Niger Delta

EFCC Praises NDDC’S Performance … Unveils Projects In Bayelsa

Published

2 months ago

June 27, 2025

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and financial Crimes Commission and related matters (EFCC), has said against its earlier premonition that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was associated with fraud and under performance, the present management of the commission led by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has proven to be prudent managers and in deployment of its finances to meet the developmental needs of the Niger Delta region.

Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, made this known in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, recently, during the twin inauguration ceremonies of the state-of-the-art multipurpose training centre and new state office of the NDDC.

He stated that during a visit of some officials of the commission to his office to invite him to the ceremonies, he declined obliging them, but that when the Commission’s Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ogbuku and other management staff of the interventionist agency paid him formal visit, he made up his mind to be part of the event.

“I never wanted to associate myself with anything concerning the NDDC. All we’ve been hearing about the Niger Delta Development before now was corruption, and so when they visited my office to inform and invite me to this ceremony, I initially declined coming.

“However, when the Commission’s MD/CEO and other top management team visited me, within just about 20 minutes I was convinced to be here. The NDDC has proven us wrong on the perception we initially had about their activities.

“Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and his team are doing very well. And I’m honoured and proud to be witness to prudential and accountable management and deployment of the resources and finances of the NDDC”, he said.

Speaking earlier at the new Bayelsa State office of the NDDC, Ogbuku reiterated the commitment of the Commission’s management team under his stewardship to transform the Niger Delta region through impactful and legacy projects and programmes in tandem with the “Renewed Hope” mantra of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He noted that prior to his ascension to office, there were only three befitting state offices of the commission, saying they were the Rivers State office in Port Harcourt, the inherited Imo State office from the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission (OMPADEC), and one in Warri, Delta State.

He stated that upon assumption of office, the current management team of the commission, while executing transformational projects, also embarked on the construction and acquisition of three new state offices for the agency, noting that in the coming weeks, additional offices would be inaugurated in other states of the Niger Delta.

In his remarks, Governor of the State, Senator Douye Diri, lauded the commission for the projects, advising the commission to continue its synergy with states of the Niger Delta region for more impactful and rapid socio-economic development of the region.

Governor Diri, who also thanked President Tinubu for the award of the phase two of the Nembe-Brass Road, reiterated his resolve to opening up the state for investment and development.

“Bayelsa is for now the one and only homogeneous Ijaws State. Though there are Ijaws in other states of the Niger Delta, Bayelsa remains the home of all Ijaws, every citizen of this State is an Ijaw person. So wherever we find ourselves we should drive development to the state”, the Governor said.

The Tide reports that the newly acquired Bayelsa State NDDC office is located along the Isaac Boro Express Road in the heart of Yenagoa, the State capital, and named after former Governor of Rivers State, the late Chief Melford Okilo, while the multipurpose training centre is located at Otuokpoti Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of the State.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

HYPREP Marks International Youth Day …Tasks Ogoni Youths On Continued Support

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2025

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) on Tuesday joined the global community to mark the 2025 International Youth Day, with a call to Ogoni youths, both at home and in the diaspora to continue to support it to achieve its set goals and targets.

The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call in a statement signed by the Head of Communications, Dr Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, said the youths should believe that working together with the Project, leveraging locally youth action, and fostering inclusivity, the goals of the Project would be achieved.

Zabbey assured them that HYPREP would continue to invest in training and skills development, create opportunities for them to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates for sustainable development.

He noted that HYPREP recognises the salient and highly supportive disposition of Ogoni youths as key stakeholders towards the successful implementation of the cleanup project, adding that the role of Ogoni youths in implementing UNEP’s recommendations on Ogoniland cannot be over-stated.

He said the Ogoni youths have stood at the front lines, clearing impacted sites, engaging in construction works, championing community awareness, and driving narratives of hope and renewal through traditional and online media.

According to him, the contributions of the youths serve as a potent reminder that the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) are most effectively achieved when local youth are empowered to take ownership of the process.

The Project Coordinator further indicated that the theme of this year’s International Youth Day, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” resonates strongly with HYPREP as a youth-driven, community-based Project, committed to environmental remediation, livelihood restoration and sustainable peace building in Ogoniland.

He said as a project rooted in local communities, HYPREP recognises that the success of its interventions depends on the active participation and leadership of young people, saying, “from the physical restoration of polluted sites to the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, from grassroots mobilisation to digital advocacy, local youth have played a significant role in translating HYPREP’s goals into action.”

“The energy, creativity, and resilience of the Ogoni youths are helping to advance the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) far beyond ecosystem recovery towards inclusive growth and national unity,” he said.

Zabbey noted that the Project is strategically tailored to benefit a critical mass of Ogoni youths across its multiple projects and programmes be it the land and shoreline remediation sites; mangrove restoration; Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration; potable water projects; the Ogoni Power Project; Ogoni Specialist Hospital; Buan Cottage Hospital; and livelihood schemes or human capacity development.

On the celebration of the International Youth Day, he saluted on behalf of HYPREP, the courage, dedication, and vision of Ogoni youths, saying, “Your work in the field, your voices in community engagements, and your leadership in peace building are helping to restore the Ogoni environment while building stronger communities and a more united nation.”

According to him, HYPREP has been intentional in ensuring inclusivity and promoting greater participation among youths, as the establishment of the Office of the Special Assistant on Women and Youth Development, underscores the significance and priority given to the Ogoni youths.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo To Open Up Edo Riverine Communities For Development

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2025

The Tide

Deputy Governor, Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Monday Okpebholo-led administration would open up riverine communities in the state for sustainable development.

Idahosa stated this during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for Aug.16 Ovia federal constituency by-election, in Inikorogha, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.

The deputy governor told the gathering that the new administration was keen to see development across the nooks and crannies of the state.

According to him, all that is needed from the people is support and patience with the nine months old Okpebholo-led government that hit the ground running immediately after inauguration.

Idahosa who described the Inikorogha community as peace loving, said it has always supported him politically and otherwise.

Adorned in the traditional regalia of the community, Idahosa said, “I have always seen myself as one of your own even before decorating me with this traditional attire.

“All I need from you is massive votes in support for the APC candidate and our governor on Saturday,” he appealed.

He assured the community that the APC candidate would join the good work of the party as the representative of the constituency.

“Our candidate, Omosede Igbinedion, is not a neophyte in the business of lawmaking. The party chose her because we are sure of her capacity to deliver”.

While addressing the people, the APC candidate promised to synergise with the deputy governor and the state government to bring laudable projects to Ovia federal constituency.

A chieftain of the party in the community, Okubo Robert, promised to mobilize support for APC to ensure he emerges victorious at the poll.

While noting the community’s continued support to the APC in previous elections, Robert expressed optimism that Saturday’s by-election would not be different but yield the desired results.

Niger Delta

Embrace Digital Tech For National Growth, NDDC Urges Youths

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2025

The Tide

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