Niger Delta

N’Delta Voices Demand Climate Justice, Environmental Accountability At WED Conference

Published

2 months ago

June 12, 2026

Stakeholders from across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have renewed calls for environmental justice, climate accountability and a transition from decades of oil dependence.

This followed the convening by LincGreen Climate Change Initiative of its third annual “Look Beyond Oil” conference to mark World Environment Day 2026 in Port Harcourt.

The conference, held at Autograph Event Place along Abacha Road, GRA, Port Harcourt, drew a diverse audience of traditional rulers, environmental activists, students, researchers, community leaders and young advocates who gathered to examine the ecological realities confronting the Niger Delta and chart pathways towards a sustainable future.

Uniquely designed in the format of the traditional Niger Delta “Tales by Moonlight”, the event recreated the age-old practice of gathering after dark to share stories that preserve histories, convey warnings and reveal truths.

Organisers said the approach was intended to create a space for honest conversations about the environmental challenges facing the region.

In his opening address, Executive Director of LincGreen Climate Change Initiative, Tobechukwu Diolu, said the organisation was born out of the devastating floods that ravaged communities across Rivers State in 2022, exposing the fragile environmental condition of the Niger Delta after decades of oil-related degradation.

According to him, LincGreen’s engagements across the region have revealed the scale of the environmental crisis confronting local communities.

“LincGreen has visited 75 communities across the Niger Delta between 2024 and 2025. We have witnessed the multidimensional impacts of climate change, including the loss of homes, massive displacement of people and widespread environmental damage”, he said.

Speaking on behalf of affected oil-producing communities, the Paramount Ruler of Ogale Kingdom in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRH King Godwin Bebe Okpabi, lamented the environmental consequences of decades of oil extraction.

He disclosed that Ogale Community alone hosts about 20 oil wells but has received little environmental remediation despite years of exploitation.

“The oil was taken, but the land was not restored”, he said, while also criticising what he described as a deliberate divide-and-rule strategy that has weakened the collective bargaining power of Niger Delta communities.

Veteran environmental and community rights activist, Elder Celestine Akpobari, challenged young people to become more strategic in their advocacy efforts.

“If you want to destroy a man, destroy the environment”, he said, urging participants to transform information gathered through activism into practical campaigns capable of driving genuine change rather than merely documenting the region’s suffering.

Also speaking, Dr. Isaac Osuoka, Director of Social Action International, described oil exploitation in the Niger Delta as a system of extraction that has impoverished communities while enriching others.

“For us, oil represents colonisation, plunder and robbery of our people and land. It is the responsibility of the youth to recognise the need for change and to work for change”, he said.

Representing Rooted Rising Initiative, Chidera Onwuzurike stressed that climate change is no longer an abstract concept but a lived reality affecting communities daily.

She noted that her organisation focuses on the media dimensions of climate advocacy and is committed to ensuring that stories from the Niger Delta are told authentically and by those directly affected by environmental challenges.

On the role of technology, Executive Coordinator of MAJI, Onyekachi Emmanuel, highlighted the importance of data in environmental protection and climate advocacy.

He urged young people to embrace technological tools that can enhance public awareness, strengthen evidence-based campaigns and improve environmental accountability.

Similarly, investigative journalist, Dappa Prinye Peter, encouraged emerging advocates to develop precision in their communication efforts by focusing on clearly defined issues and building consistent platforms capable of sustaining public engagement.

Contributing to discussions on youth participation and nation-building, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Obari Gomba, advised young Nigerians against abandoning the country in search of opportunities abroad.

He urged them instead to remain and contribute meaningfully to national development.

A Research Fellow at the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, called on academics from the region to take a more active role in documenting the environmental crisis and holding institutions accountable.

“For more than 60 years, Niger Delta land, water and air have suffered oil pollution, gas flaring and climate impacts. As scholars from this region, we carry a unique responsibility. We possess the data, lived experience and intellectual tools to rigorously expose this crisis. We have not done enough”, she said.

Ogolo further challenged researchers to critically evaluate interventions by agencies such as the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), while generating evidence capable of influencing policy and strengthening accountability.

“The Niger Delta is ground zero for climate justice. If we do not document and analyse our story, others will write it for us or ignore it entirely”, she added.

Also speaking, Prof. Malisi Onyeka Festus of the University of Port Harcourt encouraged young people to sustain their involvement in environmental advocacy through continuous learning, motivation, skill acquisition and community engagement.

Participants at the conference agreed that while climate change remains a global challenge, the Niger Delta occupies a unique position where environmental degradation, oil pollution and climate vulnerability intersect.

They called for stronger grassroots mobilisation, increased investment in climate education and greater accountability from governments, regulatory agencies and oil companies operating in the region.

At the end of he event, a common message resonated across generations: the future of the Niger Delta depends not only on looking beyond oil, but on empowering communities to shape a more just and sustainable environmental future.

Niger Delta

Community Elects Monarch After 55yrs Interregnum … As King-elect Preaches Unity

Published

23 hours ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

The Otakeme Community of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have elected the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of a firm, “Renew Empire Nigeria”, Engr. Gospel Obolo as its new paramount ruler.

The Tide learnt that the election was conducted after 55 years of interregnum over the stool.

Otakeme is the closest neighbouring community to Otabagi, host community of the Oloibiri Oil wells where oil and gas were first struck in commercial quantity in West Africa.

Speaking with Journalists shortly after a close door meeting with community stakeholders midweek, the monarch-elect promised to lead a consultative reign.

He, however, expressed regrets that the community which boasts of an array of intellectuals and major elites across boards had remained without a monarch for so long, and promised to partner indigenes of all walks of life from the community in the discharge of the duties of his royal office.

While pleading with stakeholders and community elites to consolidate on the existing peace in the community, he added that already he has initiated a consultation tour of major cities and towns across the country to meet with indigene of the community in the diaspora.

“It’s sad that our community, Otakeme, has been without a king for 55 years. Otakeme is supposed to be one of the communities in Ogbia that others should emulate in terms of communal living, but regrettably we’ve lost a lot due to disunity which resulted in the absence of a paramount ruler for this long number of years.

“We’ve begun a diaspora consultation with stakeholders to solidify our unity and continue on the path of development. There is a lot to do for our people, and I want to assure everyone from the community that we’ll work together to develop Otakeme community”, he said.

Meanwhile, the monarch-elect has called on youths of the community to maintain peace and tranquility, saying his emergence signals a new era of innovation, peace, development and unity in the ancient community.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

NDDC Honours 78 Employees For Long Service … Hails Commitment To N’Delta Dev

Published

23 hours ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has honoured 78 members of staff with Long Service Awards in recognition of their dedication, loyalty and invaluable contributions to the growth of the intervention agency and the development of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the award ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said staff welfare remains a central priority of the Board and Management, describing employees as the institutional memory and driving force of the Commission.

Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku congratulated the recipients for their years of meritorious service and commended them for their commitment, which, he said, had contributed significantly to the Commission’s achievements over the years.

He noted that the awards were not only a celebration of longevity in service, but also a recognition of the dedication, professionalism and mentorship demonstrated by the recipients in helping to strengthen the Commission.

“The awardees have devoted decades of their lives to the NDDC, mentoring younger colleagues and playing vital roles in addressing the challenges confronting the Commission.

“Today, we celebrate your dedication, loyalty and commitment to service”, he said.

Ogbuku added: “We are proud of your achievements and grateful for your immense contributions. Each of you has helped shape our processes and our success story. We thank you for investing your talents and time in advancing the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.”

Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, praised the award recipients for serving the Commission and the Niger Delta with distinction, noting that the recognition reflected years of exemplary service, unwavering commitment and professional excellence.

Responding on behalf of the honourees, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Awele Chukwudifu, expressed appreciation to the Executive Management for the recognition, describing the award as a source of motivation and encouragement.

She said the honour would inspire staff to remain committed to the Commission’s mandate of driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta region while sustaining excellence in service delivery.
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Niger Delta

Dickson Vows To Defend Democracy … Says ‘No Amount of Intimidation Will Break Us’

Published

23 hours ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has said he his committed to defending Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

He said no amount of intimidation, political persecution or propaganda would deter him from pursuing what he described as the collective struggle to rescue the nation’s democratic values.

In a lengthy message of appreciation to his supporters, Dickson expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation, and Nigerians at home and abroad for their steadfast support, solidarity and prayers throughout what he called his political journey to strengthen the country’s opposition.

The senator said for the past eight months he had remained away from home while focusing on building the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which he described as “the biggest national opposition party” in Nigeria.

He credited the party’s rapid growth to the commitment of its members, candidates and political partners, particularly the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“I thank God Almighty for His grace and strength. I also thank our party officers at every level and Nigerians across political divides for their confidence, trust and unwavering support”, Dickson said.

He stated that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, insisting that the survival of a vibrant multi-party system was essential to the country’s future.

According to him, ongoing legal battles and what he termed “contrived anti-democratic shenanigans” would ultimately fail, expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and resist attempts to undermine democratic institutions.

The former governor also accused unnamed political figures whom he said he had helped to attain positions of authority of turning against him by allegedly weaponising state institutions, removing political opponents from office, victimising innocent citizens and spreading propaganda.

Despite what he described as nearly seven years of sustained persecution against him, his family and supporters, Dickson said the loyalty of his followers had remained unshaken.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace politics driven by ideas, conviction and principles rather than personal gain, appointments or what he called “stomach infrastructure.”

He said the enduring legacy he hoped to leave behind was a generation courageous enough to reject injustice, defend truth and demand accountability from leaders.

Dickson announced plans to return to Bayelsa in the coming weeks alongside the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, to personally appreciate party members and supporters across the state.

He called on citizens to reject violence and intimidation, urging them instead to participate actively in peaceful democratic processes and protect the sanctity of their votes.

The senator warned that politicians who relied on intimidation, abuse of state institutions and violence would ultimately be rejected by the electorate.

Reflecting on his political career, Dickson said he had weathered nearly two decades of investigations, allegations, political conspiracies and intimidation, yet continued to emerge stronger.

He argued that despite governing Bayelsa during a period marked by severe economic recession, his administration recorded lasting achievements across critical sectors and laid a solid foundation for the state’s development.

“I have seen it all and survived it all. The God who has stood by me has not abandoned me. He remains on His throne, watching and judging the actions of all men”, he declared.

Dickson concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the NDC, Bayelsa State and Nigeria, while expressing confidence that justice, democracy and the will of the people would ultimately prevail.