News
Youth Group To Honour NNPC GMD,
A Niger Delta youths group, the Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Progress and Peace, (NDYCPP) says it plans to honour the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mele Kyari, for creating opportunities, and displaying transparency and probity in the corporation.
The NDYCPP noted that before Kyari assumed office as the GMD of NNPC, there were a lot of unresolved issues that tended to hamper the oil sector from achieving its full potentials.
They said that upon his coming on board, Kyari had convinced stakeholders and industry watchers of the new direction of the NNPC, by transparently opening its financial books to public scrutiny, thereby changing the opacity that had characterised the system.
The group’s National President, Tiedo Olayinka, made these assertions in a statement issued in Yenagoa, on Sunday.
He said that the NDYCPP planned to honour the GMD at its forthcoming Niger Delta Youth Entrepreneur on Oil and Gas Summit billed for December, in Port Harcourt..
According to the group, the summit was aimed at preparing entrepreneurs and youths from the Niger Delta region to harness opportunities provided by the policies of the NNPC under the current GMD.
The group cited Kyari as a visionary and professional manager with a towering repertoire of the inner workings of the industry, having served in various positions over the years.
The experience, they noted, made him the right man to head the NNPC, and that he had effectively brought his wealth of experience to bear, by efficiently repositioning the NNPC.
“The NNPC has transformed from opacity to transparency, accountability, performance and excellence (TAPE).
“Before his assumption of office as the GMD of the NNPC; there were a lot of unresolved and knotty issues lingering and hampering the sector from achieving its potentials.
“ From the lingering Petroleum Industry Bill, which is now the Petroleum Industry Act, constitution of the board to superintend over one of its break-up units.
“The OML 25 impasse at Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers State between Belema Oil, the Community and Shell (SPDC), which has been now resolved amicably and operational activities resumed in earnest.
“NNPC’s financial books have never been opened transparently for public scrutiny over the years but the coming on board of Kyari has changed all of that opacity in the system, the statement added.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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