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  • NDDC takes campaign against substance abuse to schools

    NDDC takes campaign against substance abuse to schools

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a statewide campaign against substance abuse.

    The campaign will be carried out in select secondary schools across Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    The commission said the initiative, carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, including government agencies, security bodies and educational institutions, aims to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse, empower them to make informed decisions and establish student ambassadors to promote awareness.

    Declaring the event open, Assistant Director at NDDC, Dr. Eme Inyangabia, expressed deep concern over the rising prevalence of drug and substance abuse among youths, particularly secondary school students.

    Inyangabia reaffirmed NDDC’s commitment to addressing the growing challenge with renewed vigour.

    Also speaking, Deputy Commander, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River State Command, Nnadi Roseline Ada, highlighted the direct link between substance abuse and the increasing cases of mental health issues and academic decline.

    Read Also: NDDC boss advocates mental health evaluation for police officers

    She warned that the future of young people was at significant risk, if urgent measures were not taken to curb the menace.

    At the event, a former drug addict, shared his nine-year battle with substance abuse and his journey to recovery.

    Speaking anonymously, he urged students to avoid drugs, emphasising that not everyone may be as fortunate as he was in overcoming addiction.

    Stakeholders at the event called for an expansion of the campaign to more schools within and beyond Calabar, advocating for continuous engagement through follow-up programmes, mentorship initiatives and peer education.

    They also stressed the importance of increased parental involvement and the need to strengthen rehabilitation and counseling services to provide adequate support for affected students.

  • NDDC boss advocates mental health evaluation for police officers

    NDDC boss advocates mental health evaluation for police officers

    The managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has called on the Nigerian Police Force (NPC) to conduct a periodic evaluation of mental health of Police officers.

    Ogbuku said: “Knowing the vast job the police play in protecting society, the Nigeria Police Force should ensure periodic vetting and evaluation of its officers to sift those who are drifting. 

    “The Police Authority should also evaluate the mental health of its officers through psychological testing. This is to ensure that emotional intelligence is at play during the execution of their duties.”

    Ogbuku in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thomson-Wakama, called on all Nigerians to join hands with the Nigeria Police Force in the fight against crime and other vices in the society.

    Ogbuku spoke at the fifth edition of the Strategic Security Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta, Ogun state, with the theme “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity through Inclusive Policing.”

    Read Also: FG unveils plan to tackle growing unsafe water crisis

    The NDDC boss thanked the officers of the Nigeria Police Force for the sacrifices they were making in securing the country adding that inclusive policing involved all citizens. 

    He said: “If the police are reported to be failing in their duties, Nigerian citizens should ensure they also contribute to the success of the police operations, either by reporting crimes or cooperating with the police by giving useful information that will aid the force in solving crimes and tracking criminals.”

    Ogbuku said that the retreat, put together by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, would bring about renewed vigour in policing the country. 

    He said: “This retreat will review the unprofessional activities of the force’s officers to implement sustainable policies for the betterment of society”.

    The NDDC boss highlighted measures the Commission had taken to support the security agency.

    He said: “We recently installed 60kva solar inverters in Police Headquarters in the nine states of the Niger Delta region. We have successfully installed one at the Imo State Police Headquarters while the remaining installations are underway.

    “To enhance operatives’ performance, the NDDC has also supplied communication gadgets to the Rivers Police State Command and repaired the failed mast and armoured personnel carriers in Rivers and Bayelsa States. 

    The commission has also provided six 250-horsepower Yamaha outboard engines and also rehabilitated six of the outboard engines to combat crime in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region at large.”

    Ogbuku noted that the donations underscored the partnership between the NDDC and the Police Force in the Niger Delta region.

  • Push for South South Commission: Itsekiri leaders urge Tinubu to retain NDDC

    Push for South South Commission: Itsekiri leaders urge Tinubu to retain NDDC

    The apex socio-political organisation of the Itsekiri nation, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to scrap the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) but allow it to function independently alongside the proposed South South Development Commission (SSDC).

    In a letter addressed to the President, the Itsekiri apex body expressed concerns over alleged moves by certain interests to replace the NDDC with the new regional body.

    Signed by ILOT’s Chairman, Chief Edward Ekpoko and its Secretary, Sir A. S. Mene, the appeal underscores growing concerns among Niger Delta stakeholders on the future of the interventionist agency and its vital role in the region’s stability and progress.

    The Itsekiri leaders argued that the NDDC, established to address the environmental and socio-economic challenges of the oil-producing states, plays a critical role that a general regional commission cannot fully assume.

    “The NDDC was established with a clear mandate to facilitate infrastructural and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta. While it has faced challenges over the years, its existence remains crucial to addressing the environmental, economic and social issues peculiar to the region,” the letter stated.

    ILOT noted that unlike other regional development commissions, the NDDC receives funding not only from the Federal Government but also from international oil companies (IOCs), making it uniquely positioned to tackle the specific issues of oil-producing communities.

    Read Also: Itsekiri leaders urge Tinubu to retain NDDC amid push for south-south commission

    “The South South Development Commission, like other regional commissions, is a welcome development, but it cannot undertake the role of the NDDC, which was purposefully designed as an interventionist agency,” ILOT said.

    The Itsekiri leaders warned that dissolving the NDDC could disrupt ongoing projects, create administrative bottlenecks, and hinder, rather than accelerate development in the region.

    Such a move, they cautioned, could destabilise the fragile peace in the Niger Delta, a region that remains critical to Nigeria’s economic progess.

    “We trust that your administration, known for its commitment to increased oil and gas production, fairness, and national development, will carefully consider this appeal and take steps to strengthen the NDDC rather than dissolve it,” the letter added.

    In their appeal, the ILOT leaders urged President Tinubu to carefully consider the long-term implications of scrapping the NDDC but to instead take steps to strengthen the commission.

  • Minister inaugurates Abraka-Oben road rebuilt by NDDC

    Minister inaugurates Abraka-Oben road rebuilt by NDDC

    The Minister of Regional Development,  Abubakar Momoh, has inaugurated the 9.6km Abraka-Oben Road reconstructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. 

    A statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thomson-Wakama, said the minister  also launched the reconstruction of the Abraka-Agbor Road.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Momoh said that the road projects were further demonstrations of the determination of the Federal Government to develop the Niger Delta region.

    The Minister commended the NDDC Board and Management for responding appropriately to the directives of President Bola Tinubu to turn things around in the Niger Delta region.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Chiedu Ebie, said that the project was a reflection of the President Tinubu administration’s desire to transform the Niger Delta Region into a zone of peace and development.

    Read Also: Small businesses critical to Nigeria’s economic development – Gov Sani

    He said: “Since we assumed office, this is the first landmark project being commissioned in Delta State. I commend the management team for continuously implementing the board’s policies and following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives.

    “Today, we are commissioning the re-constructed Abraka-Oben Road and flag-off the reconstruction of the Abraka-Agbor Road. These are landmark projects, and I am happy with the work being done. As a Delta State indigene, I am proud that my people are well represented.”

    The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, affirmed that the NDDC was dedicated to advancing the implementation of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “We are determined to make the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region, and we remain committed to the mandate given to the Commission to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

    “Today, there is peace in the NDDC and the region. The youths and other stakeholders are happy with our efforts. That is the success we have toiled so hard to achieve for our people.

    “We thank our stakeholders for their support and encouragement, which has boosted our desire to ensure that we give them what they deserve. We appreciate the state governments for supporting us and partnering with us in several areas of development.

    “We believe that in partnership with stakeholders, we will achieve more, and development in our region will be faster and more holistic. We are not competing with any state government; we only complement their efforts.”

    The NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, gave the project brief and explained that the scope included the construction of a 9.6 km asphalt pavement with an 8 m carriage width.

    He said: “The restoration of this critical infrastructure required replacing over 80.000m3 of unsuitable material and the dilapidated sections of the Araka-Oben Alignment. Before now, the road was not motorable and became a hot spot for kidnapping and armed robbery activities.

    “This important interstate road project connects various industrial and agricultural communities in Delta and Edo States, facilitating the transportation of goods and services”, he said.

    Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC,  Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, congratulated the NDDC management for significantly impacting her Federal Constituency.

    Speaking earlier during a courtesy visit by the NDDC team led by the Minister of Regional Development, the traditional ruler of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom, King Akpomeyoma Majoroh, commended the Commission for its commitment to regional development.

    He emphasised the strategic importance of the road project, stating: “As a serious agricultural area, most of our people are farmers. This road has facilitated the easy movement of people and agricultural produce, fostering thriving commercial activities. It is important to us, and we are very grateful for it.”

    The royal father noted that the road served as a regional link, connecting Abraka to Benin, and expressed gratitude for connecting the community to their ancestral home.

  • Itsekiri leaders urge Tinubu to retain NDDC amid push for south-south commission

    Itsekiri leaders urge Tinubu to retain NDDC amid push for south-south commission

    …warn of development setbacks and peace risks

    The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT), the apex sociopolitical organization of the Itsekiri nation, have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to scrap the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), but to allow it to function independently alongside the proposed South-South Development Commission.

    In a letter addressed to the President, the group expressed concerns over alleged moves by certain interests to replace the NDDC with the new regional body. 

    Signed by ILOT Chairman Chief Edward Ekpoko and Secretary Sir A.S. Mene, the appeal underscores growing concerns among Niger Delta stakeholders over the future of the interventionist agency and its vital role in the region’s stability and progress.

    The leaders argued that the NDDC, established specifically to address the environmental and socio-economic challenges of the oil-producing states, plays a critical role that a general regional commission cannot fully assume.

    “The NDDC was established with a clear mandate to facilitate infrastructural and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta. While it has faced challenges over the years, its existence remains crucial to addressing the environmental, economic, and social issues peculiar to the region”, the letter stated.

    ILOT emphasized that unlike other regional development commissions, the NDDC receives funding not only from the federal government, but also from international oil companies (IOCs), making it uniquely positioned to tackle the specific issues of oil-producing communities.

    “The South-South Development Commission, like other regional commissions, is a welcome development, but it cannot undertake the role of the NDDC, which was purposefully designed as an interventionist agency,” the group argued.

    Read Also: Governor Diri calls for urgent action on oil spill in Bayelsa community

    The leaders warned that dissolving the NDDC could disrupt ongoing projects, create administrative bottlenecks, and hinder, rather than accelerate development in the region. 

    Such a move, they cautioned, could destabilize the fragile peace in the Niger Delta, a region that remains critical to Nigeria’s economic backbone.

    “We trust that your administration, known for its commitment to increased oil and gas production, fairness, and national development, will carefully consider this appeal and take steps to strengthen the NDDC rather than dissolve it,” the letter concluded.

    In their appeal, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought urged President Tinubu to carefully consider the long-term implications of scrapping the NDDC and to instead take steps to strengthen the commission.

    “We trust that your administration, known for its commitment to increased oil and gas production, fairness, and national development, will carefully consider this appeal and take steps to strengthen the NDDC rather than dissolve it,” the letter concluded.

  • Enough is enough of anti-NDDC Managing Director protests – Group

    Enough is enough of anti-NDDC Managing Director protests – Group

    A group, Community Development Committees of Oil and Gas Producing Areas of Niger Delta. (CDC), has expressed concerns over the continued series of sponsored attack against the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and called for restraints in the interest of the region.

    The body, which made the call in statement by its Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), Comrade Joseph Ambakederimo, lamented the physical and emotional effects of such attacks on the state of mind of the Managing Director and the consequences it might be having in distracting the interventionist agency to deliver on its mandate to the people.

    While reminding those behind the sponsored protests and agitations for the removal of Dr. Ogbuku, of the extant provisions of the Act establishing the Commission viz-a viz “section 3 (1) Subject to the provisions of section 4 of this Act which guarantees a tenure of four years for the Board members, noted that only the President has the prerogative to remove such a member when it becomes absolutely necessary.

     The statement reads in part; “We  affirm that we  know  President Bola Tinubu to be a true democrat, a lover of rule of law, and a believer in the sanctity of due  process. We  know as a matter of fact, that the President will never authorise a dictatorial violation of the constitution irrespective of who is involved. 

    “It is crucial to add that the President will never support any action that is capable of generating bloodbath and bloodshed anywhere including the Niger Delta region, a region that the President holds dear and has given a marching order to the Managing Director of the NDDC Dr. Samuel Ogbuku to bring up to speed in line with President Tinubu renewed Hope developmental agenda for the region”. 

    “We must continue to express our disgust and revulsion to what is happening in the NDDC until the right thing is done. Enough of this trajectory we all seem to be trying to accept as normal when in the true sense of the word is morally wrong and reprehensible”. 

    “The very idea of incessant political interference in the leadership of the NDDC, should be a non starter in all its ramifications and it has to be discouraged”. 

    “This high turnover of leadership in the NDDC is repulsive and is counterproductive to the development of the region. We enjoined all people of good conscience to condemn and oppose it.

    “Even when we believe that we now have a man of good conscience with a forward looking team that has shown capacity, we continue to fight to destroy governments good intentions for the region?

    “With the exigency of time it behoves on us from the region to appeal to the  President to intervene for purposes of clarity and bring this ugly trend to a final  stop to enable  this  Board to stay focused and serve the good people of the region.

    Read Also: History of Niger Delta incomplete without Edwin Clark, says NDDC boss

    “Dr. Ogbuku’s tenure as the Managing Director / CEO of NDDC, is still subsisting and this has been clarified by the Honourable Minister for Development Commission, Mr. Abubakar Momoh penultimate week, yet some persons are hell bent on destabilising the region for personal gains.

    “It is only the President that has the power to determine the tenure of his appointees with recourse to the extant provisions of the Act establishing the Commission viz-a viz “section 3 (1) Subject to the provisions of section 4 of this Act a member of the Board, other than the ex-officio member, shall hold office for a term of 4 years at the first instance and may be re-appointed for a further term of 4 years and no more. 

    “We want the focus to be on this section 3 (1)  of the NDDC establishment Act which the President relied upon to appoint the Present occupant of the office of the Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, and not some estraneous factors of  disjointed arguments.

    “We have never had a better NDDC board better performed than this one headed by Samuel Ogbuku. We have seen a paradigm shift in infrastructural development dotted across the region by this board at the direction of Samuel Ogbuku.

     “A tussle in the management of the Commission as portrayed in a section of social media reports only exists in the imagination of the authors of an hack job spread in the social media space  which has no bearing with the reality on ground.

    “We urge the President not to take the bait sold to him by those who do not wish him and the entire region well.

    “Just when we are beginning to have an upward swing in Crude  Oil production as a result of the policy thrust of the Tinubu administration towards the Niger Delta area which has  translated to more revenue inflow into government coffers, we are seeing agents of destabilisation pushing a different sinister agenda altogether in the region.

    “We urge our people to help tone down the renewed anxiety for violence and disstabilisation in the region.

     “We have been taken on a circus show for too long on matters of interference in the leadership of the NDDC which has impacted negetively on the rapid development of the Niger Delta area.

    “Let there be continuity in consonace with the relevant provisions as enshrined in the Act establishing the Commission in line with the rule of law  

    “We should not forget quickly what has happened in the past in the region which should be a guide and direction on how very important issues that affects the region and its people are addressed. 

    “Never again must we encourage the path to stifle the economy of this country by ways of untoward action. We have had enough troubles in our plate and no more should be added as there will be dire consequences for the country.

    “The question to  broaden our minds should be why is it that it is only the NDDC Managing Director leadership tussle that is always in the news, is it not shameful that we turnout ourselves cheap to the outside world, not knowing that we shoot ourselves on the foot, because squabble like this will affect the focus of the officers who hitherto have proven themselves to be effective in governance.

    “The country has been tethering between about 900000 Bbl/day to 1M Bbl/day until President Tinubu assumed office, this we can attest to the fact that policy direction towards the Niger Delta area put in place by this President have started paying off. Now the question to ask should be why would anyone wants to destabilise the region, what is there to gain.”

  • NDDC to inaugurate MOC for maiden festival Friday

    NDDC to inaugurate MOC for maiden festival Friday

    The Main Organising Committee (MOC) for the maiden edition of Niger Delta Sports Festival will be inaugurated on Friday at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    The Co-chairman of MOC and Project Consultant, Itiako Ikpokpo disclosed this in Lagos while briefing media on the activities line up for the event ahead of the kick off slated to hold between April 1st  and 9th   in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The event is proudly supported by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Ikpokpo said that the MOC is set to organise a well befitting festival as he revealed the establishment of state liaison committees for the nine participating states.

     “This is our first festival, and we hope and pray that we achieve the purpose to which it was set up. We also open to the new realistic initiatives. By the next festival, we will look at what we have done and try to build upon it. That is our intention,” Ikpokpo said.

     Ikpokpo stated further that the aim of organising the event is to produce the next generation of athletes from the region for the country.

    He said that all athletes that excel at the event would be well taken care of by giving them the opportunity to attend competitions in Nigeria, Africa and Europe, stressing that there would be prizes for the athletes who wins gold, silver and bronze medals.

    Read Also: ‘Aina free to leave in summer window’

    Ikpokpo said: “For those who do well at the event, they would be able to attend competitions both in Nigeria, African and Europe because it will strengthen them, it will give them confidence and build their capacity to be better.

    “We may not have all the fund for that but the MD/CEO of NDDC Dr Samuel Ogbaku has assured that no matter how small the funding is, we would be able to provide for the after-event management of these athletes as much as we can. I have that guaranteed from the MD/CEO of NDDC.”

    NationSport reports that 3,000 athletes within the ages of 16-25 years will complete in 17 sports during the festival at different locations in Uyo.

    Similarly, Ikpokpo confirmed that Niger Delta Sports Festival will be an annual event with the intention to add more sports in the subsequent edition.

     “This is what we agreed to do in the first edition. As we progress, we will make progress with more sports; shooting, martial arts, Karate etc.,” he said.

    State trials and selection of athletes are scheduled to hold between 21st  and 23rd  March ahead of the  eagerly- awaited sports festival.

  • NDDC MD position not vacant – Momoh shuts down speculation

    NDDC MD position not vacant – Momoh shuts down speculation

    Minister of regional development, Abubakar Momoh, has firmly dismissed speculation regarding a leadership change at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), stating unequivocally that the position of Managing Director (MD) is not vacant.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the South East Development Board and the North West Development Board, Momoh issued a stern warning against distractions that could derail the commission’s developmental agenda.

    In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, Momoh emphasized that the current NDDC board remains intact and fully mandated to deliver on its objectives.

    “The board as constituted is in place to serve its full term. There is no need for any disruption,” Momoh declared.

    Addressing claims that the current managing director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, had exceeded his tenure, the minister clarified that his appointment was renewed for another four years, effective from October 2023.

    He stressed that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the authority to alter the leadership of the Commission.

    “Those agitating for a change should direct their concerns to the Presidency instead of spreading misinformation,” he cautioned.

    Momoh also pointed to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) as a precedent, noting that its leadership was similarly renewed without controversy.

    Read Also: Momoh seeks collaboration between varsity, private sector

    He underscored the importance of stability in governance, stating that consistency in leadership is vital for achieving long-term developmental goals.

    On the issue of succession, the Minister made it clear that the NDDC Act dictates a rotational leadership among the nine Niger Delta states.

    According to him, after Bayelsa’s tenure, the next MD must come from Edo State, not Delta.

    “Let me be clear – it is not Delta’s turn to produce the next MD,” he stated emphatically, shutting down any premature political maneuvering.

    Expressing satisfaction with the current board’s performance, Momoh warned against political infighting that could jeopardize the progress being made in the region.

    He urged all stakeholders to focus on supporting ongoing projects that are improving lives in the Niger Delta.

  • NDDC denies rift between Wike, Ogbuku 

    NDDC denies rift between Wike, Ogbuku 

    The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has denied the reported rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike and the commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.

    The commission, in a statement by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thomson-Wakama, described the online report titled: “Uproar in NDDC as Ogbuku, Wike fight dirty” as mischievous.

    “Nothing can be farther from the truth. We are, therefore, constrained to respond to the false story claiming that ‘there is rumbling in the Commission following the jostle for the position of the Managing Director currently occupied by Dr Samuel Ogbuku’, the commission said.

    The NDDC insisted that its Managing Director has a very cordial relationship not only with Wike, who it said is representing the region very well at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), but also with all the leaders and key stakeholders in Niger Delta region.

    The commission said: “Obviously, the fake news reported on online media platforms is masterminded by those who want to create confusion among the NDDC board members and pit the MD against the FCT Minister.

    “We also know that the perpetrators are attempting to drag the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, into the phantom fray to present a crisis scenario in the NDDC and the entire region.

    “The same group of people who see nothing good in the region are also peddling the rumour that Chief James Ibori is shopping for a replacement for the Board Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie” 

    The commission urged the public to disregard the false stories spread by mischief makers to derail the various innovations introduced by the NDDC Board and Management under Ebie and Ogbuku.

    NDDC said it was rather curious that at a time the NDDC was busy pursuing innovative policies aimed at delivering services more efficiently to the people of the Niger Delta, some misguided and self-seeking individuals appeared  intent on distracting the Commission.

    The commission said it was disturbing that those, who could rightly be described as the enemies of progress were  concocting false narratives to the effect that the tenure of the NDDC board was ending.

    It said: “From all indications, those spreading this falsehood are all out to truncate the tenure of the NDDC Board, apparently because they are not happy that the board members are working harmoniously to deliver on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the people of the Niger Delta region.

    “The truth, however, is that the current NDDC Governing Board was appointed for a four-year tenure, which started counting from August 29, 2023.

    “What the naysayers, ostensibly propelled by the satanic Pull Him Down syndrome, fail to understand is that Dr Ogbuku was actually re-appointed to serve for a four-year term, and the law fully backed this.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act provides that ‘a member of the board other than ex-efficio member, shall hold office for a term of four years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of four years and no more’.

    “Ordinarily, there should be no reason for people to split their hairs over when the Managing Director completes his tenure, especially as the team is delivering quality projects and programmes.

    “The team spirit at the NDDC has been yielding dividends, and the management has been busy pursuing innovative policies aimed at delivering services more efficiently to the people of the Niger Delta”.

    The commission said the management was consistently working hard to showcase the myriad of projects lined up for inauguration in the next week.

    “What the detractors fail to realize is that a destabilised NDDC is a loss to the Niger Delta region. One of the causes of the poor development of the region has been traced to incessant changes in leadership.

    “Under the current leadership, the NDDC is deliberately improving the transparency of its processes, leveraging technology to increase accountability and efficiency, consulting stakeholders frequently, engaging proactively, and being creative about programmes designed to uplift the people and the region.

    Read Also: Ebi Egbe backs NDDC over sports festival initiative

    “This is why we urge all men of goodwill who are particularly desirous about a sustained development of the Niger Delta region not to stand aloof and watch as some unscrupulous persons toy with the collective destiny of the region”, the NDDC said.

    The statement said the NDDC Governing Board must remain resolute and refuse to be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region.

    The commission assured all Niger Delta leaders and its people that the NDDC board and management would continue to serve the general interest of the region and urged those bent on taking the region backwards to know that their agenda had failed and would continue to fail.

    The statement insisted that the board and management were focused on developmental issues as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu envisioned rather than being distracted by enemies of progress.

  • Support group plans peace rallies for Tinubu, NDDC boss

    Support group plans peace rallies for Tinubu, NDDC boss

    The Tinubu Continuity Advocacy Network (TCAN) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for their giant developmental strides in the country and across the region.

    In a statement on Saturday, TCAN specifically commended Tinubu for his reforms and the successful efforts in identifying an additional revenue stream of ₦5.4 trillion. 

    The group lauded the President’s initiative aimed at boosting the proposed allocation in the 2025 Appropriation Bill by raising it from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion, an increase intended to better meet the nation’s urgent priorities and aspirations.

    TCAN also praised Dr. Ogbuku for his transformational leadership and unwavering dedication to the development of the Niger Delta.

    Led by its National Chairman Mr. Damson Okaniba and State Lead Nelson Abali Esq, TCAN highlighted several achievements under Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership within a short timeframe. 

    According to the group, Ogbuku’s accomplishments include emergency repairs on key road corridors such as the Port Harcourt-Bayelsa axis of the East-West road, Benin-Ore, Auchi-Eruwe road, and others.

    TCAN also lauded the NDDC boss for the provision of solar-powered lighting in numerous communities through the ‘Light Up Niger Delta Initiative’, the launch of the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, aimed at promoting regional integration and nurturing amateur sporting talent.

    The group highlighted the implementation of an agricultural revolution that includes training programmes for farmers under the Niger Delta agribusiness project, the commencement of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, which has started placements and payments for 10,000 registered beneficiaries as some of the developmental strides by Ogbuku’s leadership.

    TCAN, however, condemned recent attacks on NDDC leadership, attributing them to a local politician who felt threatened by Dr. Ogbuku’s formidable reputation and acceptance across various communities. 

    The network urged the politician and his associates to reconsider their actions and instead collaborate with the NDDC’s management to enhance the positive outcomes for the people of the Niger Delta.

    They emphasised that the days of using organised protests to achieve political ends and extort funds are behind the people of the Niger Delta.

    Read Also: Tinubu donates CNG buses to ease student transportation

    TCAN stated: “We commend Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for not taking issues with the planned protest merchants but rather recommitting himself to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu in the Niger Delta region. 

    “Going forward, we will hold mass peace rallies to celebrate President Tinubu and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for their developmental strides at strategic locations in Abuja and across the Niger Delta region, as no person or group of persons has monopoly of protests or nuisance-value. 

    “Should the planned protest merchants refuse to turn a new leaf, we will seek to obtain and enforce a restraining order from a competent court of law, as where the right of one ends, the right of another begins.”