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Niger Delta

Akpabio Pledges Infrastructural Dev In N’ Delta

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7 years ago

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The newly appointed Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has pledged his commitment to ensure effective development in the Niger Delta region, especially in the areas of infrastructure.
Akpabio made the pledge at the reception ceremony to usher him into the ministry on Wednesday in Abuja.
“I love leaving marks wherever I visit, it is a great privilege on our part being selected to work with you, to see how we can turn around the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.
“Of course you know why this ministry was set up, specifically that region would have been like a golden egg but has been neglected for long.
“If not because we’re just coming for the first time, I would have asked for your achievements so far, especially in the areas of construction of bridges, employment and others.
“Being a Niger Delta person, I will ensure that things are better for further and effective development of the region.
“So the President is looking forward to commissioning a lot of projects in the Niger Delta region.
”I believe the Niger Delta region and its people, they are looking forward to the alleviation of poverty in their lives and transformation of infrastructure,” he said.
According to him, peace can only be achieved when the people are satisfied with positive performance, if people do not feel your impact, there is no way peace will be maintained in that region.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Niger Delta, Mr Festus Keyamo, commended the management and staff of the Ministry for the warm reception, while promising to tackle the development of the Niger Delta bit by bit.
Earlier, the permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, assured the ministers that the staff of the ministry were non-partisan seasoned civil servants determined to ensure their success.
According to her, their duty at the ministry is to provide expertise and administrative framework as the engine room and support the ministers and the Federal Government to turn things around for the people of the Niger Delta region.
“I assure you that we will work to uphold the wisdom, excellence and good reputation of the Public Service and always promote the principles of good governance.
“As the political heads of the ministry, the direction rests on you and we have no doubt in our minds that with both of you providing the requisite political leadership, the narrative about the Niger Delta region will change for the better.
“I also pledge our commitment to the actualisation of the vision and mandate of the ministry.
“We would be an effective and efficient workforce; working with you to strategise on the formulation and execution of the best policies, programmes and projects that would address the challenges in
the Niger Delta Region.
“These include, but not limited to infrastructure development, environmental degradation, poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship, job creation, unemployment and security, among others.”
She, however, proposed a retreat with the ministers, to enable them interface with top management in setting policy agenda for the ministry.
Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, was born on Dec. 9, 1962 and he is from Akwa Ibom State.
He obtained a Law degree from University of Calabar in 1987, he went into the telecoms business and joined politics in 2002 and became a commissioner in Akwa Ibom State.
In 2007, he was elected governor of the state for two terms and thereafter, won an election in 2015 to become a Senator. He also contested in the 2019 general election for the Senate.

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Niger Delta

Get Your PVC, Shape Nigeria’s Future, NDDC MD Tells Students

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7 days ago

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April 27, 2026

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The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has urged students in tertiary institutions across the Niger Delta to embrace their civic responsibilities by registering for and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Ogbuku made the call at the launch of Project New Nigeria and a voter registration sensitisation programme organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he was represented by the NDDC Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone.
Describing the PVC as a critical tool for democratic participation, Ogbuku said it empowers citizens, especially young people, to influence governance and elect leaders who reflect their aspirations.
“The Nigerian youth remain the heartbeat of the new Nigeria we seek. Their energy, creativity and voice will determine the nation’s trajectory.
“However, for that voice to count, they must obtain their PVCs. It is through this process that they can shape decisions, influence leadership and demand accountability”, he said.
He added that the act of voting reflects citizens’ belief in the country’s potential for growth and progress, urging students to take advantage of the opportunity ahead of forthcoming general elections.
The NDDC boss further reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote civic awareness and youth empowerment, noting that the agency has sustained various transformation and capacity-building programmes across the region.
Earlier, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Mr Samuel Okani, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts at deepening democracy through voter education and civic orientation.
According to him, the programme, which is being implemented in universities across the Niger Delta, aims to broaden students’ understanding of the electoral process and encourage active participation.
“We are engaging students across institutions in the region to sensitise them on the importance of collecting their PVCs and participating in elections. This is one of the ways young people can influence governance and contribute to economic direction,” he said.
Okani expressed optimism that the initiative would be sustained in the years ahead to strengthen democratic values and youth inclusion in governance.
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Niger Delta

Oborevwore Counsels Corps Members On Productive Service Year, Purposeful Future

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7 days ago

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April 27, 2026

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The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwore, has urged corps members to participate in all programmes designed to instill discipline, resilience, and the practical knowledge required for a productive service year for a purposeful future.
Oborevwore said this on Friday at the Opening Ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream Il Orientation Course held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Issele Uku.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kingsley Emu, said this is an opportunity to strengthen themselves.
“An opportunity to tell yourselves that this is the last chance you have to be protected by the government.
“As a student,  you enjoyed a lot of immunity. As corp members you are still going to enjoy a lot of immunity and after NYSC you are on your own, therefore, you must prepare to face the world.
“My dear corps members, as you embark on this national assignment, uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and patriotism.
“You stand at the threshold of a defining phase, one that calls for service, sacrifice, and meaningful contribution to national development.
“Embrace this experience, build friendships, deepen mutual respect, and strengthen the unity that remains the cornerstone of our nationhood.
“Delta State is peaceful, welcoming, and rich in opportunities. I urge you to make your service impactful and to leave your host communities better than you met them.
“Be law-abiding, respect the customs of your host communities, and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of this great nation. The future of Nigeria is, indeed, in your hands”, he said.
He, however, urged corp members to be serious in their Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, saying that it was the key to fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on white-collar jobs.
While noting that he was aware of the infrastructural challenges within this camp, he assured that the state government was taking deliberate steps to address these gaps.
“The construction of a perimeter fence to enhance security and the upgrade of critical facilities, these will receive priority attention”, he said.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. John Kwange,  commended the  Governor for his consistent and unwavering support to the NYSC scheme.
“The reconstruction of the camp’s perimeter fence, construction of the internal road network, and reticulation of water, among other projects, have greatly enhanced the security of lives and property, while also significantly improving the overall camp infrastructure”, he said.
He urged corps members to participate actively in all camp activities and abide by the rules guiding the orientation course.
“It is important to inform our corps members that the three-week orientation course is carefully designed to equip you with the necessary skills and right values for national development.
“The course is aimed at instilling discipline, leadership values, perseverance, humility, and endurance in all participants, with a view to promoting unity in diversity through peaceful coexistence”, he said.
The State Coordinator disclosed that a total of 2,611 corps members, comprising  1,203 males and 1,408 females, were registered.
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Niger Delta

CSOs, Bille Community Urge Solution To Persistent Underwater Gas Eruption

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3 weeks ago

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April 10, 2026

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Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the people of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State have called for government’s urgent intervention to end the suspected underwater gas eruption in the community.
The groups, under the aegis of the Environmental Rights Action and Social Action, made the call during their advocacy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), in Port Harcourt.
The Programme Manager of Environmental Rights Action, Mr. Kentebe Ebiaridor, said the visit was to seek clarity on the response efforts of the regulators to the development in the community.
Ebiaridor expressed concern over what he described as “inadequate response from regulatory agencies and the government concerning the incident”.
He said discussions with some officials revealed that there was still no clear timeline for action to address the situation.
According to him, in the absence of clear ownership of the facility linked to the incident, companies operating within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 should be held accountable.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) had in a statement issued on March 20 by its Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the commission had commenced an investigation into a gas bubbling incident in Bille Community.
Eyesan said the commission expressed concern over the development and assured residents of its ongoing efforts to address the situation.
Also, the Resource Justice Manager of Social Action, Dr. Prince Edegbuo, warned that the situation could escalate into a public health emergency, if urgent steps were not taken.
Edegbuo called on relevant authorities to release the results of the tests reportedly conducted in the area, stressing that residents had the right to know the condition of their environment.
He also said CSOs were prepared to intensify advocacy on the matter, urging the development of emergency response measures, including possible evacuation plans.
A legal practitioner and community stakeholder, Mr. Commission Deinbo, had, on March 20, said residents had continued to witness unusual signs on the waterways in the area.
Deinbo said the signs included boiling and bubbling from the ground and river, sometimes within residential areas, as well as fire outbreaks, which the residents had always managed to contain.
He appealed to relevant authorities to come to their aid and find a lasting solution to the problem.
In a response, the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of NOSDRA, Mr. Bello Augustin, assured the community that he would relate its concerns to the appropriate quarters.
Augustin also commended the CSOs for their advocacy and concerns to community development in the state.
By: Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick
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