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Tag: Niger Delta

  • Niger Delta Digital Museum unveiled in Abuja as stakeholders call for history centre

    Niger Delta Digital Museum unveiled in Abuja as stakeholders call for history centre

    Stakeholders from government, the diplomatic corps, the creative sector, and development organisations have called for increased investment in technology and historical preservation in the Niger Delta following the unveiling of the Niger Delta Digital Museum in Abuja.

    The museum, which merges history, technology, and innovation, was presented as a platform to safeguard the region’s cultural heritage while positioning it for economic relevance in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

    Edward Brisibe, founder of Project-Delta and curator of the museum, explained that the initiative aims to reconnect the people of the Niger Delta with their roots and prepare younger generations for opportunities beyond the oil sector.

    Addressing dignitaries, including the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), diplomats, development partners, and media representatives, Brisibe emphasised that the region’s global importance predates petroleum discovery.

    He recalled that the Niger Delta, historically known as the “Oil Rivers,” once dominated palm oil exports, supplying more than the rest of Africa combined. “Our relevance did not begin with crude oil, and it will not end with it,” he said.

    Brisibe also highlighted the region’s abundant gas reserves, extensive coastline, fertile land, and youthful population as key assets for future growth.

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    He advocated for the creation of artificial intelligence laboratories, technology hubs, and a permanent, world-class history museum to further enhance the Niger Delta’s developmental prospects.

    Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick, described the exhibition as a valuable learning experience, noting that it offers unique insights into the region’s history through art and storytelling.

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Anne Nenadi, Director of Tourism at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, stressed the importance of culture and tourism in preserving local narratives and projecting Nigeria’s heritage on the global stage.

    The launch of the digital museum underscores the potential of combining technology and heritage preservation to create economic opportunities and strengthen cultural identity in the Niger Delta.

  • Summit courts private sector partnerships for improved maritime security in Niger Delta

    Summit courts private sector partnerships for improved maritime security in Niger Delta

    The Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit has called on private sector companies working in the area of maritime security to deploy  a coordinated approach to ensure maximum impact. 

    This was stated in a statement released by the organizing committee after they paid a courtesy visit to Target One Group in Abuja last week. 

    The statement signed by Emmanuel Ukpong, Lead Consultant at Gadfly Consulting Limited, the organisers of the summit were full of praises for Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kennedy Odoeme for the role of his company and other security companies in ensuring security and stability in the Niger Delta region. 

    “We are here to commend you not only for your support and partnership with our summit but most importantly the quiet and revolutionary intervention in the area of pipeline surveillance and maritime security that has saved  Nigeria billions of dollars till date. We remember when oil theft and vandalization of pipelines were daily nightmares in the Niger Delta. 

    “Losses due to oil theft reduced our country’s production capacity to sometimes 600,000 barrels per day far below our more than 2,000,000 barrels per day production capacity. The country was hemorrhaging and our nation was helplessly losing revenue which jeopardized  development across all sectors.  

    “This was before the Amnesty program and the efforts of companies like yours and ofcourse Tantita Security Limited among others in securing our national assets especially the pipeline Infrastructure”.

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    Commenting further on the issue, the Co-convener of the summit, Dr. Uche Igwe commended Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and other security agencies for working with other government agencies including Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the recorded improvements in maritime safety recorded by our country. 

    According to him, “Our upcoming summit will be that platform for regular stock taking, identifying the issues that will boost the economy in the Niger Delta and galvanising relevant stakeholders and partners to chart a way forward. There will be a session dedicated to maritime security so that government and private sector players like Target One Group remain on the same page of continuous improvement. Experts from other countries have been invited to share their experiences too. 

    “This is the way to write that new chapter of prosperity and sustainability that we all crave for in the Niger Delta and I thank you for being part of it”, he stated.

    The annual summit whose maiden edition is scheduled to hold from the 9th-11th February  in Ikot Ekpene.  

    The former Prime Minister of Tunisia His Excellency Mehdi Jomaa has confirmed his attendance as keynote speaker at the summit. 

    The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno known to be passionate about developing the blue economy in his state is billed to declare the summit open

  • New varsity to tackle climate change, pollution in Niger Delta, says Fed Govt

    New varsity to tackle climate change, pollution in Niger Delta, says Fed Govt

    The Federal Government has said that Nigeria will soon produce additional expertise needed to address climate change and environmental degradation, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this  yesterday at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, Tai area of Rivers.

    Alausa, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Mr. Sunday Ajide, said climate change and environmental pollution had increasingly become serious global concerns.

    According to him, the establishment of FUET is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and providing solutions to environmental challenges.

    “FUET will promote environmental sustainability and address the unique ecological and developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region,” he said.

    He added that the choice of environment and technology as the institution’s core mandate was both timely and strategic.

    “In an era in which climate change, environmental degradation, renewable energy and sustainable development dominate global discourse, FUET is well positioned to become a centre of excellence in research, innovation and solutions-driven scholarship.

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    “The university will play a critical role in producing skilled professionals, researchers and leaders who will contribute meaningfully to national development and global environmental stewardship,” Alausa said.

    The minister assured the institution of the full support of the Ministry of Education in the areas of policy guidance, infrastructural development, staff capacity building, programme accreditation and funding.

    Alausa also urged industry stakeholders, research institutions and developmental partners to collaborate with the university to enhance its relevance, innovation and sustainability.

     He commended the vice-chancellor, members of the governing council, management and staff for their efforts in bringing FUET into operations following its establishment on Feb. 3, 2025.

     Speaking at the event, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of FUET, Prof. Prince Mmom, said the university had admitted more than 1,000 students across six faculties, including Agriculture and Applied Health Sciences.

    The other faculties are Engineering Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Management Technology.

    According to him, within the next five years the institution would produce some of Nigeria’s best minds to drive environmental solutions across the Niger Delta and the country at large.

    “This will be achieved through strict adherence to university rules and regulations and by exhibiting a high sense of personal responsibility in upholding and maintaining these standards at all times,” he said.

    Mmom said that within its first year, the university had recorded notable milestones, including ongoing infrastructural development, commencement of academic activities and the admission of students.

    He described FUET as a specialised institution designed to become a world-class centre of excellence in environmental restoration, sustainable development and technological innovation.

    “The university will promote translational research with direct impact on communities, Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta region.

    “FUET will focus on ecosystem regeneration, environmental justice partnerships and the production of skilled graduates capable of addressing contemporary environmental challenges,” he added.

    The vice chancellor said the institution would not tolerate cultism, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, the exchange of grades for money, or the sale of handouts and unapproved books or manuals.

  • Bayelsa athletes  vow to defend Niger Delta Games crown

    Bayelsa athletes  vow to defend Niger Delta Games crown

    Bayelsa State‘s athletes are determined to retain their position atop the medals table when the second edition of the Niger Delta Games kicks off in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20-27.

    The state surprised many by clinching the inaugural title in Uyo, edging out Delta State by a single gold medal on the final day of competition. Bayelsa finished with an impressive haul of 46 gold, 29 silver and 15 bronze medals—86 in total.

    Now, athletes preparing for the Benin Games say they’re ready to prove their dominance was no fluke.

    “Bayelsa has gone beyond participation to winning tournaments,” declared wrestler Emmanuel Okike during training at the team’s camp in Yenagoa, the state capital. “We have been doing well in all the competitions we’ve attended, and I can confidently say we’re ready to retain first position.”

    Okike credited the team’s intensive preparations, particularly the wrestling squad’s rigorous training regimen, as the foundation for their confidence.

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    Fellow wrestler Ebiere Frank, competing in the 61kg freestyle category, echoed that determination. “We’re going to Benin to affirm our dominance in wrestling,” he said, adding that the Games would serve as vital preparation for other competitions later in the year.

    Both wrestlers praised the partnership between Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for creating the Games.

    “The region stands to benefit immensely from the continuous staging of these games through the discovery of talented sportsmen and women,” Ebiere noted.

    Basketball player Gonibo Jessica was equally bullish about her team’s prospects. “We’re bringing back the gold medal in basketball,” she asserted, describing the competition as “a stepping stone for young athletes to excel at national and international sporting events.”

    Jessica urged the NDDC to sustain its sponsorship of the Games, calling it “a launch pad for grassroots sports development.”

    Bayelsa will field male and female athletes across all 16 sporting events at the Games.

  • Niger Delta Blue Economy partners Caverton to promote safer, climate-friendly water transport

    Niger Delta Blue Economy partners Caverton to promote safer, climate-friendly water transport

    The Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit has entered into a strategic partnership with Caverton Marine to advance safer, more efficient, and climate-conscious marine transportation across the Niger Delta.

    The collaboration was formalised after a high-level meeting between the Summit’s organising committee and Caverton Marine in Lagos. 

    It is designed to tackle longstanding safety concerns on the region’s waterways and accelerate the deployment of modern, low-emission passenger vessels.

    Caverton Marine, an indigenous boat manufacturer and marine logistics provider, has earned national recognition for its contributions to water transport development in Lagos, particularly through public-private partnerships that produced recent world-class passenger ferries for the state government.

    Speaking after the engagement, Cedric Ogwu, a member of the Summit’s organising committee, said the initiative seeks to replicate successful models already delivering results in Lagos.

    He explained that the Summit would provide a platform for governments, investors, and operators to advance infrastructure that improves safety, boosts commuter confidence, and supports sustainable economic activity in coastal communities.

    In his remarks, the Managing Director of Caverton Offshore Group, Bode Makanjuola, welcomed the partnership and described the Summit as timely. 

    He noted that Caverton is already collaborating with some states in the Niger Delta but expressed readiness to expand its footprint in the region.

    Makanjuola added that the company now manufactures passenger boats that meet global safety and quality benchmarks, including fully electric ferries designed to cut operating costs and reduce long-term environmental impact. 

    According to him, many waterway accidents stem from avoidable equipment failures and the use of substandard vessels.

    Co-convener of the Summit, Dr. Uche Igwe, said Caverton’s progress in electric ferry manufacturing aligns directly with global energy transition priorities. 

    He noted that the adoption of electric ferries presents significant opportunities for the Niger Delta in emissions reduction and green investment attraction.

    The Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit will hold from 9–11 February at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. The event will convene policymakers, investors, industry leaders, and development partners to explore investment prospects across the region’s emerging blue economy. High-level speakers, including former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mehdi Jomaa, have confirmed attendance.

  • Niger Delta ex-agitators back U.S. military operations against terrorists

    Niger Delta ex-agitators back U.S. military operations against terrorists

    Former members of the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force have declared support for the United States’ military operations against terrorists in northern Nigeria, while cautioning that continued neglect of the Niger Delta could trigger renewed unrest.

    In a statement signed by its former spokesman, Capt. Mark Anthony, the group said terrorism had claimed countless Nigerian lives and commended the U.S. for its role in confronting the threat.

    “We commend and support the ongoing U.S. military operations against terrorists in Northern Nigeria,” the statement said.

    The former agitators clarified that their past armed struggle was driven by economic concerns, particularly demands for inclusion in resource control, and stressed that they never targeted civilians.

    “Our fight was for survival, not for the killing of innocent Nigerians,” they stated.

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    They also praised the Nigerian government for awarding pipeline surveillance contracts to Tantita Security Services Limited and other former fighters, noting that the initiative had contributed to the protection of oil infrastructure and the maintenance of peace in the Niger Delta.

    However, the group warned that the relative calm in the region remained fragile, pointing to persistent underdevelopment in many oil-producing communities.

    According to the statement, inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to clean water, healthcare, roads, and electricity continue to fuel discontent across the Niger Delta.

    The group further urged the Niger Delta Development Commission to live up to its mandate, warning that underdevelopment in the Niger Delta constitutes a serious security concern not only for Nigeria but for the global community.

  • Aggrieved Niger Delta ex-agitators recant marginalisation claims

    Aggrieved Niger Delta ex-agitators recant marginalisation claims

    Aggrieved first-phase Niger Delta ex-agitators have formally withdrawn earlier allegations of marginalisation against the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), reconciling with the leadership of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum to boost peace in the region.

    The reconciliation followed weeks of tension sparked by claims that some ex-agitators who laid down arms in 2009 were being sidelined in the implementation of the amnesty programme led by Dr. Dennis Otuaro. Those claims, according to the ex-agitators, have now been traced to misinformation and communication gaps.

    In a joint statement, leaders of the aggrieved group, among them were Obekuma Jacob, Don Alex Watchman, Patrick Tebegha, Tallest Gilbert Isobo and Douglas Otokolo, publicly recanted their earlier position and affirmed loyalty to the existing forum leadership led by the National President, Chief Aroni Oputu.

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    The statement said a consensus had been reached after engagements with the leadership of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum and the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, paving the way for renewed collaboration.

    “We, on behalf of the leaders that made the publication against Chief Dennis Otuaro, have come to declare that it was a misunderstanding. We have now resolved our differences and agreed to collaborate for the good of the Niger Delta,” they said.

    The ex-agitators also cautioned against attempts by individuals or groups to exploit the earlier disagreement to cause fresh divisions, stressing that such actions would be viewed as self-serving and contrary to the collective interest of the Niger Delta struggle.

  • Niger Delta ex-agitators withdraw marginalisation claims, reconcile with PAP leadership

    Niger Delta ex-agitators withdraw marginalisation claims, reconcile with PAP leadership

    Aggrieved first-phase Niger Delta ex-agitators have formally withdrawn their earlier allegations of marginalisation against the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), reconciling with the leadership of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum in a move aimed at strengthening peace in the region.

    The reconciliation follows weeks of tension triggered by claims that some ex-agitators who surrendered their arms in 2009 were being sidelined in the implementation of the amnesty programme under the leadership of Dr Dennis Otuaro. 

    The ex-agitators have now attributed the claims to misinformation and communication gaps.

    In a joint statement, leaders of the aggrieved group, including Obekuma Jacob, Don Alex Watchman, Patrick Tebegha, Tallest Gilbert Isobo and Douglas Otokolo, publicly recanted their earlier stance and pledged loyalty to the existing forum leadership led by its National President, Chief Aroni Oputu.

    The statement said consensus was reached after engagements with the leadership of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum and the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, paving the way for renewed cooperation.

    “We, on behalf of the leaders that made the publication against Chief Dennis Otuaro, have come to declare that it was a misunderstanding. We have now resolved our differences and agreed to collaborate for the good of the Niger Delta,” the statement said.

    The ex-agitators admitted that their previous allegations of marginalisation of genuine first-phase beneficiaries were not based on facts but stemmed from personal misunderstandings and a breakdown in communication.

    They also warned against attempts by individuals or groups to exploit the earlier disagreement to create fresh divisions, stressing that such actions would be self-serving and against the collective interest of the Niger Delta struggle.

    Describing the development as the beginning of a new chapter, the ex-agitators cautioned that anyone seeking to undermine the renewed unity would be held personally responsible for their actions.

  • Garden City  brace for 2026 Niger Delta Polo Festival

    Garden City  brace for 2026 Niger Delta Polo Festival

    The 2026 Port Harcourt International Polo tournament, themed “United by The Game,” a highly anticipated biggest and largest polo festival in the oil rich Niger Delta region is expected  to gallop off with fanfare from January 11th  to 17th ,2026 at the foremost GRA Polo Ground in the Garden City.

    Revered as the biggest sporting attraction and number one social showpiece in the region, the 2026 edition will also serve as the 20th memorial of the passing of  a polo icon and past president of Port-Harcourt Polo Club,  Roland Cookey-Gam.

    The President of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Prince Henry Agbodjan, who disclosed this at a media briefing, stated that  next  year’s edition seeks to deepen unity and inclusiveness, declaring that the annual festival has over the years, serve as a major commercial boost for Rivers State economy as well as the Niger Delta region.

    He said:  “Like the theme of this year’s tournament said, “for us as polo club, it’s a diverse group of people. Polo in itself is played in very diverse manners, and we believe in unity, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness as well.

     “As part of preparations for this tournament, we have one of our own who we lost 20 years ago in a plane crash. Rowland Cookey-Gam as you can see him clearly in the emblem for this year’s tournament.”

     “ We are going to use this tournament to eulogize him, remember him, and of course, appreciate his work for polo within the Harcourt Polo Club and polo in general around the world.”

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    Prince Agbodjan noted that the club was able to achieve its goals during the last tournament, especially in the area of catching them young and taking polo to the grassroots.  “So, we are going to build on the program that was very well received by the public intensifying the program.”

    He commended the Rivers State Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside other private and corporate sponsors for their continued support to the club over the years, assuring that the flagship polo tournament in the country would continue to draw people from all walks of life.

    Major prizes to be contested for in the weeklong carnival include King Alfred Diete-Spiff, King T.J.T Princewill, T.Y Danjuma, Armed Forces Remembrance, President, Governor cups, as well the Rowland Coockey-Gam played in honour of late former president of the club, Rowland Cookey-Gam.

    Subsidiary trophies, medals and individual prizes will be awarded to winners and runners-up who distinguished themselves during the fiesta, while sponsors and individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth of polo in Nigeria will also be recognized.

    Captain of Port Harcourt Polo Club, Dr. Ikenna Nebolisa who also confirmed that Port Harcourt was ready to rock in the weeklong polo extravaganza, disclosed that players from Iran, Mexico, England, Argentina, among others would be participating at the tourney, in addition to entries from Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Jos.

    He noted that the tournament, themed ‘United in the Game,’ aims to provide a lively and enjoyable experience for polo enthusiasts nationwide, with billboard entertainment and a variety of social activities to spice the New Year celebrations.

    The captain added that, apart from the matches, attendees could look forward to opportunities to purchase items at affordable rates from the tournament’s Micro Market throughout the fiesta.

    Dr. Nebolisa also disclosed that matches would take place daily while the teams would compete in high-goal, medium goal and low-goal categories.

  • Niger Delta: Tinubu happy with 4,500 PAP scholarship students in one year, says Otuaro

    Niger Delta: Tinubu happy with 4,500 PAP scholarship students in one year, says Otuaro

    The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is happy with the significant achievements recorded by the agency, especially the deployment of 4,500 Niger Delta scholarship students within one year.

    He spoke at the flag-off of the fourth batch of the two-day “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders” organised by the agency in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Monday.

    The PAP in July and August 2025 successfully conducted a similar capacity-building workshop for three batches of its stakeholders at the same military facility.

    Otuaro, who said the President was delighted with the agency’s expanded scholarship scheme, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta, urged stakeholders to maintain their position as key players in the region’s peace and development.

    According to him, President Tinubu is very supportive of the programme because of his strong desire for the region to enjoy sustainable peace, stability, and development.

    Otuaro reiterated that the workshop was a vital component of the PAP’s peace process with all stakeholders as important partners in the peace initiative.

    The Administrator, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, stressed that the participants were not only partners for peace, but also the president’s peace ambassadors.

    The PAP boss also applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic support to strengthen the programme’s initiatives and enable it to achieve the intended objectives for the people of the region.

    While declaring the workshop open, Otuaro said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is very happy with what we have achieved so far in one year and nine months. As stakeholders, you should continue to be key players in the peace and development of the Niger Delta, which His Excellency has been very supportive of and desirous of.

    “The objective behind this training is to ensure that all of us are partners in every peace effort in the Niger Delta. This initiative is also to give you a sense of belonging.

    “When we organised this workshop in July and August this year, we assured stakeholders that more people would also participate in the training. We don’t want to do the PAP’s work alone. It is a process of putting our heads together to ensure that the region is peaceful and united. When we are united, Mr President will do more for the region.

    “We must also realise that peace starts from our communities; you all are leaders in your own right. I know and acknowledge the support that the Office has received since we came on board. This leadership workshop is part of our peacebuilding process and is designed to ensure that peace is sustained in our region.

    “Since we came on board, we have redirected the Programme towards our people and for the next generation. We have achieved a lot. This 2025-2026 academic session, we have sent 4,500 students, our future leaders, on scholarships to universities within Nigeria. We are doing this to invest in the future of our region.”

    Otuaro said that his leadership would not be distracted by the smear campaign of some anti-Niger Delta elements who were angry that the programme had been taken to the people of the region, saying “nobody will hold the region to ransom.”

    He further urged stakeholders not to be manipulated by political merchants, but to massively support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid because of his clear agenda for the region.

    Otuaro enjoined the stakeholders to participate actively in the workshop and utilise the lessons they would gain to strengthen peace and development in their communities and the Niger Delta in general.

    He also expressed appreciation to the management of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, resource persons, and the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd.), for partnering with the PAP to deepen the peace process in the region.