Niger Delta
Embrace Digital Tech For National Growth, NDDC Urges Youths

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has urged youths to embrace digital technology.
Ogbuku made the appeal in a Statement issued in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
According to the statement, Ogbuku addressed youths during the celebration of International Youth Day, organised by the NDDC for young people.
The Tide source reports that Ogbuku spoke against the backdrop of the International Youth Day.
He said that technology, when used productively, could serve as a catalyst for capacity building and sustainable development.
Ogbuku said that the NDDC chose to celebrate young people in order to encourage them to take advantage of current trends to equip and develop themselves.
“We are in the age of technology, and Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent, therefore, we are using this platform to encourage young people.
“They should take advantage of current trend to advance their cause as partners in development, enabling them to benefit from innovative ideas and latest technology, he said.
“Niger Delta youths should not allow themselves to be left behind in technological advancement.’’
Ogbuku reiterated the NDDC’s commitment to enhancing the capacities of youths in the region.
He noted that the commission had collaborated with the nine states government in the region to implement youth empowerment programmes for youths in the area.
“We have always liaised with the states governments in the Niger Delta in implementing youth empowerment programmes.
“The NDDC has also requested the states governments to nominate young people, as well as provide us with the categories of individuals in their areas of interest.
“Particularly those living with disabilities,” he said.
He advised youths to be hardworking and proactive in their chosen careers.
The Director in charge of Women and Culture Unit in the NDDC Youth Directorate, Mrs Ahunna Imoni, said the International Youth Day was recognised globally to celebrate youth creativity and potential.
She said “The NDDC’s decision to mark this day with young people is a further demonstration of the current Board’s renewed commitment to youth advancement”.
Imoni urged participants to acquire skills that would equip them to meet present-day realities.
The Tide source reports that the day is celebrated annually on Aug. 12.
By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Niger Delta
Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives
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.
Niger Delta
Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta
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.
Niger Delta
C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months
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.
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