Features

Empowering The Girl Child,Building A Future Where Every Girl Can Thrive ?

Published

34 seconds ago

October 16, 2026

Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, the freedom to dream, the right to live without fear and the chance to determine the course of her own future.
Yet, for millions of girls around the world, these opportunities remain difficult to access. Some struggle to obtain quality education, while others face discrimination, early marriage, gender-based violence and social expectations that limit their ambitions. For many, the challenge begins in childhood, when decisions about their lives are made without giving their voices the attention they deserve.
October 11, observed annually as the International Day of the Girl Child, provides an opportunity to reflect on these challenges and renew the commitment to protecting girls’ rights and empowering them to reach their full potential.
The day also raises an important question: how can societies talk about a better future for girls while some of them continue to face barriers to education, safety, equality and opportunity?
For Nigeria, where girls are growing up in communities with different social, economic and cultural circumstances, the occasion offers an opportunity to examine the progress made, recognise the challenges that remain and consider the responsibilities of families, communities and government in securing a better future for every girl.
From Recognition to Action
The International Day of the Girl Child was established by the United Nations and first observed on October 11, 2012. It was created to recognise the rights of girls and draw attention to the particular challenges they face across the world.
Its significance extends beyond a yearly celebration. It highlights the need for societies to address the inequalities that prevent girls from enjoying the same opportunities, protection and dignity as their male counterparts.
Girls have the right to education, healthcare, safety, participation and equal treatment. They also have the right to express their opinions, develop their abilities and make decisions about their futures in accordance with their age and evolving capacities.
These rights are not privileges to be granted only when families can afford them or when communities consider them convenient. They are part of the wider commitment to protecting the dignity and development of every child.
The observance also recognises that girls are not simply beneficiaries of development programmes. They are potential scientists, teachers, journalists, entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, public servants and community leaders whose contributions can shape the future of their societies.
When girls are given the opportunity to develop their abilities, the benefits extend beyond individual achievement to families, communities and the wider economy.
The Nigerian Girl Child
In Nigeria, the experiences of girls differ considerably depending on their family circumstances, location, access to education and the opportunities available within their communities.
Some girls attend well-equipped schools, participate in extracurricular activities and receive support to pursue their ambitions. Others face difficulties that threaten their ability to complete their education or develop their full potential.
Poverty remains a significant concern for families struggling to meet basic needs. In some households, girls may be expected to undertake extensive domestic responsibilities, care for younger siblings or contribute to family income at the expense of their education.
For girls in rural and underserved communities, the distance to school, inadequate facilities, limited access to learning materials and other practical barriers may make education difficult to sustain.
Insecurity can create additional risks, particularly where families fear sending their children to school or where displacement interrupts their education.
These challenges do not affect every Nigerian girl in the same way. However, they demonstrate why protecting the rights of girls requires more than general statements about equality. It requires practical action that addresses the circumstances preventing them from accessing opportunities.
A girl who cannot attend school because her family cannot afford the necessary expenses needs support that makes education accessible. A girl exposed to abuse needs protection and access to appropriate services. A girl whose ambitions are dismissed simply because of her gender needs an environment that recognises her abilities.
The responsibility is to ensure that the circumstances of a girl’s birth do not determine the limits of her future.
Education: Opening the Door to Opportunity
Education remains one of the most important ways to empower the girl child.
Through education, girls acquire knowledge, develop critical thinking skills and gain a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities. Schooling can also expand their employment opportunities and help them make informed decisions about their lives.
An educated girl is better positioned to understand the choices available to her, participate in community life and contribute to social and economic development.
However, access to education alone is not enough. Girls must also be able to learn in safe environments, receive quality instruction and complete their education without discrimination or unnecessary barriers.
Parents and guardians have an important role in ensuring that girls are encouraged to attend school and are given the support needed to continue learning.
Schools, in turn, must provide environments where girls are protected from harassment, bullying and discrimination. Teachers can help by treating students fairly, encouraging participation and challenging assumptions that certain subjects or careers are suitable only for boys.
Government also has a responsibility to strengthen educational infrastructure, improve learning conditions and address the financial and social barriers that keep children out of school.
The goal should not simply be to enrol more girls in classrooms. It should be to ensure that every girl has a genuine opportunity to learn, complete her education and use the knowledge she acquires to build a meaningful future.
When Tradition Becomes a Barrier
Culture and tradition are important parts of community identity. They preserve history, strengthen relationships and provide a sense of belonging.
However, certain practices and social expectations can restrict girls’ rights and opportunities when they place greater value on gender than on individual ability and well-being.
In some communities, girls may be discouraged from pursuing higher education because marriage and domestic responsibilities are considered more important. Others may face pressure to abandon their ambitions or accept decisions made without their participation.
Child marriage remains another serious concern in Nigeria. When a girl is married before adulthood, her education, health, safety and personal development may be placed at risk.
Such situations highlight the importance of protecting children while encouraging communities to examine practices that undermine their rights.
Empowering girls does not require rejecting every cultural tradition. It requires preserving what strengthens communities while addressing practices that expose children to harm or deny them opportunities.
Community leaders, parents, educators and religious institutions can contribute by promoting the value of girls’ education, supporting their development and speaking against harmful practices.
A community’s strength should not be measured by how effectively it restricts the ambitions of its girls, but by how well it protects its children and prepares them for the future.
Protecting Girls from Violence and Abuse
A discussion about empowering girls cannot be complete without addressing their right to safety.
Girls may face different forms of abuse, including sexual violence, physical punishment, exploitation, bullying, harassment and harmful treatment within homes, schools and communities.
Some incidents remain unreported because victims fear blame, retaliation or public humiliation. Others may lack access to trusted adults or services capable of helping them.
The consequences can be serious, affecting a girl’s physical health, emotional well-being, education and ability to trust others.
Protecting girls requires adults and institutions to take reports of abuse seriously and respond in ways that prioritise the child’s safety and dignity.
Parents and guardians should encourage open communication so that girls feel able to report situations that make them uncomfortable or unsafe. Schools need clear procedures for reporting and responding to abuse, while relevant authorities must ensure that children can access appropriate protection and support.
Girls should also receive age-appropriate information about personal safety, boundaries and where to seek help.
Importantly, the responsibility for preventing abuse belongs to those who commit it and to the institutions responsible for protection. Girls must never be blamed for violence or exploitation directed against them.
A society that celebrates the girl child must also be prepared to defend her rights when those rights are threatened.
Health, Confidence and the Freedom to Dream
Empowerment also means ensuring that girls can grow up healthy, confident and informed about their bodies and well-being.
Access to healthcare, adequate nutrition, clean water, sanitation and accurate health information is essential to their development.
For adolescent girls, menstrual health is particularly important. Where sanitary products, private toilets or reliable information are unavailable, menstruation can create practical difficulties that affect attendance at school and participation in daily activities.
Families, schools and relevant institutions can help by providing accurate information, challenging harmful misconceptions and ensuring that girls have access to appropriate facilities and support.
Emotional well-being also deserves attention. Girls who experience discrimination, bullying, abuse or constant pressure to meet unrealistic expectations may struggle with confidence and self-worth.
Encouragement from parents, teachers and trusted adults can help them recognise their abilities and develop the confidence to pursue their goals.
A girl should not have to choose between being accepted by society and believing in her own potential.
She should be able to explore her interests, develop her talents and imagine a future that reflects her abilities, values and ambitions.
The Role of Parents, Schools and Government
Empowering the girl child is a shared responsibility.
Parents and guardians are often the first people who shape a girl’s understanding of her worth and potential. Their encouragement can influence whether she feels confident enough to pursue education, express her views and aspire to leadership.
Providing equal encouragement to girls and boys, sharing household responsibilities fairly and listening to girls’ concerns are practical ways families can promote equality at home.
Schools must ensure that girls have equal opportunities to learn, participate in activities and develop leadership skills. Teachers should challenge gender stereotypes and encourage girls to explore subjects and careers based on their interests and abilities.
Government institutions also have a responsibility to protect children’s rights through effective laws, policies, educational support and accessible protection services. Laws must be implemented, and families should be able to seek help when a child’s safety or rights are threatened.
Communities, civil society organisations and the media can support these efforts by educating the public, drawing attention to harmful practices and highlighting positive examples of girls overcoming barriers.
The media, in particular, can help change public attitudes by portraying girls as active participants in development rather than limiting their stories to vulnerability and suffering.
Together, these efforts can create an environment in which girls are protected, heard and given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
Beyond October 11
The International Day of the Girl Child is an important reminder, but the protection and empowerment of girls cannot be achieved through a single day’s activities.
It requires sustained action in homes, schools, workplaces, communities and public institutions.
It means ensuring that a girl from a low-income family has access to education, that a girl living in a rural community is not forgotten in development planning, and that a girl who reports abuse receives appropriate protection rather than blame.
It also means listening to girls when decisions affect their lives and including their perspectives in discussions about education, healthcare, safety and development.
The measure of progress is not simply the number of speeches delivered or campaigns organised. It is whether girls are safer, better educated, healthier and more able to make meaningful choices about their futures.
Every girl deserves the opportunity to grow without violence, learn without discrimination and pursue her ambitions without being limited by harmful expectations.
A Future Where Every Girl Can Thrive
The future of any society is closely connected to the opportunities available to its children.
When girls are educated, protected and encouraged to develop their abilities, they are better positioned to contribute to their families, communities and the wider society. When their rights are neglected, the consequences can extend far beyond the individual child.
As the world marks October 11, the message to Nigeria and the international community is clear: empowering girls begins with recognising their rights and continues through the practical steps taken to protect them.
It begins with a parent who encourages a daughter to remain in school, a teacher who recognises her potential, a community that rejects harmful practices and institutions that respond seriously when her rights are violated.
It also requires a willingness to question beliefs and practices that deny girls the freedom to learn, grow and participate in society.
A girl’s future should not be determined by poverty, discrimination or the assumption that her ambitions matter less than those of a boy.
Every girl deserves the chance to discover what she can become.
On this International Day of the Girl Child, the call is not merely to celebrate girls, but to protect their rights, invest in their education, listen to their voices and create a society where every girl has the freedom and opportunity to thrive.
Because empowering a girl is not simply about changing her life today. It is about helping to build a future in which her dignity is respected, her potential is recognised and her rights are protected every day.

Davies Christian Nelson & Dominic Emediong Emmanuel

Dr Davies is the Director of Publications, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications.

Features

Beyond Tradition As Stakeholders Seek Collaboration To End FGM In Rivers

Published

2 months ago

August 24, 2026

The Tide

For generations, Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) has remained one of the most deeply entrenched harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls across many societies.Sustained largely by cultural beliefs, misconceptions and long-standing norms, the practice has continued despite increasing global awareness of its severe health, psychological and human rights consequences.
In Nigeria, however, growing public awareness, stronger legal frameworks and coordinated interventions by government institutions and development partners are gradually changing the narrative.Although significant progress has been recorded, experts insist that achieving the complete eradication of female genital mutilation requires more than legislation. It demands sustained collaboration, continuous public enlightenment, community ownership and the willingness to challenge harmful practices that have endured across generations.
To this end, stakeholders in Rivers State have renewed calls for stronger collaboration, sustained public enlightenment and community ownership in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), warning that the harmful practice cannot be completely eradicated through legislation alone.
The call was made during the Third Quarter State Technical Committee Meeting on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in Rivers State, organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Health with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministries of Health, Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Information and Communications, civil society organisations, child protection advocates, development partners and other stakeholders committed to protecting women and girls from harmful traditional practices.
The engagement provided an opportunity for participants to review progress recorded in the state, examine persistent challenges and develop practical strategies for accelerating the elimination of FGM through stronger partnerships, coordinated interventions and evidence-based advocacy.
A major focus of the meeting was the need to broaden public understanding of what constitutes FGM. Participants noted that the practice extends beyond the commonly recognised cutting or removal of parts of the female genitalia and includes other harmful procedures that can cause lasting physical and psychological damage.
Setting the tone for the technical discussions, the Reproductive Health Coordinator, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ebere Smith, described FGM as both a reproductive health concern and a social injustice that violates the bodily integrity, dignity and wellbeing of women and girls.
According to her, although FGM has historically been sustained by cultural beliefs and traditions in many communities, medical evidence has established that the practice exposes women and girls to avoidable health complications and psychological trauma.
“It is an injustice to the female anatomy. It is not just a reproductive injustice; it is also a social one. It affects a woman’s emotional well-being, childbirth, marriage and overall quality of life,” Dr. Smith said.
She explained that FGM can involve the use of unsterilised razor blades, knives, scissors and needles, while drawing attention to less recognised practices, including the repeated pressing of a baby girl’s genital area with hot water, which she identified as a form of Type IV FGM.
Dr. Smith noted that survivors could suffer excessive bleeding, infections, chronic pain, complications during childbirth, sexual dysfunction and emotional trauma, among other long-term health consequences.
She therefore stressed the importance of providing families and communities with accurate information to dispel misconceptions that have allowed harmful practices to persist across generations.
“Having the right information at the right time for the right people is essential,” she said, emphasising the roles of healthcare workers, parents, caregivers, traditional institutions, educators, journalists and community leaders in preventing FGM.
Speaking on progress made in Rivers State, the UNICEF Desk Officer in the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Dr. Victor Iseberetonma, expressed optimism over the impact of sustained advocacy and community sensitisation.
He disclosed that sensitisation structures established in about 60 communities were conducting house-to-house campaigns, church outreaches and market engagements aimed at educating residents on the dangers of FGM.
Iseberetonma also noted that an increasing number of traditional rulers and community leaders were demonstrating commitment to ending the practice within their domains.
He described the willingness of some monarchs to formally abolish FGM in their communities as an important milestone, stressing, however, that the ultimate objective remained the complete eradication of the practice across Rivers State.
In his technical presentation, UNICEF Facilitator, Mr. Uchenna Unah, cited findings from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which showed that the prevalence of FGM among women aged 15–49 had declined from 20 per cent in 2018 to 14 per cent in 2024.
Despite the decline, Unah said FGM remained a significant public health and human rights concern, noting that 85 per cent of girls and women who underwent the practice experienced it before the age of five.
He further highlighted encouraging changes in public attitudes, stating that 71 per cent of women and 74 per cent of men surveyed believed that FGM should not continue, while a similar majority affirmed that no religion requires the practice.
He urged stakeholders to sustain evidence-based advocacy, strengthen community engagement and intensify public enlightenment to ensure that the declining prevalence ultimately translates into the complete elimination of FGM.
Also contributing to the discussions, the State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN), Rivers State, Inyinyi Irimagha, challenged the continued use of the term “female circumcision”, describing it as medically inaccurate.
She explained that circumcision refers to the removal of the male foreskin and should not be used to describe harmful procedures carried out on the female genitalia.
Irimagha said collaboration between the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Child Protection Network, UNICEF and other partners had strengthened community advocacy through survivor groups, adolescent networks, male champions and traditional rulers.
She also highlighted the need to increase awareness of Type IV FGM, particularly practices that communities may not recognise as forms of genital mutilation.
According to her, the absence of cutting does not mean that such practices are harmless, as damage to delicate tissues and nerves can result in long-term health and reproductive complications.
Beyond the formal presentations, discussions with participants revealed that misconceptions about FGM remain widespread.
Some participants admitted that they had previously associated FGM exclusively with the physical cutting or removal of parts of the female genitalia and were surprised to learn that other harmful practices are also recognised internationally as forms of FGM.
The discussions further highlighted the influence of culture and intergenerational traditions on perceptions of women’s health. Some participants recalled practices that had been passed down for generations without sufficient consideration of their medical implications.
One cultural practice mentioned during the engagement involved placing a snail between the legs of a woman after childbirth based on the belief that its slimy nature could help control bleeding.
Participants agreed that while cultural traditions remain important to communities, practices that pose risks to human health should be subjected to scientific scrutiny and discontinued where necessary.
A resident, Sampson, described the enlightenment as an eye-opener, noting that many people had traditionally believed that applying hot water to a newborn girl’s genital area was simply a routine hygiene practice.
He said greater public awareness was needed to ensure that families did not unknowingly expose their children to harmful practices.
Another participant, DollyPur, stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for community dialogue, saying that people often continue harmful practices because “everyone else” appears to be doing the same thing.
She noted that open discussions involving parents, community leaders and other stakeholders could help communities understand the health consequences of harmful traditional practices and encourage behavioural change.
The stakeholders consequently agreed that the elimination of FGM requires sustained cooperation among government institutions, healthcare professionals, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, the media and communities.
They emphasised that continuous public enlightenment, accurate health information and community-led interventions remain critical to correcting misconceptions, changing attitudes and protecting the health, dignity and rights of women and girls across Rivers State.

Christian Nelson Davies & Ekemini Victor Sunday

Dr Davies is the Director of Publications, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, and Ekemini, an intern

Features

Omerelu’s Historic Milestone … First Female Professor Rekindles Faith in Education

Published

5 months ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

Quote 1: “Professor Glory Godpower-Echie’s elevation is not only a personal triumph; it is a victory for Omerelu and a shining reminder that education remains the most enduring pathway to greatness.”

Quote 2: “In an era when many youths are tempted by shortcuts to success, her story affirms that diligence, discipline, and learning still open doors that no quick fix can unlock.”

The ancient community of Omerelu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has entered a defining chapter in its long and storied history with the emergence of its first female professor, Professor Glory Godpower-Echie, a distinguished scholar in Science Education. What may appear, on the surface, as a personal academic milestone has quickly transformed into a powerful social narrative one that is reshaping how the people of Omerelu, and indeed the wider Ikwerre ethnic nationality, perceive education, gender achievement, and the possibilities embedded in disciplined pursuit of knowledge. Across the community, the announcement of her elevation to professorial rank has been received with deep celebration, pride, and reflection. Elders, youths, traditional leaders, women groups, and religious bodies have all described the development as historic—an intellectual breakthrough that places Omerelu on a new pedestal of recognition.

For a community steeped in tradition and cultural pride, Professor Godpower-Echie’s achievement is being interpreted as a bridge between heritage and modern excellence; a demonstration that tradition and education can coexist productively in shaping a progressive society. At the heart of the celebrations stands the Omerelu traditional institution, whose response has been both emotional and symbolic. The Nye Nwe Ala Omerelu, His Royal Highness Eze (Engr.) Ben O. Ugo, JP, Elumoha VIII, described the development as a “collective victory for the entire kingdom,” stressing that it reflects the values upon which Omerelu has long been built. Quoting a familiar biblical principle, the monarch declared: “When the righteous bear rule, the people rejoice.” According to him, the emergence of Professor Godpower-Echie is not accidental but the outcome of a value system that rewards diligence, discipline, and integrity.

He noted that in a time when societal pressures are eroding patience and discouraging long-term investment in education, her story serves as a moral compass for younger generations. “This is a moment of pride for Omerelu,” the monarch said in essence. “It shows that our land still produces excellence, and that commitment to learning still yields honourable outcomes.”His words were echoed across community gatherings, where residents described the professor’s elevation as a validation of years of quiet sacrifice, academic discipline, and intellectual perseverance. Observers say the timing of this achievement is particularly significant. Nigeria today faces a growing tension between traditional education and the rising appeal of fast wealth, digital shortcuts, and informal economic pathways.

In many communities, especially among young people, frustration with unemployment has led to a troubling narrative that formal education is no longer valuable but within Omerelu, Professor Godpower-Echie’s rise is challenging that perception in a profound way. Her journey stands as a reminder that while economic realities may shift perceptions, education remains one of the most stable and transformative tools for upward mobility. Educational analysts within Rivers State have noted that the symbolism of her achievement cannot be overstated. In their view, she represents the enduring truth that intellectual discipline still matters in national development. Her specialization in Science Education is particularly relevant in a country struggling to strengthen its capacity in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.

Scholars in this field are critical in shaping future inventors, researchers, and problem-solvers who can address Nigeria’s developmental challenges. While detailed public records of her academic journey remain within institutional circles, colleagues and associates consistently describe Professor Godpower-Echie as a deeply committed scholar whose career has been defined by consistency, resilience, and a passion for knowledge dissemination. She is widely regarded as a teacher of teachers—an academic whose influence extends beyond the classroom into mentorship and curriculum development. Students who have passed through her tutelage describe her as firm yet inspiring, disciplined yet approachable, and deeply invested in intellectual growth.In academic circles, her work is associated with innovation in science pedagogy, critical thinking development, and capacity building for future educators.

Her elevation to professorial rank, therefore, is being interpreted not merely as a reward for years of service, but as recognition of sustained contribution to knowledge production and human capital development. Perhaps one of the most compelling dimensions of her emergence is its gender significance. As the first female professor from Omerelu, Professor Godpower-Echie has broken a long-standing academic ceiling, becoming a symbol of possibility for young girls in the community. In many parts of Nigeria, gender imbalance in higher education and leadership remains a persistent challenge. Her achievement therefore carries a message that transcends Omerelu—it speaks to the broader struggle for inclusion and equal opportunity. Women groups within the community have described her success as a landmark victory for female empowerment, insisting that it proves that gender is not a limitation to intellectual excellence.

Young girls across Omerelu are already being encouraged to see her as a role model, with many community voices stressing that her story will likely inspire a new wave of female academic ambition.The role of traditional leadership in shaping this narrative has also come under positive spotlight. Residents have commended the leadership of Eze Ben O. Ugo, whose reign is widely associated with unity, stability, and gradual socio-cultural advancement. Many believe that the peaceful environment fostered under his leadership has contributed indirectly to the emergence of outstanding sons and daughters of the land. Community elders argue that traditional institutions remain vital partners in education advocacy, especially in rural and semi-urban communities where cultural authority still plays a strong role in shaping youth behaviour.

In Omerelu, this synergy between tradition and education is increasingly being viewed as a model for sustainable community development. Education stakeholders have seized on the development to renew advocacy for stronger investment in Nigeria’s education system. They argue that while individual success stories are inspiring, systemic support is needed to ensure that many more young people can follow similar paths. Calls have been made for scholarship schemes, improved learning infrastructure, teacher development programmes, and stronger partnerships between government, private sector, and traditional institutions. There is also growing emphasis on mentorship, with stakeholders insisting that exposure to role models like Professor Godpower-Echie can significantly shape youth aspirations. Within Omerelu, the celebration of this milestone has taken on a reflective tone.

For many residents, the professor’s elevation is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a broader awakening—one that repositions education as a central pillar of community identity. Youth leaders have been encouraged to channel their energy toward productive learning and skill acquisition, while parents are being reminded that encouragement at home remains critical to academic success. Religious leaders have also joined in the discourse, emphasizing patience, diligence, and moral discipline as essential virtues for meaningful achievement. Across these perspectives, a common thread emerges: success is still best built through learning, perseverance, and integrity. As celebrations continue, Professor Glory Godpower-Echie has become more than an academic figure. She has become a symbol—of resilience, of possibility, and of what disciplined education can produce even in challenging times.

Her story is now being told not just as a personal achievement but as a collective inspiration for a community seeking renewed direction in a rapidly changing world. In the words of many residents, Omerelu is not merely celebrating a professor; it is celebrating the reaffirmation of its belief in knowledge as the true foundation of progress. Meanwhile, academic and community voices continue to acknowledge the inspirational role of Professor Blessing C. Didia in advancing intellectual development and strengthening the culture of learning within the community. As the echoes of celebration gradually settle, one truth remains firmly etched in the consciousness of Omerelu: education still transforms lives, uplifts communities, and writes history that endures across generations.

King Onunwor

Features

25 Years After: NDDC Celebrates Milestones Of Impactful Development

Published

1 year ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

It has been 25 years of impactful development of the Niger Delta region, facilitated by theNiger Delta Development Commission. NDDC. Without doubt, it has been a remarkable journey, marked by significant milestones and daunting challenges.
For the past week, the NDDC has been celebrating its achievements, beginning with a thanksgiving service in Akure, Ondo State, on July 6, drawing stakeholders and Niger Deltans to express gratitude to God for the Commission’s journey so far.
Taking off on the wings of the Oil Minerals Development Commission, OMPADEC, in 2000, the NDDC has grown into a symbol of federal presence in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The celebration moved from spiritual reflection and thanksgiving to strategic communication, with a World Press Conference held in Asaba, Delta State, on Monday, the 7th of July. There, members of the Fourth Estate across all media gathered in what was perhaps the most extensive media engagement of its kind. The NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its motto of “making a difference.”
Dr. Ogbuku stated, “The President gave us a matching order during our inauguration to positively turn things around in the Niger Delta region.” That presidential directive, he noted, continues to guide the Board and Management as they pursue legacy projects across the region.
From electricity restoration in Ondo to road linkages in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, the NDDC’s impact was showcased in clear, tangible terms. “We commissioned the 45-km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa in Ondo State,” Dr. Ogbuku recalled, “bringing electricity back to 25 local governments after 15 years in darkness.” This was just one of several landmark interventions highlighted during the press briefing, underscoring the Commission’s renewed vigour under the current leadership.
The Managing Director spoke candidly about the setbacks caused by years of instability in leadership. “Frequent changes in management and boards have slowed our progress,” he admitted. “But today, we are targeting legacy projects. Our mandate is to complete those critical projects.” He emphasised that the Commission had transitioned from a transactional mindset to one of transformation, including the digitisation of procurement processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
Other top executives echoed similar sentiments. The Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stressed the importance of collaboration, particularly with the media, whom he described as “critical stakeholders” in advancing development. Alabo Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, noted that the celebrations would run until Saturday, July 12, culminating in a gala night and plenary session in Port Harcourt.
Perhaps, the most significant message from the silver jubilee celebration is the renewed hope that the Niger Delta can finally experience holistic and sustainable development.
According to Ogbuku, “Through the initiative of the Board and Management, we have restructured the administrative architecture of the Commission to its 13 statutory Directorates, introduced robust Corporate Governance protocols… This formalised a value- driven institutional culture anchored on ethics and performance.”
As the weeklong celebrations continue across different states in the region, the NDDC appears determined not just to celebrate its past but to chart a bold course for the future.
The people of the Niger Delta are watching, hopeful that the next 25 years will be defined not by promises, but by lasting progress that transforms lives and communities, truly making a difference.
The celebration also featured a movie premiere titled “Making a Difference”, which traced the Commission’s journey and told stories of transformation in communities once plagued by underdevelopment. For many observers, the film served as both an emotional tribute and a powerful reminder of the NDDC’s role in shaping the destiny of the region.
The Governing Board and management of the NDDC have again proven to Nigerians, particularly the people of the oil-bearing Niger Delta region, that history does matter. They have also shown clearly that extraordinary personalities can upturn calculations and permutations. The above assertion was evidenced by the torrents of praises, accolades, and commendations poured on the Commission and its management and board by critical stakeholders during its week-long 25th anniversary celebration.
Beginning with Ondo State, one of the NDDC mandate states, Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hailed the management of the NDDC for the peace and development currently prevailing in the Niger Delta region. He said the Commission, under the current management and board, has succeeded in bridging developmental gaps in the region, noting that NDDC’s emphasis on partnerships and collaboration aimed at driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta has ushered in unprecedented progress.
Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the Thanksgiving Service of the NDDC held at St Thomas’s Anglican Church, Akure, the Ondo State capital, stressed that the commission has undoubtedly lived up to its established mandate, commending the Board and Management for their exemplary leadership and commitment.
The Governor hailed the commission’s commitment and dedication to project conception, implementation, and completion, noting that the NDDC has established a culture of delivery and the region would no longer witness abandonment of projects as was the case in the past.
He said, “As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the NDDC, we must acknowledge the progress we have made and also recognise that there is still much work to be done as the Niger Delta region continues to face significant development challenges and we must work together to address these issues. “I urge the NDDC to continue to improve on its activities, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve. Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth and enhance the lives of our people. We are partners in progress, unity and development.”
From Ondo State to Asaba, the Delta State capital, it was the same rain of praises. The Asaba monarch, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, on his part, was full of praises for the NDDC for its achievements in the past 25 years.
Obi Azinge spoke when Ebie led a delegation of the Commission’s Board and Management to pay a courtesy visit to him in his palace in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The Royal Father commended the NDDC for its intervention in several sectors across the Niger Delta region.
He expressed delight with the foreign postgraduate scholarship programme, which had helped many youths from the Niger Delta upgrade their knowledge.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the NDDC Chairman, whom he said had served the Delta State Government in different capacities. He noted that Ebie served meritoriously as Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and later, Secretary to the State Government. The monarch thanked the NDDC for selecting Asaba as the venue for some of the activities marking its 25th anniversary, such as a press conference and the movie premiere.
Earlier, the NDDC Board Chairman congratulated Asagba on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, saying he was eminently qualified for the position. Ebie expressed optimism that the Asagba’s reign would bring good tidings to Asaba, which serves as both a Kingdom and the capital of Delta State.
He stated that the NDDC had come of age and was now a big brother to the new development agencies in Nigeria’s geo-political zones. Ebie disclosed that as part of the silver jubilee celebration, the Commission was going around the nine States of the Niger Delta.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer pledged that the NDDC’s commitment to adhering strictly to the President’s directive to the Commission to complete all ongoing projects in the region, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. He disclosed that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the hitherto neglected Niger Delta region.
He noted that, ”It is not only by our efforts; it is the collaborative efforts from all the stakeholders who believe the time has come when there should be stability in the NDDC and that stability is a challenge to us to ensure that we deliver development to the people of the Niger Delta region.”