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Nwidadah As Metaphor For The Methodist Character

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It was as if all roads led to the heartland and the traditional headquarters of Ogoni Kingdom,  Bori, on February 19, 2012, as Hon Legborsi Nwidadah, representing Khana I State Constituency at the Rivers State House of Assembly, celebrated his election victory. The event was the first ever official reception of any public officer, and specifically, a member of the state legislature by the Bori Diocese of the Methodist Church of Nigeria. Indeed, the Bishop, Diocese of Bori, for the Methodist Family, Rt Rev Innocent Saro Ndinwii, was right in making the decision.

It was, indeed, a rare event that brought together a huge collection of the crème-de-la-crème in Rivers State, including but not limited to politicians, government officials from all tiers, business moguls, captains of industry, technocrats, women, youth and people from all walks of life. And as if to consummate the church’s foresight in organizing the reception, the massive turn out and convivial atmosphere that characterized the Khana Local Government Council Lodge’s circumference, were an obvious statement to those who needed a visible evidence to convince them that God truly choose Legborsi Nwidadah to represent the constituency in the House of Assembly at this time in history.

This is why the decision of the church to honour the lawmaker with a rare reception requires serious interpretation. Not just because the lawmaker is a worthy ambassador of the church but because Nwidadah has wittingly or unwittingly become a metaphor for the Methodist character in Ogoni. Besides, Nwidadah’s thought-provoking speech and Senator Magnus Abe’s insights into the inner callings of humility, perseverance, hard work, determination and above all, the fear of God, need no less a critical examination and analysis because there impinge on the very reason why the Ogoni’s quest for development deserve attention.

First, let’s take a critical x-ray of the reasons adduced by the church for organizing the first-ever reception in history for a member. The Bishop of Bori Diocese of the Methodist Church, Rt. Rev. Rt Rev Innocent Saro Ndinwii, elucidated this much during his inspirational sermon at the church service. Rt. Rev Ndinwii, noted that that was the first time in the history of the church that a member would be honoured with a reception. He said that the decision was informed by Hon Nwidadah’s humility, long-standing and unblemished service to the church and fellowship.

Rt. Rev Ndinwii, added that as one of the longest serving ushers in the church, Nwidadah was an epitome of exemplary character, commitment to selfless service and an extra-ordinary ambassador of God and the church in the quest to re-order society and transform it for the better. He was particularly enthralled by the fact that the lawmaker continued with his role and duty as an usher in the church even after he had been elected into the state House of Assembly to represent the Khana 1 constituency. The church leader emphasized that Nwidadah’s total submission to the service of God and humanity was a character template worthy of emulation by both adults and the young ones still struggling to make their mark in the state. But above all, the cleric tasked all public office holders to emulate Nwidadah’s public and private lives.

For the reverend bishop, Nwidadah’s unassuming character, humble beginning, records of achievement in learning and leadership, are some of the triggers that pushed the church to initiate a precedential reception for a member in government. The man of God noted that the first-time lawmaker was an institution the youth must learn from, if they are to be relevant in the state’s effort to assert itself as the fastest growing economy in Nigeria and the hub of excellence in human capital development and infrastructural transformation, adding that the ills of society today are mountainous because the youth have failed to learn lessons of good character, discipline, determination, humility, and Godliness imbued in Nwidadah.

Indeed, the significance of the church’s decision is the unlined immortalisation of the lawmaker, who the bishop aligned as the beacon of hope for the realization of the church’s dream of building a new cathedral. According to the bishop, the lawmaker is the face of the church and the conduit through which the church may climb the ladder of prominence as a leading example of a soul-redeeming and reassuring place of worship for the people.

But more reawakening are Nwidadah’s thought-provoking reminiscences into the very heart and soul of the state and nation, and the disturbing plagues and vices that have tormented the fabric of society for decades. His emphasis on the need for moral rebirth, re-orientation, discipline, hard work, and perseverance reminds many of the petit refrains that have continued to haunt us as a people: indiscipline, criminality, cultism, corruption, examination malpractice, abuse of due process, favouritism, nepotism, godfatherism, among others. Thus, his recipes for a better tomorrow are an anecdote for peace, friendship, success and sustainable development.

Nwidadah’s prescription for a stable, virile, progressive and peaceful Ogoni is encapsulated in an entreaty of sort. Delivered amidst hard-to-reach grassroots persons, dignitaries from the Senate, the Rivers State House of Assembly, top officials of some local government councils in the state, notable clerics, public servants and politicians of all stripes and colours who gathered to celebrate the epic occasion, Nwidadah said every Ogoni must work hard to be successful, disciplined, committed and determined to make progress, and protect the peace and sanctity of the land.

He thanked God for His favours in seeing him through the heat and toils of the elections. Specifically, he lauded the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, whom he said, took special interest in him and assisted to mobilise the people of Ogoni who voted en-masse for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to guarantee his victory.

Perhaps, there could not have been a better forum to publicly appreciate not just the major people who mentored Nwidadah to the status he now wields, but also the ordinary grassroots people, who did extra-ordinary things, blended in political subterfuge, to ensure that he represents Khana people in the state Assembly. This is even so because the church provided a formidable platform for a humble and genuine expression of true appreciation and thanksgiving to man and God for the manifestation of the lawmaker’s destiny.

It was indeed the humble expression of this appreciation and thanksgiving with a sincere and genuine spirit of love that now defines Nwidadah as a colossus among men acknowledged by God, the church and the people. He gave this colouration when he sincerely thanked the distinguished Senator Magnus Abe for making it possible for the Methodist Church to honour him. “Without his support, I will not be in the assembly today. He led me from nowhere to become somebody in the state”, and it is the result of his support that necessitated the celebration in the first place.

“I also thank the Chairman, Khana Local Government Council, Gregory Bariledum Nwidam, who has assisted me since 2006. He particularly encouraged me to leave the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of The Tide newspapers, and to contest election into the local government council as councilor in 2007. Since then, the chairman has never abandoned me,” Nwidadah publicly acknowledged.

He also thanked the entire Methodist Church for organizing a reception in thanksgiving to God for his victory, observing that that was the first time the Methodist Church was honouring any of its members in such a grand style. For this reason, Nwidadah stressed that: “All I need and still ask for is your support. My mission is to achieve adequate and effective representation for the people of Khana Constituency I and the entire Ogoni people. Until that is done, the mission is not fulfilled. I assure you that I will not disappoint you.”

Nwidadah took opportunity of the reception to counsel the youth of Ogoni on the noble way forward and to challenge them to play their part in the socio-political and economic development of the local government and the state. He counseled the youth, saying: “All I want to say to the youth of Ogoni is that hard work and humility pay.”

So for Nwidadah, “the youth should learn to be submissive, humble and obedient. Neither militancy nor armed robbery pays. It is only humbleness, humility, discipline and hard work that pay.” The lawmaker appealed to the youth of Ogoni to draw back, come back from where they have gone wrong and make humbleness, discipline and hard work their hallmark.

On the new face of politics in Ogoni, the first time lawmaker said emphatically, “It has changed drastically for the better. It is no longer what it used to be before. Before this time, you will never see a senator come down to the grassroots to talk with the people.

“But today, the distinguished Senator Magnus Ngei Abe comes down to discuss with the people. You can see how at ease he was with the people. He comes down to hold town hall meetings with the people. It is the same thing we are all doing. We are in constant consultation with the people, on whatever is going on. From village to village, we attend even marriages and burials so that we can feel the pulse of our people. For me, Khana politics has changed from what it used to be for the better,” Nwidadah said.

For Senator Magnus Abe, “Nwidadah is an example of what a true friend should be, very humble and trustworthy. He knows the benefit of showing gratitude to God, being a pastor’s son, and showing gratitude has uplifted him

However, Senator Abe did not stop at highlighting the sterling qualities of Nwidadah. He also noted the challenges facing politicians and the role the people play in making their representatives ineffective in delivering on their mandate. To correct this situation and create a veritable platform for good service delivery that would usher the dividends of democracy to the people, Abe advised the people to “stop asking for money from politicians so that they can concentrate on carrying out the demands of their mandate,” saying that, “when politicians give out money, they may think you have been settled, and then you do not have the moral justification to ask them to perform their duties.” The senator stressed that, “when you do not collect money from politicians, government’s power resides with the people who can recall non-performing representatives.”

Senator Abe used the occasion to call on the civil service to uphold the ethics of public service by guiding politicians in their service to the people, saying that in Britain, the civil service does not joke with the principle of “Speaking Truth to Power”, where a senior civil servant can walk up to the prime minister to advice the him when he goes wrong, whether what he says is pleasing to the prime minister or not.

While challenging the civil service to be bold and show wisdom in their calling to guide the state on the path of honour and development, Abe noted that the peculiar stage our politics may make that task daunting. But he found succor in the church as an impartial and independent moderator. This is why Abe called on the “church to fill the vacuum by boldly Speaking Truth to Power”. He also admonished the church to do so with compassion and love for those in government.

“When you support those in power, they will do well. If we are doing well and you support us, we will do better. But if we are not doing well, and your support appears to be in vein, your power speaks at election,” Abe counseled the church and the sea of heads at the Khana Council Lodge venue of the reception.

As envisioned by the church, the reception was also used to launch a cathedral building appeal fund. And taking advantage of the cream of politicians, business moguls, captains of industry and government officials who graced the occasion to up available money for the cathedral project, the church made no mistake about its intention to squeeze out sufficient money from its friends.

It is indeed not in doubt that the core of the church, Abe and Nwidadah’s presentations is the very irrevocable value of discipline, humility, sacrifice, industry, hard work, cooperation and mutual understanding to the peace, development and prosperity of Ogoni. In fact, all these values and attributes are already a metaphor for Nwidadah, the quintessential character of the Methodist Church in Khana, the epicenter of Ogoni culture and tradition.

 

Joseph Nwankwor & Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

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

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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
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25 Years After: NDDC Celebrates Milestones Of Impactful Development

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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.”

Ifeatu Agbu

Agbu wrote in from Port Harcourt.

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Between EFCC And NDDC: Strategic Alliance For Niger Delta

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The mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is to facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, while that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is to investigates financial crimes and put corrupt practices in check.
Given their different roles, the idea of an alliance between the two organisations may seem far-fetched. However, with the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Olanikpekun Olukoyede, it is not just an idea; it is a reality.
The unique collaboration between the NDDC and the EFCC has given rise to the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre, unveiled on Tuesday at Otuokpoti Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
According to the NDDC Managing Director, the vast training complex was executed with funds recovered on behalf of the Commission by the EFCC.
Ogbuku explained that the Bayelsa training centre was funded through the money recovered by the EFCC and executed under a signed performance bond, ensuring transparency and impact. He noted that the facility represented one of several such centres being constructed in Delta and Rivers States. He said: “We have similar facilities currently under construction in Odi, Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”
He observed that the Multi-Purpose Training Centre, which was completed in record time, was a partnership between the EFCC and the NDDC, as the anti-crime agency had recovered the funds that facilitated the project’s execution.
Ogbuku observed that the facility, which could accommodate 1,000 persons, represented a significant step toward empowering local communities through skills development and inclusive growth.
The training centre’s components, which include a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreational centre, are all designed to support training, healthcare, and emergency accommodation within a single integrated complex.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the EFCC Chairman assured the NDDC of the release of more recovered funds in the coming weeks.
Olukoyede described the NDDC as a “renewed and transformed government agency.” He assured that the EFCC would do everything to recover all outstanding statutory contributions due to the NDDC from oil companies.
He noted: “We have made several recoveries on behalf of the NDDC, and we will not relent in this direction. We are encouraged by the fact that the NDDC is making the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.”
Olukoyede commended the NDDC for its institutional and policy reforms, declaring that the people of the Niger Delta will have every reason to celebrate the current leadership of the Commission. He described the NDDC as a beacon of good governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted: “The Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg and should not be denied the benefits of that golden egg. On our part at the EFCC, we must do everything within our power to ensure that the three per cent statutory contribution due to the NDDC is recovered and handed over to the Commission. We are going to continue supporting you.”
He said further: “Under this President, NDDC is working; good governance is being delivered. It is my delight to be part of this transformational agenda. The Renewed Hope Agenda is no longer a slogan—it is a reality. For the first time, people are identifying with what NDDC is doing.”
Olukoyede commended the NDDC, saying the Commission has refined its processes to uphold the principles of probity. This aligns with the agency’s head’s emphasis on upholding transparency and accountability in the country’s affairs.
The Chairman of the anti-crime agency confessed that his perspective on the NDDC was turned around in 2024, when the NDDC management, led by Ogbuku, paid him a courtesy visit at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede stated that he was impressed by the Commission’s “Rewind to Rebirth” initiative.
He declared: “The five minutes of interaction with the MD left me with a different perception of NDDC. Maybe, we will begin to see an NDDC that is a symbol of pride, accountability, transparency and able to deliver on its mandate.
“From his presentation, you can see that he is ready to bring a change, and that is the exact thing that we stand for in EFCC.”
Assuring that the EFCC would continue to assist the NDDC to achieve its mandate, he said: “We have been working with you to make recoveries; we will continue to do more.
“The collaboration is something we need to take to the next level, and with what you have put on the table I think we are ready to work with you to strengthen your systems and processes and to take the NDDC to the next level.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, praised the NDDC Board and Management for their unity of purpose and commitment to service delivery, stating that the level of harmony and stability within the Commission is unprecedented.
He declared: “What we are witnessing here today has never happened in the history of the NDDC. Since I assumed office as Minister, I have not been called upon to settle any crisis within the Commission. This is a testament to the teamwork between the Board and Management.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, emphasised the human capital development focus of the two projects commissioned, noting that reforming the NDDC is an ongoing but rewarding process.
He stated: “We are moving from transaction to transformation. We are doing our best to improve not just the reputation of the NDDC, but everything that concerns the Commission. Today is about promoting and celebrating human capacity.”
Without a doubt, the Niger Delta region is confronted with ecological and environmental challenges that should, perforce, attract significant funds from the Federal Government and the oil companies operating in the region.
Sadly, this has not been so, thus limiting the capacity of the NDDC to fulfill its mandate of driving the development process and transforming the Niger Delta region into one that is “economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.”
It is rather unfortunate that, despite the spirited efforts by successive boards and managements of the NDDC to meet the expectations of the people, their efforts have not been matched with commensurate funding.
The issue of inadequate funding is resurfacing again. Indeed, it is an inconvenient truth that will remain on the front burner until it is fully addressed.
That explains why the NDDC Managing Director highlighted the issue during interactive sessions that the Commission’s Board and Management held with the relevant Committees of the National Assembly in Abuja last year.
Ogbuku told the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, chaired by Hon. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, that the Commission is owed over N2 trillion, arising from withheld funds and underpayments by both the government and the oil companies. He blamed this on non-compliance with the Act establishing the Commission.
Given the enormous impact of their activities on the environment, the oil companies are expected to be at the forefront in the critical task of urgently developing the oil basin that has suffered so much neglect in the past. It is, in fact, in their interest to develop the communities where they operate to guarantee peace, which is very necessary for them to continue with their work.
Thankfully, both the Senate and the House of Representatives promised to assist the NDDC in recovering its outstanding funds. In their various interactions with the NDDC leadership, the lawmakers expressed concern about the disregard for existing laws governing the Commission’s funding.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, expressed displeasure over the disregard for the law by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and promised to call them to order.
The Senate Committee Chairman stated that proper funding would help NDDC to adequately address the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, noting that the challenge of developing the region was enormous and that all relevant contributors to the NDDC must play their roles diligently.
Senator Ekpenyong said that in discharging its oversight functions, his committee will ensure that every contributor to NDDC pays what they owe the Commission, “because we cannot afford to toy with the development of that very important region. We owe it to the country to make sure that we improve the living conditions of the people of the region.”
It is reassuring to note that both chambers of the National Assembly are concerned about the pressing funding challenges facing the NDDC and are taking steps to address the situation.
The lawmakers understand that we have a responsibility to adequately fuel the vehicle chosen to drive the development process in the Niger Delta region.
In 2023, the House of Representatives unveiled plans to investigate the activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region, as well as the recovery of over $4 billion allegedly owed to the NDDC.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, who frowned at the flagrant breach of the NDDC Act, 2000, which was established in response to heightened agitations and violent yearnings for special intervention in the oil-producing states.
He said: “The House is aware that the indebtedness of the IOCs to the NDDC had culminated in the drive by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the debt recovery process.

 

By Ifeatu Agbu

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