Niger Delta
Protect Lives Of Nigerians, Oshiomhole Tells FG
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomohole has asked the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility of protecting lives and property in the country.
Comrade Oshiomhole stated this when he granted audience to the executive of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Edo State branch in Government House.
The Governor, reacting to the plea by the doctors to help provide security and stop the kidnap of their members said “this issue of kidnapping should be blamed squarely at the doorsteps of the Federal Government. The Federal Government must take full responsibility for the growing feeling of insecurity because under the Nigerian constitution the Federal Government has full responsibility for all security agencies. They have bluntly refused the state the right to have a state police and state security in order to contribute to the maintenance of peace and security.
They insist on retaining a monopoly in the management of security agencies”.
Comrade Oshiomhole however expressed his determination to tackle the problem by motivating and equipping the police in the state inspite of the state’s meagre resources.
“However with our very meagre resources, Edo State government has provided more than one hundred vehicles. We have also gone out of our way to procure communication gadgets to enable Edo State police command reach their men and communicate” he said.
Apparently irked by the doctors resort to strike when their member was kidnapped, Oshiomhole said “I ask you in clear conscience whether in your own judgement when you withdraw services because a doctor is kidnapped, do you believe that the kidnappers have conscience and feel so pained because people are dying and release their victim? I think what you have done is to end up endangering lives”.
The governor appealed to the doctors to carry out their civil duty by paying their taxes regularly as this is the major source of revenue for development in the state, adding that it is not the intention of government to single out any sector in respect of taxation.
On the effort of government in bringing health care closer to the people the governor revealed “virtually across the eighteen local governments, we are building what I consider to be first class health centre in all of them”.
He also disclosed that government would award the contract of a new Central Hospital in Benin-City within a week adding that when it is completed, it would meet international world standard.
Oshiomhole assured the doctors that the health sector will get a high focal point in the state’s 2011 budget
On the salary issue for doctors, Governor Oshiomhole said government had started the process of negotiations and when this is completed, government would take the appropriate action.
Earlier, the chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Phillip Ugbodaga had commended the state government for the development strides in the state.
Dr Ugbodaga also pleaded with the government to adhere to the World Health Organisation directive of investing 15% of the budget in the health sector.
Ben-Ose Ogbemudia, Benin
Niger Delta
NDDC Begins N50,000 Monthly Payment To 10,000 N’Delta Youths

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun the payment of N50,000 monthly stipends to 10,000 indigenous youths from the Niger Delta under its Youths Internship Scheme.
The Director of Corporate Affairs at the NDDC, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, yesterday.
She explained that the beneficiaries would undergo practical, hands-on training across the various organisations for 12 months to develop critical skills.
Recall that during the inauguration of the scheme on July 31, 2024, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had announced the Federal Government’s approval of a N50,000 monthly stipend for the trainees.
According to Thompson-Wakama, the commission has successfully completed the selection process and has begun placing trainees in organisations to gain practical experience.
“Consequently, with the completion of these phases, the payment of the monthly stipends has also commenced,” she announced.
She revealed that the 10,000 beneficiaries were transparently selected from over 3.2 million youths who registered for the empowerment programme.
“This unprecedented response highlights the immense potential and aspirations of our youths to improve themselves.
“NDDC remains steadfast in ensuring this life-changing opportunity reaches the most deserving candidates, creating a lasting impact and paving the way for a brighter future,” she stated.
Thompson-Wakama explained that the scheme had enabled the commission to collate essential data, including the qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and employment status of the youths in the region.
The data, she explained, would guide the commission in designing programmes tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young people.
She disclosed that the NDDC partnered with KPMG, a global audit and consultancy firm, to enhance the commission’s corporate governance framework.
“KPMG has produced a Governance Advisory Report that will serve as a tool to support the commission’s transition from a transaction-based to a transformation-focussed policy,” Thompson-Wakama added.
The director commended the youths for their patience and cooperation during the selection process for the scheme.
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