Tag: Niger Delta

  • UN, NDDC collaborate on Niger Delta sustainable development goals

    UN, NDDC collaborate on Niger Delta sustainable development goals

    The United Nations (UN) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have organised a stakeholders’ dialogue to identify challenges facing the Niger Delta region and to align it with the UN’s Six Transitions and the Niger Delta Regional Development Strategy.

    Speaking at the summit on the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Niger Delta region, NDDC Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Dr. Patterson Ogon, highlighted the key areas of focus to include problem identification, as well as solution design and prioritisation.

    Ogon, in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, advocated the adequate use of the region’s natural resources, such as wind and solar, in generating power.

    He also called for the more effective and efficient use of ICT by the Niger Delta youths to achieve economic independence.

    In the area of education, Ogon proposed a synergy between major stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to ensure that quality education was bequeathed to the people of the region.

    He urged the Niger Delta people to take charge of growing their own food, capitalising on the fertile region.

    A consultant for the Niger Delta Regional Development Strategy, Mr. Stephen Onerhime, outlined the strategies adopted for the region’s development.

    He named the strategies as economic, infrastructural, social and environmental development, as well as governance, institutions, security, law and order, and financing the plans.

    Read Also: Senate Committee inspects major NDDC projects in C/River

    He highlighted the advantages of the Niger Delta Regional Development Strategy, including a harmonised plan geared towards producing a standard, acceptable framework for the Niger Delta region; a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure the impact of projects in the area, as well as the progress and effectiveness of these projects.

    The Projects Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, noted that HYPREP had been implementing remedial activities at the 65 UNEP sites through soil treatment and groundwater treatment.

    He said that the adopted methodologies for the shoreline cleanup included shoreline treatment and artisanal refinery treatment.

    The HYPREP coordinator, represented by Mr. Agunyi Damian Paul, said the agency had launched the world’s largest initiative to restore mangroves damaged by oil pollution, focusing on monitoring the growth and progress of planted mangroves towards maturity.

    He said, “This is significant for the Niger Delta region because it has the potential to protect shorelines, improve food security, mitigate the impacts of floods, control climate change, and provide adaptation benefits.”

  • Troops seize 32,000 litres of stolen products, arrest 69 suspects in Niger Delta

    Troops seize 32,000 litres of stolen products, arrest 69 suspects in Niger Delta

    The troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies, have destroyed nine illegal refineries, confiscated 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and arrested 69 suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.

    Confirming the development, the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said in Delta State, the troops intercepted two trucks loaded with over 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Sapele LGA. 

    He said three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures adding that at One Man Village in Sapele, the troops recovered 16 cellophane bags filled with illegally refined AGO, while at Nana Town in Warri North, they uncovered many drums and four jerricans of illegally refined AGO.

    Danjuma explained that in Rivers State, at Kilometre 45 in Degema Local Government Area, thr troops deactivated three illegal refining sites, recovered over 7,000 litres of stolen products, and seized a wooden boat.

    He noted that in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, the troops intercepted two wooden boats loaded with eight sacks of stolen condensates.

    He said, “Additionally, a dugout pit containing over 1,500 litres of condensate was discovered near an identified illegal connection point. 

    Read Also: First Lady reassures Nigerians on Renewed Hope Initiative’s non-partisan programmes

    “At Izuoma Community around Sampson Estate in Oyigbo, over 1,500 litres of stolen products were also recovered.

    “At Akankurma Okoloma in Okrika, troops dismantled an illegal refining site and confiscated a drum pot, a receiver, and five drums filled with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the offences.”

    Danjuma added that in a separate operation around Ataba in Andoni LGA, the troops seized one fibre boat, one cooking pot, ten-inch pipes, and five valves.

    “Seizures were also made along Imo River, where over 2,000 litres of stolen products were recovered in an operation that led to the deactivation of two illegal refining sites, four drum pots, and two receivers around Obuzor and the Oyigbo general area”, he said.

    Danjuma said that in Bayelsa State, the troops uncovered an illegal refining site around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, where two large reservoirs filled with over 7,000 litres of stolen crude were discovered. 

    “This was in addition to five drums and receivers destroyed at the site. Where as in Akwa Ibom State, troops dominated the operational area, effectively denying criminal elements the freedom to operate. 

    “All the suspects taken into custody, were handed over to the appropriate security agencies for prosecution, while products confiscated are handled inline with existing operational mandate.”

  • Niger Delta central to Nigeria’s energy future, says Tinubu

    Niger Delta central to Nigeria’s energy future, says Tinubu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Niger Delta region is central to the energy and environmental future of the country.

    The President said this on Tuesday in Abuja during the 50th birthday of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

    During the celebration, two books, titled: Strategies and Imperatives for Developing the Niger Delta Region, and Rethinking the Niger Delta, authored by the celebrant, were unveiled.

    President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the region had experienced great transformation under Ognuku’s leadership.

    Read Also: Akpabio condoles APC chairman Yilwatda on mother’s death

    Edun said: “It is the economic heartbeat of this country, and it’s central to the energy and environmental future.

    “For decades, the story has been difficult. It has been complex, very rich in resources on land and water, but with serious challenges all the way.

    “His Excellency, Mr. President, is telling us his reforms focus on transparency and accountability, resources, the investment in infrastructure and human capital, and, of course, empowering communities at the grassroots so they can have a sustainable future.

    “When we reflect on the Niger Delta, it’s more than a region, and earlier, we had a history of development in the Niger Delta, way back to colonial times.”

  • Niger Delta central to Nigeria’s energy future, says Tinubu

    Niger Delta central to Nigeria’s energy future, says Tinubu

    …greets NDDC boss on birthday

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday acknowledged the importance of the Niger Delta region to the economic development of Nigeria.

    The president said that the region was central to the energy and environmental future of the country.

    Tinubu said this during the 50th birthday ceremony of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, on Tuesday in Abuja, where two books – ‘Strategies and imperatives for developing the Niger Delta region’, and ‘Rethinking the Niger Delta’, authored by the celebrant, were unveiled.

    The president, who was represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Wale Edun, said the region had experienced great transformation under the leadership of Dr Ogbuku, led by NDDC.

    Edun said, “It is the economic heartbeat of this country, and it’s central to the energy and environmental future. For decades, the story has been difficult. It has been complex, very rich in resources on land and water, but with serious challenges all the way. His Excellency, Mr. President, is telling us his reforms focus on transparency and accountability, resources, investment in infrastructure and human capital, and, of course, empowering communities at the grassroots so they can have a sustainable future.

    “When we reflect on the Niger Delta, it’s more than a region, and earlier, we had a history of development in the Niger Delta, way back to colonial times.”

    Tinubu charged the NDDC MD “to continue to champion the transformation of NDDC, an agency that delivers impact, and projects that touch lives, empower youth in your own words as Managing Director, and congratulate you on the two books you have launched.”

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, while felicitating with the celebrant, said it was not easy to manage the region.

    Akpabio, who was Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, said, “It’s not easy to manage the Niger Delta at all. It’s not easy to manage the NDDC. NDDC was a place where contracts were given in hotels, where people would sit down and write names of creeks and names of rivers, and then they would come for payments.

    “Some of them never even visited the rivers, but the papers were all complete, but so, for us to come and celebrate you today, we are not celebrating just a mere celebration, we are celebrating God’s goodness to the good people of the Niger Delta through the management of NDDC today.

    “I’m here to represent the National Assembly, and we are very proud of you. We are very proud of what you are doing.”

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, described Dr Ogbuku as a visionary leader who has transformed the image of NDDC.

    Read Also: Ogbuku is actualising Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in Niger Delta – MOSIEND

    Diri said, “Today, we are not just celebrating a milestone, but we are also celebrating a man who has seriously contributed to the development of the Niger Delta region. On behalf of the Governor, I want to sincerely appreciate you for all you have done in the region. We applaud your landmark achievements, your visionary leadership style, which are very laudable and the testimonies everywhere, both from the public and the NDDC. Your achievements are very loud.

    “You are being described as a man who is very open to the youth, elderly, a man who is hardworking, decent, and we are very happy to have somebody who recognises the progress of the Niger Delta region, and today we are very happy that you are celebrating your 50th birthday and book launch.

    “The Bayelsa State Government is working closely with the Commission, and despite the challenges you have faced, you are working dedicatedly, and within this period you have led NDDC we have seen a lot of projects littered across the Niger Delta region, and we are grateful and reaffirm our commitment to work with you as the leader of NDDC, members of the board and other stakeholders to ensure that we build a working region.”

    The celebrant recalled how he grew up and his political travails, and where he is today, said his parents, success and political mentors were behind his success.

    Ogbuku commended his parents for believing in him and giving him the best of training and discipline to become who he is today.

    “I thank God for what I am, courtesy of my parents, because both my mum and dad were disciplinarians; they were teachers, and with support from others and society, who have moulded and shaped me into who I am today.

    “We believed in our teachers, and I give special tribute to all of them. I started politics when I was in my final year in university, when I was the President of Bayelsa State Students.”

    He also promised to give his best to ensure the holistic development of the Niger Delta region, while he specially thanked President Tinubu for giving him the opportunity and support to positively impact the lives of the people of the region.

    He appealed to the Governors of the region to synergise with the Commission to seamlessly transform the lives of the people in the region.

    Dignitaries who attended the event included Akpabio, Diri, Governor of Ondo, Lucky Ayedayiwa, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, Chairman of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr Godknows Igali, Former Chairman of NDDC, Timi Alaibe, among others.

  • FIRS meets 2025 oil and gas revenue target, credits peace in Niger Delta

    FIRS meets 2025 oil and gas revenue target, credits peace in Niger Delta

    For the first time in several years, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has achieved its oil and gas sector revenue target for 2025, a milestone the agency attributes to sustained peace in the Niger Delta.

    A statement from the FIRS signed by Dare Adekanmbi Special Adviser on Media said the FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, made this disclosure on Wednesday when the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, led a team of senior military officers to the Revenue House in Abuja.

    Adedeji said the improved security situation in oil-producing areas had boosted production, resulting in greater profitability for companies in the sector and higher tax revenue for the federation.

    “The coordinating director of the Large Tax Group made a presentation at our management meeting today on tax collection to date, and I am glad to say that, for the first time in a long while, we met our oil and gas target,” Adedeji said. 

    “This is actually as a result of the peace that has been maintained where oil and gas facilities are located. Production is happening, and companies are making more profit from it.”

    He commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their contribution to maintaining stability, noting that the success aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to “taxing prosperity and not poverty.”

    “Prosperity can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace. The Armed Forces are critical stakeholders and central to sustaining peace in the country,” he said.

    The FIRS chairman also highlighted the president’s commitment to the welfare of security personnel, citing a recent approval for the construction of 1,550 housing units for members of the armed forces. “This shows the President appreciates what you are doing for the country. You are also critical to our success,” he told the CDS.

    Adedeji pledged the agency’s support for the upcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, which Nigeria will host in Abuja. “We will always be open to collaborate in order to sustain peace, increase prosperity, and develop our nation. On behalf of the President and all of us at FIRS, we thank you for the good job you are doing in maintaining peace and safety for all,” he said.

    In his remarks, General Musa praised the FIRS leadership for significantly improving revenue collection, which he said directly supports the operations of the armed forces.

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    “Since Dr. Adedeji assumed office, we have seen remarkable changes. For us in the Armed Forces, we are nothing without funds. To even buy the good big guns we are carrying will be difficult without the funding,” Musa said. “Over the years, you have made our job a lot easier, although we keep asking for more. We have seen that revenue has increased, almost tenfold, and we can see new initiatives making a positive impact. Your boldness has encouraged us in what we are doing.”

    The CDS also used the occasion to promote the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, scheduled for 25–27 August 2025 in Abuja.

    “This is an avenue to showcase Nigeria to Africa and the world,” Musa explained. “We have attended such events in other countries, but we believe it’s time for Africa to sit together as brothers and sisters to discuss our problems and provide African solutions.

    Most of these countries that claim they want to support us often contribute to the problems we are trying to solve. That is why it is important to have this conversation among ourselves.”

  • Significant development has occurred in Niger Delta under Tinubu, says Minister

    Significant development has occurred in Niger Delta under Tinubu, says Minister

    Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has said that the two-year administration of President Bola Ahmed has brought significant development to the Niger Delta region through the Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Momoh urged the management and staff of the commission to sustain the momentum and consolidate on the successes recorded by the commission in the past two years.

    The minister spoke in an interactive meeting between the ministry, executive management and staff of the commission in Port Harcourt.

    He said that the “success of NDDC is the success of the Ministry of Regional Development.”

     Momoh said:  “In the past two years, significant developments have taken place in the Niger Delta region, and this is because of the hard work of the management and staff of the NDDC. We have come to give you hope and encouragement to do more.”

    The minister noted that his working visit along with the Permanent Secretary and Directors of the Ministry was to inspect the ongoing construction of the Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking the Khana Local Government Area to the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    Read Also: Niger Delta leaders: Retaining power in South till 2031 will reflect equity,  unity

    He said that he also inspected the construction work at the 3.65km Borokiri-Okrika Road and three bridges at the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State and the Niger Delta Regional Hospital, with cardiovascular and orthopaedic sections, in Port Harcourt.

    Momoh commended the NDDC for a successful celebration of its 25th anniversary and urged the staff to continue to work with the management to ensure improvement in project and service delivery.

    The minister harped on the importance of cooperation saying:  “For an organisation to excel, its leadership must show the way, and the people behind them must be ready to cooperate.”

  • Niger Delta leaders: Retaining power in South till 2031 will reflect equity,  unity

    Niger Delta leaders: Retaining power in South till 2031 will reflect equity,  unity

    Leaders and major stakeholders in the Niger Delta have condemned efforts by some ‘selfish’ politicians to truncate the rotational presidency between the North and the South. 

    They said the moves will not fly because it is against the unity of the country.

    The leaders called on the promoters of the agenda to show patriotism by supporting the South to complete its tenure in the interests of fairness, equity, peace and progress.  

    The leaders include the President of the Ijaw National Congress(INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba; a former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri; Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT); Sir Amorighoye Mene; immediate past National Publicity Secretary, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Ken Robinson; and a  former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly,  Frank Okiye.

    Some politicians and groups in the North have been making efforts  to ensure the return of power to their region in 2027.

    On April 6, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen.  Aliyu Gusau,    hosted some political figures from the Northcentral, who are seeking a consensus for power shift to the region in the next  general election.

    The agitators led by Prof. K’sto Nghargbu, proceeded to meet with the Onah of Abaji,   Musa Baba Yunusa. They were also received by Senator John Danboyi.

    Nghargbu, a professor of medical geology,  said:  “We are strengthening advocacy for the return of presidency to the zone come 2027 through high-level consultations with prominent figures in all the six geo-political zones.”

    Read Also: Nigerians will enjoy uninterrupted power supply before Tinubu leaves office -Adelabu

    But Okaba dismissed the calls  “as not reflective of the views of the core North, but  the assertions and declarations of individual interests.”

    He stressed that whether the zoning arrangement was written or not, Nigerians opted for it as it was the best way to strengthen the diverse nature of the polity.

    The INC head said:  “The moves do not represent the position of the North as an ethno-political bloc; it is the individual assertions and declarations of a minute few who are keen on promoting their interests.

    “I have read the views of many politicians of Northern extraction who believe such moves are immoral and unethical and do not show respect for one another.

    “Whether the zoning arrangement is written or not, that is what we have told ourselves that can strengthen our diversity. For the INC, we believe that there are many rational Northerners who believe the unity of this country can only be actualised when we maintain this unwritten rotation of the presidential position between the North and South.”

    Eradiri, who was also the immediate past governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State, described the moves for power to return to the north as offensive. He called on those behind them to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete the tenure of the South.

    He said, “The discussions that power should return to the North are offensive. The late President, Muhammadu Buhari served for eight years. It is only proper that the South is allowed to complete its second term of eight years. The last time we had a Southern President was President Goodluck Jonathan, who did not complete his tenure. We swallowed that era and allowed it to pass. But we will not allow it to happen again.

    “All political equations and calculations must be geared towards the Southern President. And for us,  there is no reason why Tinubu should not complete the second term.   Any discussion about 2027 must revolve around a Southern President. ‘’

    Robinson, who is also the Convener, Concerned Citizens of Rivers State (CCRS), dismissed groups seeking to “take over” the Presidency in 2027 as unpatriotic and reckless.

    He insisted that it was inconceivable that any politician from the  North would contemplate regaining the presidency in 2027 after the North’s hold on power between   2015 to 2023.  

  • Otuaro hails Tinubu for backing PAP’s peacebuilding process In Niger Delta

    Otuaro hails Tinubu for backing PAP’s peacebuilding process In Niger Delta

    The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his huge support for the programme’s peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta.

    Otuaro spoke on Wednesday while delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony for the second batch of the Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Media Training organised by the PAP for its stakeholders in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

    The first batch of the three-day workshop took place from July 16 to July 18 at the same venue.

    Otuaru in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, attributed Tinubu’s firm backing of the programme’s peacebuilding initiative to the president’s strong desire for sustainable peace, stability and development in the region and indeed Nigeria.

    Otuaro said the President’s massive support for the PAP stemmed from his concern for a better and assured future for the people of the Niger Delta, adding that “a better tomorrow for our region must be secured today through a deliberate peace process that is massively supported by the President.”

    He told the participants that they were critical partners for peace and stability in the region and that the workshop was aimed at improving their leadership and mediation capacity as peace ambassadors of the programme.

    Otuaro, while declaring the worskship open, said, “I am very grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for believing in the peacebuilding initiative undertaken by the PAP in our villages and communities in the Niger Delta.

    “Mr President’s support has been tremendous, and it shows his profound commitment and dedication to peace, stability and security for the accelerated development and socio-economic advancement in our region.

    “So, I want Niger Delta people and all stakeholders to thank Mr President for his remarkable support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the peace process that my leadership has embarked upon in our region.

    Read Also: Otuaro hails Tinubu for Niger Delta peace

    “As stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, you (the participants) are worthy ambassadors in the peacebuilding project in our region, and I want you to know that we all have a responsibility to also support Mr President by working assiduously for sustainable peace in and around our communities.”

    He also extended profound gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his “tireless efforts at providing valuable inputs and interventions in the implementation of the programme’s objectives.”

    He assured the participants and other Niger Delta stakeholders of his commitment to his policy of inclusivity, adding that plans were ongoing to empower the region’s women “because they were also casualties in the struggle.”

    The PAP helmsman, therefore, urged the participants to shun all forms of distractions and take active part in the training so they could gain vital lessons that would be useful to them in their roles as peace ambassadors.

  • 237 oil thieves arrested in Niger Delta

    237 oil thieves arrested in Niger Delta

    •Notorious bandit, five others held in Zamfara

    Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have arrested 237 oil thieves and bunkers during their operations.

    The number of arrests was the highest made by troops in a week in the region in recent times.

    Director of Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, announced this in a statement at the weekend.

    According to the defence spokesman, troops foiled oil theft worth over N241 million.

    He said: “The breakdown indicates: 230,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 13,000 litres of illegally refined diesel and 2,500 litres of petrol.

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    “Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 30 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, two boats, seven storage tanks, 14 drums, eight vehicles and 14 illegal refining sites. Furthermore, 237 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives were also recovered.”

     Gen. Kangye said the military and personnel of the Department of State Service (DSS) have arrested terrorist bandit Mohammed Matazu (a.k.a Mamiyo), and five others in Matazu and Maru local government areas of Katsina and Zamfara states.

    According to the defence spokesman, the troops recovered some high calibre weapons, illicit drugs and other logistics suppliers during the operation that was conducted from July 18 to 24.

    He said: “During the encounter, 106 kidnapped victims were rescued. Also, sequel to the ongoing non kinetic operations in Zamfara State, 32 kidnapped victims comprising 27 adult females and five children were released by the terrorists to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) team on 20 July 2025.”

  • Niger Delta activists condemn call for termination of PINL’s contract

    Niger Delta activists condemn call for termination of PINL’s contract

    • ‘Attack on Olu of Warri condemnable’

    Members of a rights group in the Niger Delta, the Buckingham Palace Group, have condemned some former agitators in the region, calling for the cancellation of the surveillance contract awarded to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).

    The group also raised eyebrows against what they called trumped-up allegations of marginalisation of community youths, involvement in bunkering levelled against the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    Some former agitators, under the aegis of Aggressive Niger Delta Freedom Fighters Forum, recently urged the Presidency to terminate the pipeline surveillance contract to the PINL on the basis of the alleged marginalisation.

    But in a joint statement by its Vice President, Festus Ederekumor, and Public Relations Officer, Kenny Amgbare, the group absolved PINL and the Olu of Warri of any wrongdoing.

    Read Also: Niger Delta youths: oil thieves, saboteurs behind attack on Tantita

    Also reacting to the allegations by some host communities and youth leaders, the group affirmed that PINL had consistently ensured inclusiveness, equity, and local content requirements in its operations.

    It said PINL did this by maintaining active engagements with host communities through the employment of host community youths, capacity building initiatives, skills acquisition programmes, and regular consultations with community leaders and other stakeholders at its monthly engagements.

    “To suggest that either PINL or His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, seeks to rename Ijaw communities is to peddle a dangerous, politically motivated and ethnically divisive narrative wrapped in fabrication and must be disregarded in its entirety,” it added.