Features

X-raying FG’s Actions, Inactions In Rivers

Published

5 years ago

May 27, 2021

Like most other states in Nigeria, especially those being governed by an opposition party, transactions between Rivers State and the central authorities in Abuja have often left the former with the short end of the stick.
Even in the years when the state belonged together with the central government, the reallocation of some crude oil wells to neighbouring Akwa Ibom State did not go without some grumbling down here. Related to that was the Federal Government’s premature release to Bayelsa State of about N17 billion from an escrow account for the contested Soku oil field in 2014 when the matter was still pending in court.
Added to these was the long overdue rehabilitation of the Aba-Port Harcourt end (Section 4) of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road for which work is now ongoing. Until now, remedial work on this road had come in the form of shoddy patching, leaving motorists and their passengers frustrated, mostly during the rainy months of the year when any previous earth work would have been washed off.
The Federal Government’s recent flag-off of a $3 billion rail project from Bonny Port through Port Harcourt to Maiduguri was said to reduce pressure on the nation’s roads. It is for the rehabilitation and reconstruction and reconstruction of the Eastern Railway with a narrow-gauge line that links major cities across 14 southern and northern states.
But Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, is not impressed.
“I hear people came to Rivers State to flag off narrow gauge (rail line) when the world is talking of standard gauge. What they are giving Rivers state is narrow gauge because I challenged them to show us what they have done for the people of the state.
“So, what they will do is to come and say okay, since you are complaining, let us come and give you that narrow gauge.
“Instead of giving us standard gauge to Maiduguri over which they are making noise, Rivers State, the Treasure Base of the Nation, the state from which they got the money to produce their President; it’s toward the end of their administration that they come and tell us of narrow gauge rail line,” Wike mocked while commissioning a link road in Aluu, recently.
Still on transportation, work is ongoing on the N120.6 billion Bodo-Bonny Road initiated by the Nigeria LNG Limited and jointly financed by the Federal Government. Conceived about 40 years ago, construction work on the project was flagged off by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in 2017.
Also recently, the Federal Government made a refund of N78.9 billion to the Rivers State Government for the amount spent in executing some federal projects in the state, including Port Harcourt-Owerri Road and roads leading to the federal housing estates in the state. In appreciating this gesture, Governor Wike was reported to have invited President Muhammadu Buhari to visit Rivers State.
The Federal Government’s approval of $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Refinery has generated mixed reaction in the state. Some stakeholders like the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) believe that such rehabilitation would help put an end to fuel importation. Executive Chairman of IPMAN, Comrade Joseph Obele, was said to have projected that the government’s move was capable of generating 25,000 jobs when completed. He said it would open up businesses within the host communities while also ensuring the availability of quality products unlike what is being imported currently.
But Governor Wike is not convinced. He thinks that the approval smacks of politics because, as he put it, similar promises had been made in the past, particularly during election transition period that never materialised. Speaking on Channels Television, he said: “I am not going to jubilate because the Federal Government said they have approved $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Refinery. Thank God they said so, but let us wait and see the outcome of it at the end of the day.”
Completion of the N16 billion new head office of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), 25 years after its construction began, is one Federal Government action that not only excites Rivers people but also people of the entire Niger Delta region. Joining the commissioning by virtual conferencing, President Buhari said: “Today, we are handing over to the Niger Delta, a befitting Head Office Complex for present and future use. Consequently, huge yearly rentals would now be saved and deployed to other areas of need in the region.
“I commend the management and staff of the NDDC for staying the course and keying into the reform agenda of our administration.”
However, governors of oil-producing states don’t seem to be happy with the Commission for shutting them out of all the happenings in the interventionist agency. And this is even after their inauguration into the Commission’s Governing Board. The hint came from Governor Wike while addressing members of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, led by its Chairman, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt, recently.
In addition, people of the region have continued to express worries over the apparently unending forensic audit being conducted on the NDDC, leading to the delay in inauguration its substantive board.
Another area of the Federal Government’s engagement in Rivers State is implementation of the United Nations’ Environment Programme (UNEP) Report. The Buhari administration had, on assumption of office in 2015, indicated interest to give the Ogoni Clean-up Exercise a fillip after years of apparent inactivity. But there have been arguments back and forth between major Ogoni groups and the Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP), the agency responsible for carrying out the exercise, as to the pace and quality of job accomplished so far.
The government had, at various times, been accused of playing politics with the Ogoni clean-up project as its involvement has come mostly far and between. Only days ago, the Minister of Environment, Muhammed Abubakar, reportedly flagged off in Bori the construction of N6.4 billion water facilities across Ogoniland where he announced that, in addition to the six water projects, eight more were on the way. Abubakar listed beneficiaries of the first phase projects to include Bori in Khana LGA; Barako, B-Dere and K-Dere in Gokana LGA; Korokoro in Tai LGA; Alesa and Ebubu in Eleme LGA. Given the slow pace of work, it’s really not likely that anything new will drop on the project soon.
Reacting to the incident, factional President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Nsuke Fegalo, said: “We thank our President, Muhammadu Buhari, for the decision to commence the Ogoni water project and call on him to extend his gesture to other communities in the Niger Delta who also suffer similar pains and deprivations like us, the Ogoni people.”
It is already well known that the Federal Government has, since 2016, made provision in its yearly budgets for the sum of N500 billion to finance its Social Investment Programme (SIP). This is to say that, as at the end of 2020, government had spent N2 trillion on its N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer, Home-Grown School Feeding, Tradermoni, Marketmoni and other schemes covered by the project. Whereas people in states selected as pilot cases have continued to enjoy this social safety net, Rivers people get a sniff of any of these only close to general election time when such items are used as political baits.
This experience is further illustrated with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme through which many peasant rice farmers in the north and some other places across the country have since been transformed into multi-millionaires. On realising that certain forces in Abuja appeared to be using politics to deny Rivers State access to agricultural loans offered by the nation’s apex bank, the state chief executive raised the matter with the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, during the latter’s visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.
“Please tell the Governor of Central Bank to remember us too; that we are part of Nigeria. When we applied (for Anchor Borrowers loan), they said this loan was N5 billion. We have applied for more than one year now. They said we should bring this and that…” Governor Wike complained.
The Governor was reported to have, in like manner, pleaded with the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, to return the Cabotage Services Department of his Agency back to Port Harcourt.
“We had a Cabotage Department here in Tombia Street (New GRA); your people moved it to Lagos. Is there any offence that Rivers State has committed against Nigeria?
“You may know, I don’t know of any offence any person can say we have committed,” he said.
In his speech, the NIMASA boss announced his Agency’s award of foreign scholarship to 10 Rivers’ school leavers to study marine engineering and marine architecture. He also pledged to assist in tackling the menace of maritime insecurity in order to encourage investors come to the state.
Jamoh also requested from the state government land to build an office for his organisation in the riparian state. According to him: “I want to request the Governor to give us a strategic land where we will build an edifice that will show the presence of maritime regulatory agency in this second largest maritime state of the country.”
During the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria last year, the Federal Government was reported to have released fund for the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to establish testing laboratories. This was in addition to the government donating money to assist Lagos State, Kano State and the FCT authorities to fight the pandemic.
Of course, with the Port Harcourt, Bonny and Onne Ports serving as entry points for foreigners into Rivers State which also harbours expatriate staff of multinational oil and construction firms, it was expected that the authorities in Abuja would have considered that the state stood the risk of recording high cases of the dreaded disease. And as such, any allocation of money and equipment to fight the pandemic ought not to have been denied the state. Therefore, the building of COVID-19 laboratories in Lagos, Ogun and Kano States and failing to situate any in Rivers State was enough to anger the government and people of the oil-rich state.
Speaking while receiving the then new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mukan, who visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Wike accused the Federal Government and the NCDC of playing politics at a time all hands needed to be on deck to fight a strange disease that was ravaging the world.
“There must be a collaboration to fight the Coronavirus pandemic. NCDC is building laboratories in Lagos, Ogun and Kano without building any in Rivers State. This is a state that is exposed to several foreign and local visitors with no single federal intervention.
“When oil companies write to change crew, we insist on knowing their status. If they continue to politicise COVID-19, Nigeria will suffer it,” he warned.
Of all the areas where the Federal Government appeared most insensitive on an issue concerning Rivers State was in the matter of environmental pollution as exemplified by the black soot menace. Whereas the government had deployed its security agencies in the form of joint Army, Police and Navy task forces to tackle illegal oil thieves and refiners, it was discovered that these outfits were often compromised by the culprits. And when arrests were made and stolen petroleum confiscated, the task forces preferred to burn such stolen crude in the creeks, thereby adding to the fumes that steadily emanated from the many undiscovered illegal distilleries. These were finally carried over by the wind to pollute the nearby human settlements.
At a seminar/workshop organised by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), a number of participants, comprising academics, environmentalists, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the oil and gas sector blamed the black soot on the inability of the Federal Government to repair the nation’s refineries and guarantee steady supply of petroleum products.
Finally, other areas of Federal Government’s positive actions in the state include the Afam Fast Power Project which construction started in 2016 and which seeks to expand the existing Afam Power Plant by an additional 240MW at the cost of $186 million; completion of the new terminal building of the Port Harcourt International Airport at Omagwa; and the renewed effort to resume work on the East-West Road.
Other observed infractions were the politicisation of security in the state by way of frequent changes of police commissioners which some have counted to be about 15 times in just six years; and the alleged use of the then F-SARS Commander in Rivers State, Mr. Akin Fakorede, to try to influence the outcome of the 2019 General Elections in the state.

By: Ibelema Jumbo

Features

Omerelu’s Historic Milestone … First Female Professor Rekindles Faith in Education

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

Quote 1: “Professor Glory Godpower-Echie’s elevation is not only a personal triumph; it is a victory for Omerelu and a shining reminder that education remains the most enduring pathway to greatness.”

Quote 2: “In an era when many youths are tempted by shortcuts to success, her story affirms that diligence, discipline, and learning still open doors that no quick fix can unlock.”

The ancient community of Omerelu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has entered a defining chapter in its long and storied history with the emergence of its first female professor, Professor Glory Godpower-Echie, a distinguished scholar in Science Education. What may appear, on the surface, as a personal academic milestone has quickly transformed into a powerful social narrative one that is reshaping how the people of Omerelu, and indeed the wider Ikwerre ethnic nationality, perceive education, gender achievement, and the possibilities embedded in disciplined pursuit of knowledge. Across the community, the announcement of her elevation to professorial rank has been received with deep celebration, pride, and reflection. Elders, youths, traditional leaders, women groups, and religious bodies have all described the development as historic—an intellectual breakthrough that places Omerelu on a new pedestal of recognition.

For a community steeped in tradition and cultural pride, Professor Godpower-Echie’s achievement is being interpreted as a bridge between heritage and modern excellence; a demonstration that tradition and education can coexist productively in shaping a progressive society. At the heart of the celebrations stands the Omerelu traditional institution, whose response has been both emotional and symbolic. The Nye Nwe Ala Omerelu, His Royal Highness Eze (Engr.) Ben O. Ugo, JP, Elumoha VIII, described the development as a “collective victory for the entire kingdom,” stressing that it reflects the values upon which Omerelu has long been built. Quoting a familiar biblical principle, the monarch declared: “When the righteous bear rule, the people rejoice.” According to him, the emergence of Professor Godpower-Echie is not accidental but the outcome of a value system that rewards diligence, discipline, and integrity.

He noted that in a time when societal pressures are eroding patience and discouraging long-term investment in education, her story serves as a moral compass for younger generations. “This is a moment of pride for Omerelu,” the monarch said in essence. “It shows that our land still produces excellence, and that commitment to learning still yields honourable outcomes.”His words were echoed across community gatherings, where residents described the professor’s elevation as a validation of years of quiet sacrifice, academic discipline, and intellectual perseverance. Observers say the timing of this achievement is particularly significant. Nigeria today faces a growing tension between traditional education and the rising appeal of fast wealth, digital shortcuts, and informal economic pathways.

In many communities, especially among young people, frustration with unemployment has led to a troubling narrative that formal education is no longer valuable but within Omerelu, Professor Godpower-Echie’s rise is challenging that perception in a profound way. Her journey stands as a reminder that while economic realities may shift perceptions, education remains one of the most stable and transformative tools for upward mobility. Educational analysts within Rivers State have noted that the symbolism of her achievement cannot be overstated. In their view, she represents the enduring truth that intellectual discipline still matters in national development. Her specialization in Science Education is particularly relevant in a country struggling to strengthen its capacity in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.

Scholars in this field are critical in shaping future inventors, researchers, and problem-solvers who can address Nigeria’s developmental challenges. While detailed public records of her academic journey remain within institutional circles, colleagues and associates consistently describe Professor Godpower-Echie as a deeply committed scholar whose career has been defined by consistency, resilience, and a passion for knowledge dissemination. She is widely regarded as a teacher of teachers—an academic whose influence extends beyond the classroom into mentorship and curriculum development. Students who have passed through her tutelage describe her as firm yet inspiring, disciplined yet approachable, and deeply invested in intellectual growth.In academic circles, her work is associated with innovation in science pedagogy, critical thinking development, and capacity building for future educators.

Her elevation to professorial rank, therefore, is being interpreted not merely as a reward for years of service, but as recognition of sustained contribution to knowledge production and human capital development. Perhaps one of the most compelling dimensions of her emergence is its gender significance. As the first female professor from Omerelu, Professor Godpower-Echie has broken a long-standing academic ceiling, becoming a symbol of possibility for young girls in the community. In many parts of Nigeria, gender imbalance in higher education and leadership remains a persistent challenge. Her achievement therefore carries a message that transcends Omerelu—it speaks to the broader struggle for inclusion and equal opportunity. Women groups within the community have described her success as a landmark victory for female empowerment, insisting that it proves that gender is not a limitation to intellectual excellence.

Young girls across Omerelu are already being encouraged to see her as a role model, with many community voices stressing that her story will likely inspire a new wave of female academic ambition.The role of traditional leadership in shaping this narrative has also come under positive spotlight. Residents have commended the leadership of Eze Ben O. Ugo, whose reign is widely associated with unity, stability, and gradual socio-cultural advancement. Many believe that the peaceful environment fostered under his leadership has contributed indirectly to the emergence of outstanding sons and daughters of the land. Community elders argue that traditional institutions remain vital partners in education advocacy, especially in rural and semi-urban communities where cultural authority still plays a strong role in shaping youth behaviour.

In Omerelu, this synergy between tradition and education is increasingly being viewed as a model for sustainable community development. Education stakeholders have seized on the development to renew advocacy for stronger investment in Nigeria’s education system. They argue that while individual success stories are inspiring, systemic support is needed to ensure that many more young people can follow similar paths. Calls have been made for scholarship schemes, improved learning infrastructure, teacher development programmes, and stronger partnerships between government, private sector, and traditional institutions. There is also growing emphasis on mentorship, with stakeholders insisting that exposure to role models like Professor Godpower-Echie can significantly shape youth aspirations. Within Omerelu, the celebration of this milestone has taken on a reflective tone.

For many residents, the professor’s elevation is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a broader awakening—one that repositions education as a central pillar of community identity. Youth leaders have been encouraged to channel their energy toward productive learning and skill acquisition, while parents are being reminded that encouragement at home remains critical to academic success. Religious leaders have also joined in the discourse, emphasizing patience, diligence, and moral discipline as essential virtues for meaningful achievement. Across these perspectives, a common thread emerges: success is still best built through learning, perseverance, and integrity. As celebrations continue, Professor Glory Godpower-Echie has become more than an academic figure. She has become a symbol—of resilience, of possibility, and of what disciplined education can produce even in challenging times.

Her story is now being told not just as a personal achievement but as a collective inspiration for a community seeking renewed direction in a rapidly changing world. In the words of many residents, Omerelu is not merely celebrating a professor; it is celebrating the reaffirmation of its belief in knowledge as the true foundation of progress. Meanwhile, academic and community voices continue to acknowledge the inspirational role of Professor Blessing C. Didia in advancing intellectual development and strengthening the culture of learning within the community. As the echoes of celebration gradually settle, one truth remains firmly etched in the consciousness of Omerelu: education still transforms lives, uplifts communities, and writes history that endures across generations.

King Onunwor

Features

25 Years After: NDDC Celebrates Milestones Of Impactful Development

Published

10 months ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

It has been 25 years of impactful development of the Niger Delta region, facilitated by theNiger Delta Development Commission. NDDC. Without doubt, it has been a remarkable journey, marked by significant milestones and daunting challenges.
For the past week, the NDDC has been celebrating its achievements, beginning with a thanksgiving service in Akure, Ondo State, on July 6, drawing stakeholders and Niger Deltans to express gratitude to God for the Commission’s journey so far.
Taking off on the wings of the Oil Minerals Development Commission, OMPADEC, in 2000, the NDDC has grown into a symbol of federal presence in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The celebration moved from spiritual reflection and thanksgiving to strategic communication, with a World Press Conference held in Asaba, Delta State, on Monday, the 7th of July. There, members of the Fourth Estate across all media gathered in what was perhaps the most extensive media engagement of its kind. The NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its motto of “making a difference.”
Dr. Ogbuku stated, “The President gave us a matching order during our inauguration to positively turn things around in the Niger Delta region.” That presidential directive, he noted, continues to guide the Board and Management as they pursue legacy projects across the region.
From electricity restoration in Ondo to road linkages in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, the NDDC’s impact was showcased in clear, tangible terms. “We commissioned the 45-km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa in Ondo State,” Dr. Ogbuku recalled, “bringing electricity back to 25 local governments after 15 years in darkness.” This was just one of several landmark interventions highlighted during the press briefing, underscoring the Commission’s renewed vigour under the current leadership.
The Managing Director spoke candidly about the setbacks caused by years of instability in leadership. “Frequent changes in management and boards have slowed our progress,” he admitted. “But today, we are targeting legacy projects. Our mandate is to complete those critical projects.” He emphasised that the Commission had transitioned from a transactional mindset to one of transformation, including the digitisation of procurement processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
Other top executives echoed similar sentiments. The Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stressed the importance of collaboration, particularly with the media, whom he described as “critical stakeholders” in advancing development. Alabo Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, noted that the celebrations would run until Saturday, July 12, culminating in a gala night and plenary session in Port Harcourt.
Perhaps, the most significant message from the silver jubilee celebration is the renewed hope that the Niger Delta can finally experience holistic and sustainable development.
According to Ogbuku, “Through the initiative of the Board and Management, we have restructured the administrative architecture of the Commission to its 13 statutory Directorates, introduced robust Corporate Governance protocols… This formalised a value- driven institutional culture anchored on ethics and performance.”
As the weeklong celebrations continue across different states in the region, the NDDC appears determined not just to celebrate its past but to chart a bold course for the future.
The people of the Niger Delta are watching, hopeful that the next 25 years will be defined not by promises, but by lasting progress that transforms lives and communities, truly making a difference.
The celebration also featured a movie premiere titled “Making a Difference”, which traced the Commission’s journey and told stories of transformation in communities once plagued by underdevelopment. For many observers, the film served as both an emotional tribute and a powerful reminder of the NDDC’s role in shaping the destiny of the region.
The Governing Board and management of the NDDC have again proven to Nigerians, particularly the people of the oil-bearing Niger Delta region, that history does matter. They have also shown clearly that extraordinary personalities can upturn calculations and permutations. The above assertion was evidenced by the torrents of praises, accolades, and commendations poured on the Commission and its management and board by critical stakeholders during its week-long 25th anniversary celebration.
Beginning with Ondo State, one of the NDDC mandate states, Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hailed the management of the NDDC for the peace and development currently prevailing in the Niger Delta region. He said the Commission, under the current management and board, has succeeded in bridging developmental gaps in the region, noting that NDDC’s emphasis on partnerships and collaboration aimed at driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta has ushered in unprecedented progress.
Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the Thanksgiving Service of the NDDC held at St Thomas’s Anglican Church, Akure, the Ondo State capital, stressed that the commission has undoubtedly lived up to its established mandate, commending the Board and Management for their exemplary leadership and commitment.
The Governor hailed the commission’s commitment and dedication to project conception, implementation, and completion, noting that the NDDC has established a culture of delivery and the region would no longer witness abandonment of projects as was the case in the past.
He said, “As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the NDDC, we must acknowledge the progress we have made and also recognise that there is still much work to be done as the Niger Delta region continues to face significant development challenges and we must work together to address these issues. “I urge the NDDC to continue to improve on its activities, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve. Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth and enhance the lives of our people. We are partners in progress, unity and development.”
From Ondo State to Asaba, the Delta State capital, it was the same rain of praises. The Asaba monarch, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, on his part, was full of praises for the NDDC for its achievements in the past 25 years.
Obi Azinge spoke when Ebie led a delegation of the Commission’s Board and Management to pay a courtesy visit to him in his palace in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The Royal Father commended the NDDC for its intervention in several sectors across the Niger Delta region.
He expressed delight with the foreign postgraduate scholarship programme, which had helped many youths from the Niger Delta upgrade their knowledge.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the NDDC Chairman, whom he said had served the Delta State Government in different capacities. He noted that Ebie served meritoriously as Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and later, Secretary to the State Government. The monarch thanked the NDDC for selecting Asaba as the venue for some of the activities marking its 25th anniversary, such as a press conference and the movie premiere.
Earlier, the NDDC Board Chairman congratulated Asagba on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, saying he was eminently qualified for the position. Ebie expressed optimism that the Asagba’s reign would bring good tidings to Asaba, which serves as both a Kingdom and the capital of Delta State.
He stated that the NDDC had come of age and was now a big brother to the new development agencies in Nigeria’s geo-political zones. Ebie disclosed that as part of the silver jubilee celebration, the Commission was going around the nine States of the Niger Delta.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer pledged that the NDDC’s commitment to adhering strictly to the President’s directive to the Commission to complete all ongoing projects in the region, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. He disclosed that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the hitherto neglected Niger Delta region.
He noted that, ”It is not only by our efforts; it is the collaborative efforts from all the stakeholders who believe the time has come when there should be stability in the NDDC and that stability is a challenge to us to ensure that we deliver development to the people of the Niger Delta region.”

Ifeatu Agbu

Agbu wrote in from Port Harcourt.

Features

Between EFCC And NDDC: Strategic Alliance For Niger Delta

Published

11 months ago

June 27, 2025

The Tide

The mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is to facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, while that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is to investigates financial crimes and put corrupt practices in check.
Given their different roles, the idea of an alliance between the two organisations may seem far-fetched. However, with the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Olanikpekun Olukoyede, it is not just an idea; it is a reality.
The unique collaboration between the NDDC and the EFCC has given rise to the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre, unveiled on Tuesday at Otuokpoti Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
According to the NDDC Managing Director, the vast training complex was executed with funds recovered on behalf of the Commission by the EFCC.
Ogbuku explained that the Bayelsa training centre was funded through the money recovered by the EFCC and executed under a signed performance bond, ensuring transparency and impact. He noted that the facility represented one of several such centres being constructed in Delta and Rivers States. He said: “We have similar facilities currently under construction in Odi, Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”
He observed that the Multi-Purpose Training Centre, which was completed in record time, was a partnership between the EFCC and the NDDC, as the anti-crime agency had recovered the funds that facilitated the project’s execution.
Ogbuku observed that the facility, which could accommodate 1,000 persons, represented a significant step toward empowering local communities through skills development and inclusive growth.
The training centre’s components, which include a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreational centre, are all designed to support training, healthcare, and emergency accommodation within a single integrated complex.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the EFCC Chairman assured the NDDC of the release of more recovered funds in the coming weeks.
Olukoyede described the NDDC as a “renewed and transformed government agency.” He assured that the EFCC would do everything to recover all outstanding statutory contributions due to the NDDC from oil companies.
He noted: “We have made several recoveries on behalf of the NDDC, and we will not relent in this direction. We are encouraged by the fact that the NDDC is making the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.”
Olukoyede commended the NDDC for its institutional and policy reforms, declaring that the people of the Niger Delta will have every reason to celebrate the current leadership of the Commission. He described the NDDC as a beacon of good governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted: “The Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg and should not be denied the benefits of that golden egg. On our part at the EFCC, we must do everything within our power to ensure that the three per cent statutory contribution due to the NDDC is recovered and handed over to the Commission. We are going to continue supporting you.”
He said further: “Under this President, NDDC is working; good governance is being delivered. It is my delight to be part of this transformational agenda. The Renewed Hope Agenda is no longer a slogan—it is a reality. For the first time, people are identifying with what NDDC is doing.”
Olukoyede commended the NDDC, saying the Commission has refined its processes to uphold the principles of probity. This aligns with the agency’s head’s emphasis on upholding transparency and accountability in the country’s affairs.
The Chairman of the anti-crime agency confessed that his perspective on the NDDC was turned around in 2024, when the NDDC management, led by Ogbuku, paid him a courtesy visit at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede stated that he was impressed by the Commission’s “Rewind to Rebirth” initiative.
He declared: “The five minutes of interaction with the MD left me with a different perception of NDDC. Maybe, we will begin to see an NDDC that is a symbol of pride, accountability, transparency and able to deliver on its mandate.
“From his presentation, you can see that he is ready to bring a change, and that is the exact thing that we stand for in EFCC.”
Assuring that the EFCC would continue to assist the NDDC to achieve its mandate, he said: “We have been working with you to make recoveries; we will continue to do more.
“The collaboration is something we need to take to the next level, and with what you have put on the table I think we are ready to work with you to strengthen your systems and processes and to take the NDDC to the next level.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, praised the NDDC Board and Management for their unity of purpose and commitment to service delivery, stating that the level of harmony and stability within the Commission is unprecedented.
He declared: “What we are witnessing here today has never happened in the history of the NDDC. Since I assumed office as Minister, I have not been called upon to settle any crisis within the Commission. This is a testament to the teamwork between the Board and Management.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, emphasised the human capital development focus of the two projects commissioned, noting that reforming the NDDC is an ongoing but rewarding process.
He stated: “We are moving from transaction to transformation. We are doing our best to improve not just the reputation of the NDDC, but everything that concerns the Commission. Today is about promoting and celebrating human capacity.”
Without a doubt, the Niger Delta region is confronted with ecological and environmental challenges that should, perforce, attract significant funds from the Federal Government and the oil companies operating in the region.
Sadly, this has not been so, thus limiting the capacity of the NDDC to fulfill its mandate of driving the development process and transforming the Niger Delta region into one that is “economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.”
It is rather unfortunate that, despite the spirited efforts by successive boards and managements of the NDDC to meet the expectations of the people, their efforts have not been matched with commensurate funding.
The issue of inadequate funding is resurfacing again. Indeed, it is an inconvenient truth that will remain on the front burner until it is fully addressed.
That explains why the NDDC Managing Director highlighted the issue during interactive sessions that the Commission’s Board and Management held with the relevant Committees of the National Assembly in Abuja last year.
Ogbuku told the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, chaired by Hon. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, that the Commission is owed over N2 trillion, arising from withheld funds and underpayments by both the government and the oil companies. He blamed this on non-compliance with the Act establishing the Commission.
Given the enormous impact of their activities on the environment, the oil companies are expected to be at the forefront in the critical task of urgently developing the oil basin that has suffered so much neglect in the past. It is, in fact, in their interest to develop the communities where they operate to guarantee peace, which is very necessary for them to continue with their work.
Thankfully, both the Senate and the House of Representatives promised to assist the NDDC in recovering its outstanding funds. In their various interactions with the NDDC leadership, the lawmakers expressed concern about the disregard for existing laws governing the Commission’s funding.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, expressed displeasure over the disregard for the law by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and promised to call them to order.
The Senate Committee Chairman stated that proper funding would help NDDC to adequately address the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, noting that the challenge of developing the region was enormous and that all relevant contributors to the NDDC must play their roles diligently.
Senator Ekpenyong said that in discharging its oversight functions, his committee will ensure that every contributor to NDDC pays what they owe the Commission, “because we cannot afford to toy with the development of that very important region. We owe it to the country to make sure that we improve the living conditions of the people of the region.”
It is reassuring to note that both chambers of the National Assembly are concerned about the pressing funding challenges facing the NDDC and are taking steps to address the situation.
The lawmakers understand that we have a responsibility to adequately fuel the vehicle chosen to drive the development process in the Niger Delta region.
In 2023, the House of Representatives unveiled plans to investigate the activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region, as well as the recovery of over $4 billion allegedly owed to the NDDC.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, who frowned at the flagrant breach of the NDDC Act, 2000, which was established in response to heightened agitations and violent yearnings for special intervention in the oil-producing states.
He said: “The House is aware that the indebtedness of the IOCs to the NDDC had culminated in the drive by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the debt recovery process.