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NDDC Intensifies Women Empowerment Initiative Across Niger Delta
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and the girl-child across the Niger Delta through expanded entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and sustainable livelihood programmes aimed at boosting economic independence and regional development.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, made this known during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held in Calabar, Cross River State, recently.
Represented by the Assistant Director, Youths, Sports, Culture and Women Affairs, Dr Esther Philip Ogbuku said the Commission had continued to implement impactful programmes that equip women with practical skills, promote entrepreneurship and improve their socio-economic well-being.
He assured that the NDDC would sustain initiatives that encourage wealth creation, self-reliance and community development.
He said the Commission’s interventions are in line with its statutory mandate and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the training would provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to establish sustainable businesses and improve their productivity.
Also speaking, the Cross River State Representative on the NDDC Board, Mr Orok Duke, said women and the girl-child possess enormous potential to excel in all fields of human endeavour, stressing that they remain vital partners in the socio-economic transformation of the Niger Delta.
Represented by his Special Assistant on Administration, Mr Bassey-Ita Duke, he reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting gender equality and creating opportunities that would enable women to attain their full potentials.
According to him, the Board, under the chairmanship of Mr Chiedu Ebie, and the management led by Dr Ogbuku, recognise agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, food security and sustainable livelihoods, adding that the Commission has continued to invest in animal husbandry, fisheries and crop production to improve household incomes across the region.
In a keynote lecture entitled, “Best Practices for Packaging Certified Products for Export,” a resource person from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Christiana Ekeng, urged entrepreneurs to ensure that all non-oil products intended for export obtain the required certification before shipment.
Ekeng explained that certification enhances product credibility, facilitates access to international markets and ensures compliance with global export standards, while proper packaging helps preserve product quality throughout the distribution chain.
She identified the three stages of packaging as primary, secondary and tertiary, explaining that products must be properly packaged and arranged in cartons to minimise damage and meet export .
requirements
The Consultant to the Ukpai Empowerment Foundation, Dr Boma Nathan, commended the NDDC for sustaining programmes that promote women’s economic empowerment, describing the Commission’s intervention as a significant boost to inclusive development in the Niger Delta.
Nathan urged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Commission, noting that empowering women enables them to discover their potential, pursue their aspirations, improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and development of their communities.
By: King Onunwor
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Private sector secured loans worth N2.22 trillion in 30 days ended June 30, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) economic data for the month has shown.
Credit to Nigeria’s private sector rose to N83.26 trillion in June 2026 from N81.04 trillion in May, signifying a positive balance of N2.22 trillion month-on-month.
Year-on-year, the figure represents a nine per cent increase compared with the N76.13 trillion recorded in June 2025. The latest figures come as the CBN continues to balance efforts to control inflation with the need to support economic growth and expand credit to businesses.
The CBN data shows that credit to Nigeria’s private sector increased by approximately 2.74 per cent month-on-month between May and June 2026. Also, the CBN data noted that credit to the government fell slightly to N40.03 trillion from N40.38 trillion. Other assets, net, dropped to N10.76 trillion from N12.63 trillion.
The credit surge signifies sustained growth in lending to businesses and other private-sector borrowers during the month. The rise in private sector credit was recorded alongside an increase in net domestic credit, despite declines in credit to government and other assets.
Further analysis of the report says that compared with June 2025, private sector credit rose by about N7.13 trillion yea-on-year but net domestic credit increased by approximately N1.87 trillion during the month.
The CBN’s relatively tight monetary policy stance notwithstanding, more banks still loaded funds to the private sector within the period. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) held its 306th meeting on July 20 and 21.
The Committee reviewed recent developments in the global and domestic economies, assessed emerging risks to the outlook and considered their implications for monetary policy and retained all rates.
The Committee decided to retain the Monetary Policy Rate at 26.5 per cent; the Standing Facilities Corridor around the MPR at +50/-450 basis points and retain the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) for Deposit Money Banks at 45.00 per cent, Merchant Banks at 16.00 per cent, and non-TSA public sector deposits at 75.00 per cent.
The MPC decision means that credit extension in the private sector will likely continue to rise because of rising confidence in the sector and calls by stakeholders for banks to invest in the private scetor instead of government securities.
The Rivers 3 Host Communities Development Trust (RV3HCDT), in collaboration with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), has launched stakeholder engagements across six host communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area as part of efforts to provide sustainable solar-powered electricity to communities that have remained without public power supply for over a decade.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of RV3HCDT, Dr. Kerian Wobodo, disclosed this during a two-day sensitisation and consultation tour of Ipo, Omademe, , Ozuaha, Ubima and Omerelu communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area over the week.
Wobodo led members of the Trust and representatives of PIND to engage traditional rulers and other stakeholders on the proposed project.
Addressing the gatherings, he said the engagements were designed to familiarise the host communities with the objectives of the project and win their understanding, cooperation and ownership before implementation.
The leader of the delegation, also stressed that Trust considered it imperative to carry the people along from the planning stage to ensure transparency, inclusiveness and sustainability, noting that meaningful development can only be achieved through active collaboration with host communities.
Officials of PIND, while making their presentations, outlined the operational framework of the proposed solar-powered electricity scheme, describing it as a clean, reliable and environmentally friendly energy solution capable of transforming socio-economic activities in the benefiting communities.
According to the PIND representatives, the project will expand electricity access to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and small businesses, boosting economic activities, improving livelihoods and accelerating overall community development.
They observed that the six communities have endured years of inadequate electricity supply, a situation they said has slowed economic growth, hampered educational advancement and limited access to essential social services.
The meetings featured interactive sessions during which community members sought clarifications on project implementation, maintenance, sustainability, community participation and the protection of the proposed facilities.
Members of the delegation addressed the concerns and assured stakeholders that all issues raised would receive adequate attention.
Youth representatives underscored the need to involve young people throughout the implementation process, calling for employment opportunities for qualified youths, skills acquisition programmes, ICT training, entrepreneurship development, capacity building and other empowerment to complement the electrification project.
Responding, the delegation, leader reaffirmed that local content participation, youth inclusion, peacebuilding, security collaboration and human capacity development would remain integral components of the initiative, adding that the project is designed to deliver long-term socio-economic benefits to the host communities.
The consultation tour ended at Omerelu Community, where the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Highness Eze (Engr.) Ben O. Ugo, Elumuoha VIII, alongside members of the Council of Chiefs, elders, Ohas, youth and women representatives, commended the Rivers 3 Host Communities Development Trust and PIND for the initiative.
They described the proposed solar-powered electrification project as timely and transformative and pledged their communities’ full commitment and support towards its successful implementation.
By: King Onunwor
Following report of a suspected case of rabies in Rivers state,The Rivers state chapter of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has pledged it’s technical support to partner with the State Government in checking it spread the state.
Chairperson of the Association Dr Gloria Daminabo said this during a courtesy visit to the Acting Permanent Secretary Rivers state Ministry of Agriculture Mrs Tomma Oruye in her office in Port Harcourt.
She said the association is ready to support the state government with technical advice, as well as create awareness in order to ensure that it does not spread thereby constituting public c health concern capable of affecting both animal and human
“This reminds us that animal diseases can quickly become public health concern if they are not detected and contained early.
“As an association, we are ready to support the ministry with technical advice, dieses awareness, vaccination campaigns and any professional assistance required to protect both animal and human being “, she said.
Daminabo also described the Association as not merely a stakeholder but partners in the advancement of agriculture in the state.
According to her”, over the years the association has remain a dependable technical partner to the ministry
“Our members have consistently supported government vaccination campaigns across the state, particularly in bridging the manpower gaps where additional veterinary expertise was required
She said beyond field services, the association has remain a strong voice for advocacy through media engagement and stakeholders interactions, stressing the NVMA has consistently drawn attention to critical issues affecting livestock development and public health including the need for increase veterinary manpower and the establishment of a functional Government Veterinary hospital in the state.
“I am particularly honoured to be accompanied today by two distinguished leaders of our profession whose presence underscores the importance we attach to our longstanding relationship with this Ministry.
“Their presence symbolizes continuity in leadership and our collective commitment: past and present, to working hand in hand with the Ministry for the advancement of agriculture, animal health, public health and food security in Rivers State”, she said.
Daminabo described NVMA as the umbrella professional body for veterinarians in Nigeria, stressing the visit was to formally introduce the Executive Committee of the state chapter as well as cement the existing relationship between the Association and the Ministry of Agriculture
“In Rivers State, our membership spans the Ministry of Agriculture, academia, the military and other security agencies, private veterinary practice, research institutions and development programmes.
“We are privileged to have experts in poultry medicine, companion animal practice, livestock production, pathology, diagnostics, epidemiology, wildlife medicine, disease surveillance, food safety and veterinary public health”, the President said.
She said the Association has remain a dependable ally with the state ministry of agriculture especially in the area of livestock development
Daminabo also called for the employment of more veterinary Doctors in the state.
“Beyond field services, the Association has remained a strong voice for advocacy, through various media engagements and stakeholder interactions. We have consistently drawn attention to critical issues affecting livestock development and public health, including the need for increased veterinary manpower, the establishment of a functional Government Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, modernisation of our abattoirs, and improvement of slaughter facilities across the State.
“We have also partnered with the Ministry during programmes such as World Food Day, World Rabies Day and other activities aimed at promoting agriculture, food security and public health awareness.
“Today, we are delighted that many of these aspirations are gradually becoming a reality”, She said.
She also commended the state Governo Sir Siminalaye Fubara for the
employment of four veterinary doctors and three laboratory personnel, as well as the establishment and operationalisation of the Rivers State Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Centre,
“For these achievements, we sincerely thank His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for listening to the concerns of the veterinary profession and taking decisive action.
“These developments have been widely acknowledged within the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association nationwide and have also received commendation from our National President, Dr. Moses Arokoyo.
“We respectfully request that you kindly convey our profound appreciation to His Excellency for this significant investment in animal health, public health and agriculture.
“We have equally observed your openness, accessibility and support for the veterinary profession since assuming office. We sincerely appreciate the warm reception you have extended to us and your willingness to sustain the cordial relationship between the Ministry and our Association.
“The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association remains committed to supporting this Ministry in every possible way. Whether in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, vaccination campaigns, policy formulation, laboratory diagnostics, research, food safety, capacity building or even providing a second professional opinion, you can always count on the expertise of our members.
“We see ourselves not merely as stakeholders but as partners in the advancement of agriculture. Whenever the Ministry calls upon us, we shall always be willing to deploy our technical expertise in the interest of animal health, public health and food security”, She added.
Meanwhile the association has called for the employment of more veterinary doctors in the state. The
Chairman of the association Dr Gloria Daminabo said at least there should be two Government Veterinary Doctors serving in each Local Government Area.
” This will significantly improve disease surveillance, livestock productivity, emergency response and veterinary service delivery across Rivers State.
The association also requested for the full equipping of the Rivers State Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, “particularly its diagnostic laboratory as accurate diagnosis remains the foundation of effective treatment and disease control.
“A well-equipped diagnostic centre will support livestock farmers, improve productivity, reduce the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs, combat antimicrobial resistance and strengthen disease surveillance within the State.
“Thirdly, we respectfully appeal for continued government attention towards the rehabilitation and modernisation of abattoirs and slaughter facilities across Rivers State. Safe meat production is not only an agricultural responsibility but also a critical public health obligation that safeguards every household”
The Association also presented a plaque to the Acting Permanent Secretary in recognition of her support, hospitality and commitment to strengthening agriculture and the veterinary profession in Rivers State.
By: John Bibor
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