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Tag: Ndoma -Egba

  • Osinbajo at 61: Ndoma-Egba describes VP as highly dependable

    Osinbajo at 61: Ndoma-Egba describes VP as highly dependable

    The Chairman, Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) has described the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) as highly dependable.

    Ndoma-Egba made this remark, in a 61st birthday congratulatory message to Prof. Osinbajo, in a statement by Mrs Clara Braide, Special Assistant, Communication Office, NDDC, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Describing the Vice President as “Highly dependable and cerebral,” the NDDC Chairman, who also turns 62 on the same day as Prof. Osinbajo, acknowledged several landmark achievements, which had no doubt, singled out the Vice President.

    Ndoma-Egba added that Osinbajo’s integrity, intelligence and selfless service has been essential to the numerous achievements recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

    “The vision and wisdom of this quintessential leader of our time is evident for all to see in his ability to discharge his assigned duties loyally.

    “I pray that God will continue to bless him with good health, wisdom and many more years in the service of God and our great nation,” he said.

  • Ndoma-Egba pleads for peace in Niger Delta

    Ndoma-Egba pleads for peace in Niger Delta

    Following the renewed threats by Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to resume hostilities in the Niger Delta, the Chairman, Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has appealed to the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to embrace peace.

    In a statement by Mrs Clara Braide, his Special Assistant (SA), Communications, Ndoma-Egba stressed the need for the NDA to reconsider its threat to renew hostilities and bomb oil installations.

    The NDDC Chairman implored them to sheathe their swords and allow government to roll out its plans for the region.  He advised that violence is not the best option, stressing that the region is already overstretched as a result of incessant self-inflicted damages.

    Ndoma-Egba called for their support and cooperation towards finding lasting solutions to the problems of the Niger Delta, adding that dialogue should be maintained with the Federal Government to secure peace and sustainable development.

    He said: “Our environment is already polluted and is in dire straits, we are urgently in need of restoration. Destroying oil pipelines and installations would worsen our already badly polluted environment and expose our people to sickness and untold hardship.  It would aggravate our already bad situation and expose innocent children, women, and youths to grave danger.

    “We appeal to NDA to please give peace a chance and allow the Government and Stakeholders find lasting solutions to the problems confronting our Region.  At the end of the day, our Region would be better developed and prosperous if we cooperate with NDDC and other stakeholders in our efforts to finding a peaceful and permanent resolution to our problems as the Commission has put in place, strategic intervention plans that should transform the Region.

  • Ndoma-Egba pleads for peace in Niger Delta

    Ndoma-Egba pleads for peace in Niger Delta

    Following the renewed threats by Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to resume hostilities in the Niger Delta, the Chairman, Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has appealed to the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to embrace peace.

    In a statement by Mrs Clara Braide, his Special Assistant (SA), Communications, Ndoma-Egba stressed the need for the NDA to reconsider its threat to renew hostilities and bomb oil installations.

    The NDDC Chairman implored them to sheathe their swords and allow government to roll out its plans for the region.  He advised that violence is not the best option, stressing that the region is already overstretched as a result of incessant self-inflicted damages.

    Ndoma-Egba called for their support and cooperation towards finding lasting solutions to the problems of the Niger Delta, adding that dialogue should be maintained with the Federal Government to secure peace and sustainable development.

    He said: “Our environment is already polluted and is in dire straits, we are urgently in need of restoration. Destroying oil pipelines and installations would worsen our already badly polluted environment and expose our people to sickness and untold hardship.  It would aggravate our already bad situation and expose innocent children, women, and youths to grave danger.

    “We appeal to NDA to please give peace a chance and allow the Government and Stakeholders find lasting solutions to the problems confronting our Region.  At the end of the day, our Region would be better developed and prosperous if we cooperate with NDDC and other stakeholders in our efforts to finding a peaceful and permanent resolution to our problems as the Commission has put in place, strategic intervention plans that should transform the Region.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ndoma-Egba matriarch dies at 91

    Ndoma-Egba matriarch dies at 91

    Matriarch of the Ndoma-Egba family in Cross River State, Madam Adeline Ndoma-Egba (Nee Wilson), is dead. She died on December 30, 2017 at 91.

    The widow of Justice Emmanuel Takon Ndoma-Egba died ten days to her 92nd birthday, according to Prof. Rowland Ndoma-Egba.

    “She was a most remarkable lady with an infinite capacity for love, service and sacrifice, the family said.

    She was born on January 8, 1926, to James and Elvira Wilson in St Catherine’s, Jamaica.

    The deceased, called ‘Angel’ by the family, worked at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital; former General Hospital, Enugu and Park Lane Hospital, Enugu, as the first Theatre matron. She was the Matron at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Umuahia.

    The deceased worked with the international Red Cross at the Awomama Reference hospital, Awomama, Imo State. After the civil war, she became the matron at the General hospital Ogoja and Matron at the Holy Family Joint Hospital, Ikom, from where she retired in 1985 into a quiet life of service to the family, community and humanity.

  • Clarke sues for peace as FG, PANDEF unite for Niger Delta development

    Clarke sues for peace as FG, PANDEF unite for Niger Delta development

    The Federal Government and the Niger Delta Leaders under the aegis of Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) met for several hours at the Presidential Villa on Thursday and agreed to partner to actualize the FG’s new vision for the region’s development.

    The meeting, presided over by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, was attended by the Ministers of Environment, Niger Delta Development Affairs, State for Petroleum, and the Chairman of NDDC, Sen. Ndoma Egba.

    Also in attendance were Chief Edwin Clarke, Alabo Graham Douglas, Chief Timi Alaibe, Chief Alfred Diette-Spiff, former Akwa Ibom Gov. Victor Attah and a host of other Niger Delta leaders.

    Elder statesman and leader of PANDEF, Clarke, who addressed state House Correspondents at the end of the meeting described it as very fruitful and called on the people of the region to maintain peace and await the implementation of the FG’s vision.

    “The message is that everyone should maintain peace,’’ Clarke said adding that the group had seen the commitment of the federal government to pursue its development agenda in the region.

    ““The meeting was excellent.  We met with Mr Acting President and he was very honest, truthful, forthright and we were very satisfied.”

    Clark denied an ultimatum was issued to the federal government on the vision’s implementation but added that the parties agreed on many things with PANDEF and the ministers presenting their separate addresses and Osinbajo rounding off.

    “We saw his genuineness, truthfulness, forthrightness; he is a gentleman and we support him and we are satisfied,” he said.

    The PANDEF leader stated that the region would withdraw from its former position and embrace the path laid by the federal government for the development of the region.

    According to him, the region and FG have agreed to work together noting that the issue of dialogue will also take place.

    He assured the Niger Delta people that the 16-point agenda they presented to the FG was fully discussed as well as the government’s 20-point agenda.

    On why the Niger Delta leaders were not speaking with one voice, the elder statesman said there were no other leaders in the region with dissenting voices.

    He said that MEND was represented at the meeting noting that the group’s acclaimed spokesman did not exist.

    “Jomo Gbomo does not exist as a human being. That is a ghost name and a fake name. MEND was here, all other organizations were here.

    “I am the leader of the Niger Delta and every leader you can think of from Cross River to Edo state was here,’’ he stated.

    Buttressing the points, he minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, acknowledged that there was no ultimatum from any part of the region to the federal government.

    He said that the meeting was to find solutions to the Niger Delta issues adding that it was basically to explore how government had gone ahead with the fulfillment of the parties’ undertakings on the 16-point agenda raised during the tour of the region.

    He said several issues including the University at Okerenkoko, issues related to the development of the Niger Delta generally, amnesty programme and how well it was working, and NDDC operations were discussed.

    “Today was an environment of calm, peace and friendliness and mutual dialogue of the issues for them to understand where we are coming from and understand the most pressing problems that we have,’’ he said.

    He acknowledged that PANDEF pledged commitment to work with the federal government to find solutions to the problems confronting the region.

    He said that the alarm that was generated was that government should hurry up with the projects as the people were getting worried and tired and wanted to see positive actions on all the items.

    He said that PANDEF was convinced with  the explanations of the Acting President and had realized that the government was not playing about the vision to correct the wrongs in the region for over 30 years.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as the meeting was on the Acting Presidential Spokesman, Laolu Akande, released a fact sheet on the vision showing that the FG had set aside an initial one billion dollars for the clean-up and environmental remediation of Ogoniland.

    According to the fact sheet, 200 million dollars will be disbursed yearly for the first five years and work on the project will be conducted in line with international best practices.

    Akande stated that already soil and water tests had been done in preparation for the clean-up and 15 technical assistants from Ogoniland hired to be part of the work.

    He said that to drive infrastructure, the FG has released funds for the continuation of various sections of the East-West Road adding that as at March 2017, the overall project completion was substantial with some sections reaching 99 per cent completion.

    Akande stated that the FG had plans to construct health centres in the states and communities of the region which on completion would be fully equipped to address some of the health needs of rural dwellers.

    He added that FG had started the process of replacing illegal refineries in the region with modular ones, including options on how to involve the communities as shareholders in the proposed Modular Refineries.

    He said that the ground-breaking of the first set of such refineries were expected in the 4th quarter of 2017 and the government  would supply crude to the local refineries at reasonable price.

    Akande stated that the measure was to serve as an incentive to stop the current practice whereby illegal refiners vandalised and stole the crude adding that each Niger Delta state was expected to host two modular refineries.

  • Ndoma-Egba hails Ita-Giwa over defection

    Ndoma-Egba hails Ita-Giwa over defection

    The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has described the defection of the erstwhile Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as welcome development.

    The NDDC chairman made the remark in a press statement signed by his Special Assistant on Communication, Mrs. Clara Braide.

    Ndoma-Egba said Ita-Giwa’s decision to join the APC came at a time when all people of goodwill were moving over to contribute their quota towards the development of the country, through the party.

    He said: Your coming to the APC at this point in our fledgling democracy is a pointer to your sincere commitment to deploy your wealth of experience, with other democrats, for the betterment of your region and the nation as a whole.”

    The board chairman expressed optimism that judging from Ita-Giwa’s antecedents as a team player, grassroots mobiliser and party faithful, the APC’s gradual push to take over the Southsouth was progressively becoming a reality.

    “We all are aware of the interesting political story of this great woman of note and how she has been able to galvanise the people of her community to pursue a course that they hold dear in a non-political and non-military way.”  He added: “The party can benefit from her immense wealth of experience and tap into her political structure for our party’s greater good. She is a good catch. This move is a further endorsement for President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    Ita-Giwa, popularly known as “Mama Bakassi,” and the strong lady of Cross River State politics, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, on the grounds that she needed a credible platform to continue her political life and contribute to the advancement of the society.

  • Buhari’s return a great relief from anxiety – Ndoma-Egba

    The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Victor Ndoma- Egba, has said the return of President Muhammadu Buhari to the country after his medical vacation in the United Kingdom is a “great relief from anxiety.’’

    In a statement issued by the head of his media team, Ms Clara Braide, in Abuja on Friday, Ndoma-Egba said the absence of the President from the country had “understandably generated anxiety.’’

    “We thank God that the President is back and ready to return to the challenge of nation building,’’ the NDDC chairman said.

    Ndoma-Egba congratulated Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for what he described as “capable manner” in steering the ship of the state during the President’s absence.

    “He (Osinbajo) has demonstrated that he is a loyal and competent vice-president and that there is only one presidency,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Ndoma-Egba: NDDC isn’t contract-awarding agency

    Ndoma-Egba: NDDC isn’t contract-awarding agency

    The Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to make its systems and processes more transparent for sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

    The board said NDDC is not a contract-awarding agency, as being misconstrued in some quarters, but an interventionist agency for the Niger Delta region.

    The Federal Government’s interventionist agency outlined these in its 21-Point Focus during the board’s inaugural meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

    The commission’s chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, noted that it was imperative to create opportunities “for public participation to engender confidence in the activities of the commission by all stakeholders in the region”.

    Other points, Ndoma-Egba said, included curtailing the indiscriminate award of contracts and the need for the board’s approval for procurement of projects and programmes.

    He said: “The board must adopt policies that would moderate or streamline the number of new procurements in the commission, given that as at today, NDDC has over 9,000 ongoing projects, most of which are experiencing funding, implementation and other challenges.

    “The board must determine the status of each of the ongoing projects and programmes and put in place a mechanism to re-evaluate the viability of some projects, revise the scope of others, renegotiate the cost of some and relocate or merge others as well as evolve a strategy for settling verified debts.”

    The NDDC chairman noted that because of paucity of funds, it was inevitable to prioritise projects and programmes, adding: “Deliberate efforts must be made to determine the number of projects that can be focused upon and quickly completed.

    “As a matter of urgency, the corporate headquarters building of NDDC and the remaining state office buildings must be given serious attention by the board.”

    The board also said:

    • Appointments and postings of workers must be based on equity, competence and determinable criteria.
    • NDDC will build synergy with all critical stakeholders, especially the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners and security agencies, among others.
    • Efforts must be made to implement an NDDC master plan; ad hoc, “short-term” solutions have proved unsustainable.
    • NDDC to transparently and strategically engage critical stakeholders: governors, Houses of Assembly, the workers, traditional rulers, oil firms, youths (including the agitators) women, the disabled, environmental right activists, etc. Efficient collaboration will make the commission an actual development agency instead of its present perception as a contract-awarding commission.
    • Private sector participation to be encouraged in various developmental activities while development partners will be engaged to ensure delivery of relevant projects in the Niger Delta region.
    • Involvement of the communities in the sustainable clean-up of the environment. Traditional and community leaders must be educated on the menace of pipeline vandalism and its effect on the environment. Communities have to be encouraged on proper waste management and the impact on the economy. The commission will identify beneficial ways of converting waste to wealth.
    • Addressing security concerns will be critical to achieving the mandate of the commission. The Security Agencies must be continually encouraged, as security is needed for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta. Traditional ways of justice administration and alternative dispute resolution may be adopted in some cases rather than relying on force at all times, to redress misconduct. People in the informal economy have to be identified and catered for.  We must put in place a pragmatic youth empowerment policy which will enable the area’s youth to discover their talents and live useful lives.  Training and retraining of the youths will continue to benefit the region. Appropriate training modules have to be identified for training the youth of the Region.  This will be in consultation with the Amnesty office and development partners.  This will improve stability and assure potential investors, local and foreign of the safety of their investment.
    • Empowerment of the indigenes has to be sustainable, based on needs assessment. Enhancing the position of women is also very important. Creating opportunities for women will help in addressing their needs and recognise their role in the community as peace makers.
    • Appropriate medical facilities and personnel will be deployed for the well being of the people of the region. Trained and qualified manpower will be assembled to attend to individual and specific health needs of the various communities.
    • Corporate social responsibilities of International and National oil companies have to benefit the people. These companies will be encouraged to improve their relationship with the host communities under the coordination of a unit of the Commission;
    • mprove transportation infrastructure by providing alternative and cheaper means for efficient movement of people and goods.
    • Work with relevant agencies of government and the private sector to provide appropriate, alternative and reliable supply of Electricity to the communities especially those of the hinterland in the region;
    • Review the scholarship programme to improve local content.
    • Sports development will be encouraged to give our youths a sense of competitiveness.

    Ndoma-Egba reiterated the need to win the confidence of stakeholders in the commission’s development plan, adding that changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta and improving the living conditions of the people rested with everyone.

     

  • Buhari means well for Niger Delta, says Ndoma-Egba

    Buhari means well for Niger Delta, says Ndoma-Egba

    The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has said President Muhammadu Buhari means well for the Niger Delta.

    He hailed the President for his determination to develop the crude oil and gas-rich region.

    Ndoma-Egba, a former Senate Leader, spoke yesterday at NDDC’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, during the inaugural meeting of the commission’s board.

    He cited the increase in the budgets of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the NDDC and the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), the urgency for the completion of the East-West Road, the East-West rail line, the Ogoni clean-up and the recent dialogue with leaders from the region as indications of the President’s goodwill towards the region.

    The NDDC chairman was optimistic that more projects would come to the region with the creation of an enabling environment.

    Ndoma-Egba said: “Their (militants’) points have long been made. Now, they are inflicting injuries and suffering on themselves and our already hapless and helpless people. They should give us a chance to develop.”

    The NDDC chairman noted that development would not occur without peace and security.

    The lawyer called for collective action to ensure a more peaceful and secure Niger Delta region.

    He said: “We cannot complain about environmental pollution and degradation in the region and at the same time engage in activities, such as pipeline vandalism and breaches that not only pollute the environment but also shield those who should bear responsibility for the sorry state of our environment from liability.

    “All of us from the Niger Delta region must take responsibility for peace and security in our own interest and in the interest of generations to come. All of us must be committed to the peace, security and prosperity of our region. It is our duty.”

    The NDDC chairman reaffirmed the resolve of the Federal interventionist agency to make it the vehicle of development and peace in the region.

    He expressed displeasure that the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan, which was meant to accelerate the development of the hitherto turbulent and underdeveloped region, had failed to achieve its original objective.

  • Ndoma-Egba: Buhari means well for Niger Delta

    Ndoma-Egba: Buhari means well for Niger Delta

    The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated great commitment towards the development of the oil-rich region.

    He spoke with reporters, shortly after returing from a visit to Ghana.

    He urged stakeholders in the Niger Delta to support the Buhari government in its bid to put in place palliative measures and developmental initiatives to ensure peace, security and development in the area.

    The former Senate Leader also noted that the improved budgetary allocation to NDDC and other related ministries and agencies was an indication of President Buhari’s good intentions towards the Niger Delta.

    He appealed to Niger Deltans to join hands with the NDDC to build the Niger Delta of their dream, which is, “a truly peaceful, secure, developed and prosperous Region.”

    Ndoma-Egba commended Buhari for his pivotal role in ensuring peaceful co-existence and good bilateral relations between Nigeria and other African countries.

    He expressed confidence that both leaders (Buhari and Akufo-Addo) would continue to cooperate and act in the common interest of their countries to ensure a united and prosperous African continent.