Niger Delta
NDDC Boss Thanks God For Transformation … Promises More Infrastructural Projects
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, in the spirit of the 2024 yuletide, has thanked God for protecting management and staff members of the commission as well as the transformation taking place in the commission.
To this end, the NDDC’s CEO hosted an array of Christian gospel artists in his home town, Ayakoro community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to render praises to the most high God.
Speaking with newsmen, Ogbuku said there was need to thank and appreciate God for his mercies, grace and protection over the commission, saying the unparalleled infrastructural projects and other developmental initiatives being made by the current management of the commission were a testament to the hand of God on the commission.
The NDDC boss who also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and the entire management of the commission, promised to fast the processes of infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region in collaboration with critical stakeholders, noting that the region deserves the best from the management of the commission in all ramifications.
“It’s necessary to thank God not only in this yuletide season, but at all times. Considering what God is doing with the current management of the NDDC for the Niger Delta region there’s need to thank and appreciate God for his grace and enduring mercies.
“After all the turbulence period in the Commission, God has still sustained us as management of the NDDC, and so it’s imperative we give God all the glory and honour by rendering praises unto him, hence this musical concert in this yuletide season.
“I also want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for having confidence in the current management of the NDDC. I want to tell Nigerians and especially the Niger Delta people that the ongoing reforms by the President were initiatives to stabilize the economy of the nation, and very soon, from 2025 we’ll begin to reap the benefits of these economic reforms of the President.
“For we in the NDDC, we want to assure Niger Deltans that we’ll continue to evolve initiatives and execute projects that would add value to our people. We want to thank all stakeholders of the region for having confidence in the management of the NDDC”, the NDDC MD said.
Gospel Artist who put up appearances at the musical concert include, Bayelsa-born traditional gospel Art, Amange B. Amange, Sensational Bamidele, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss and others.
Tagged, ‘Ayakoro Musical Concert’ the event which had earlier begun on Friday 27th, December also saw the performances of Nigeria’s global Afro Pop musicians and comedians prior to the Christian Gospel Artists performances.
Those who performed during the circular artists and comedy show were Timaya, Kcee, Klint D’ Drunk, Faze, Mayorkun and Akpororo.
Others include Zlatan, Dan D’ Humourous, Prince Hezekiah, African China, Morayvee, and Smurda, amongst others.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.