding that such initiatives reflected the commission’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience in the Niger Delta region.

  • Role of NDDC in harnessing power of indigenous knowledge for devt

    Role of NDDC in harnessing power of indigenous knowledge for devt

    By Iniubong Emmanuel Sam

    Imagine a future where we could coexist with nature and still have access to the food, energy, and shelter that we require. This is the goal of sustainable development, and it is a goal that may be attained if we tap into the strength of indigenous knowledge.

    Indigenous knowledge is the knowledge and skills that indigenous people have acquired over generations of living in harmony with nature. It is a broad and varied body of knowledge that covers a variety of subjects, such as traditional governance, forestry, medicine, and agriculture.

    In Akwa Ibom State, N​igeria, indigenous knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation. It is embedded in the state’s rich culture and traditions. For example, the Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom State have a deep understanding of the medicinal properties of local plants. They also have traditional farming practices that help to conserve soil fertility and protect the environment.

    Indigenous knowledge is essential for sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State. It can help to address a number of challenges, including:

    Poverty: Indigenous knowledge can contribute to the development of new employment and revenue-generating opportunities in sustainable forestry, agriculture, and ecotourism.

    Unemployment: Indigenous wisdom can aid in providing young people with the education and tools they need to flourish in the green economy.

    Environmental degradation: Using indigenous knowledge, the state’s forests, rivers, and coastal habitats can be protected.

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has a vital role to play in harnessing the power of indigenous knowledge for sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State. The NDDC can do this by:

    Funding research and documentation of indigenous knowledge; supporting the development and implementation of sustainable development projects that incorporate indigenous knowledge; promoting education and awareness of indigenous knowledge among communities and stakeholders.

    Here are some specific examples of how the NDDC can harness the power of indigenous knowledge for sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State;

    Climate-resilient agriculture: The NDDC might help fund initiatives that include traditional farming practises including crop rotation, agroforestry, and intercropping. These practises can help farmers become more resilient to climatic shocks like droughts and floods by improving soil fertility, reducing erosion, and increasing crop yields.

    Ecotourism: The NDDC could provide financial assistance for the development of ecotourism programmes that promote and celebrate indigenous culture and expertise. These projects can help communities produce cash, create jobs, and promote awareness of the value of indigenous knowledge.

    The NDDC could fund the establishment of community-based forest management programs that draw on traditional knowledge.

    The NDDC could fund the establishment of indigenous knowledge centers in schools and communities to educate and raise awareness of indigenous knowledge.

    By harnessing the power of indigenous knowledge, the NDDC can play a vital role in promoting sustainable development and building a better future for all Akwa Ibomites.

    Why should we care?

    Indigenous knowledge is a precious resource that can assist us in addressing some of the most critical issues confronting our world. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and food hunger are all global issues that require global solutions. Indigenous knowledge can assist us in developing new solutions to these difficulties that are both sustainable and equitable.

    A call to action

    I urge the NDDC to take steps to harness the strength of indigenous knowledge for sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State. The NDDC can contribute to a more prosperous and equitable future for all Akwa Ibomites by investing in indigenous knowledge.

    – Iniubong Emmanuel Sam CFE, a Public Affairs Analyst

  • Rivers HOSCOM seeks inclusion in NDDC board

    Rivers HOSCOM seeks inclusion in NDDC board

    Oil and gas host communities of Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) in Rivers State have called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to revisit the newly- constituted board of directors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to accommodate indigenes of the area.

    The people, who spoke under the aegis of ONELGA Host Communities Stakeholders Forum (OHCSF), said the call was in line with the provision of the Act that established the NDDC.

    In a statement in Omoku, the council headquarters, yesterday, the Chairman of the group, Dr. Nelson Ekperi, also called on the Federal Government and the NDDC to collaborate and find solution to the flood ravaging the area every year.

    Read Also:Reps screen, confirm Tinubu’s nominees for NDDC

    The people are aggrieved that despite the huge contributions of the local government to the country’s economy, there was little or nothing to show for it in the area, either in terms of federal appointments or in infrastructural project development.

    They issued eight points demand to the Federal Government, NDDC and the state government to react to within 21 days of the publication of the statement of face their own reactions.

    The people said the appointments into the board of directors of the NDDC should be revisited to accommodate an indigene of the area, as provided by the Act that established the Federal Government interventionist agency.

    “We advise that the recent appointment of the Board of Directors of the commission should be revisited to accommodate an indigene of our local government, as provided by the Act 2000 and in number 6 Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which established the commission.”

  • NDDC chair: we’ll work for Niger Delta

    NDDC chair: we’ll work for Niger Delta

    • House of Reps screens board members  

    Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, has promised he and his team will work to develop the region. 

    Ebie spoke when he and other nominees were screened by the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC yesterday in Abuja.

    The chairman said his positions in the public service gave him an understanding of the needs of Niger Delta.

    He promised to use the experience to run the regional intervention agency.

    “I assure you that as chairman of the board, if confirmed, I assure you of team work. We will work as a team. We will ensure we have a harmonious working relationship and ensure people-oriented projects that are needs-based,” he said.

    The committee asked the 17 nominees to take a bow and go.

    They were on October 4 at the Senate, and screened by its Committee of the Whole.

    The committee said they  were enjoying the privilege  extended to former National Assembly members appointed into executive positions who were always asked to take a bow and go.  

    The ‘take a bow and go’ motion was moved by Minority Whip, Ali Isa, who hailed President Bola Tinubu for including former members of National Assembly on the board. 

    Committee Chair, Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, said the screening was in fulfilment of Section 2 (2) (a) of NDDC Act, 2000.

    Read Also: Reps screen, confirm Tinubu’s nominees for NDDC

    Before his confirmation, Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, hailed Tinubu for reappointing him.

    He promised the team would work fulfil its mandate.

    “I thank the President for reappointing me and giving me opportunity to serve Nigeria and Niger Delta. I also thank him for handing me a team filled with men of character and high personality, willing and ready to deliver for the people of Niger Delta,” he said. 

    House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, said he was confident of the pedigree of members and urged them to do their best to deliver. 

    “Nigerians are watching. They expect the best of you. They expect to become proud of your achievements in a short time. So, the ball goes  to your court after this grilling.

    “I will make recommendations to the House. And as the chairman has said, each of you owes this country a duty to deliver. We want to plead with you on behalf of the Speaker and management of the House, that you recognise justice for one is justice for all and justice for all is justice for one. 

    “Please, do your best to deliver, and we will have no cause to have you come back here to appear before the chairman and committee. But we will be watching. Once again, I congratulate you all for being nominated,” he said.

  • Reps screen, confirm Tinubu’s nominees for NDDC

    Reps screen, confirm Tinubu’s nominees for NDDC

    The House of Representatives committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Thursday, October 12, asked nominees for positions of chairman and members of the board of the commission to take a bow and go without going through any form of screening.

    This was as the 17 nominees of President Bola Tinubu for the positions appeared before the committee for screening and confirmation.

    The committee said the board members were enjoying the privilege always extended to former members of the National Assembly appointed into executive positions who are always asked to take a bow and go.

    The motion to allow them to take a bow and go was moved by the Minority Whip Hon. Ali JC Isa, who commended the President for appointing some former members of the National Assembly to serve on the NDDC board.

    The chairman of the committee, Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, said the screening process for confirmation was in fulfillment of the provisions of Section 2 (2)(a) of the NDDC Act, 2000.

    Before he was confirmed, the new chairman of the NDDC, Chiedu Ebie said his cumulative experience in the public and private sector has instilled in him the core values of resilience and unwavering dedication required for the chairing the NDDC.

    He said his public service positions have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the needs of the Niger Delta region.

    Ebie said the experience he has acquired would be adapted and improved upon for the smooth running of the NDDC.

    He said they would work as a team to benefit the region and country.

    Ebie noted: “I assure you that as a chairman of the board if confirmed, I want to assure you of teamwork. We would work as a team. We would ensure we have a very harmonious working relationship and also ensure that people-oriented projects and projects that are needs-based would be executed by the commission.”

    Also, before confirmation, the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for reappointing and promised that the new team would work hard to fulfil its mandate.

    He said: “I thank the President for reappointing me and giving me the opportunity to serve Nigeria and the Niger Delta. I also thank him for handing me a team that is filled with men of character and high personality that are willing and ready to deliver for the people of the Niger Delta,” he said.

    Read Also: Tinubu writes Reps for confirmation of NDDC chairman, governing board

    The House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said he was confident of the pedigree of the members of the new board and urged them to do their best to deliver.

    “Nigerians are watching. They expect the best of you. They expect to become very proud of your achievements in a very short time. So the ball will go back to your court after this grilling. I will make recommendations to the house. And as the chairman has said, each of you owes this country a duty to deliver and we want to plead with you also on behalf of the Speaker and the management of the House, that you recognize that justice for one is justice for all and justice for all is justice for one.

    “Please do your very best to deliver, and we’ll have no cost to have you come back here to appear before the Chairman and the committee. But we’ll be watching. Once again, I congratulate you all for being nominated.”

    On Wednesday 4th of October, 2023, the nominees appeared before the Senate and were screened in the Committee of the Whole.