All Posts in "Month: September 2024"

Edo Guber:INEC Says 2.2m voters Collect PVCs

Mohammed Shosanya

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published detailed data on the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) across Polling Units in Edo State, ahead of the much-anticipated governorship election scheduled for this weekend.

According to a press release issued by the Commission, there are a total of 2,629,025 registered voters in Edo State. Of this number, 2,249,780 voters, representing 85.57%, have collected their PVCs.

But,379,245 PVCs, accounting for 14.43%, remain uncollected as of the end of the extended period for PVC collection on Sunday, September 16, 2024.

INEC announced that detailed data on the number of PVCs collected and uncollected across the state’s 4,519 Polling Units is now available on its website. This move aims to provide transparency and guidance to political parties, candidates, and the general public as the election day draws near.

Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to ensuring smooth and credible elections. He urged citizens interested in the breakdown of PVC collection figures to access the 128-page document, which has been uploaded to the Commission’s official website.

As Edo State gears up for the governorship election, this data offers critical insight into voter participation and the potential turnout in the polls. INEC’s proactive release of these figures reflects its ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and enhance the credibility of the electoral process.

The full PVC collection report can be accessed through this link: PVC Collection Data for 2024 Edo Governorship Election.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in Politics 0
Earth Tremors:FG Cautions Abuja Residents Against Panic

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA),has reassured residents that there is no imminent danger following the recent earth tremors that rattled parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The tremors, which occurred between September 13 and 17, 2024, were deemed minor, with intensities classified as weak to light on the Modified Mercalli Scale.

In a statement released by the Director-General of the NGSA, Professor Olusegun Ige, the agency confirmed that the tremors, though frequent, do not pose any threat to the environment or residents. “The Monitoring Station (NGSA-5) at Katampe has been capturing several significant ground motions with high moment magnitudes (Mw) in the past five days,” Ige disclosed. “Preliminary analysis of the waveforms showed that the sources of the ground motions are less than 5 km away from the monitoring station.”

The tremors, which started mildly on September 13, intensified over the following days. Six events were recorded on September 14, followed by 21 more on the 15th, and over 20 on the 16th. The NGSA team, which conducted on-the-ground assessments, linked the tremors to accumulated seismic stress along identified fault lines in the FCT.

Professor Ige clarified that while the tremors were noticeable, their impact was minimal. “The tremors can be generally described as low,” the statement said. “The intensities range from III to IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale, which indicates they are weak to light tremors.”

The affected areas include Mpape, Katampe, Maitama, and other surrounding locations. Residents who felt the tremors were urged not to panic, as the NGSA continues to monitor the seismic activity in real time.

“The NGSA is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Our seismic stations are being monitored to ensure prompt alerts on any significant developments,” the Director-General added.

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory have expressed relief following the reassurances from the NGSA. “When the tremors started, I was concerned, but hearing from experts that there’s no real threat has helped ease the tension,” said Musa Oladele, a resident of Maitama.

The NGSA’s swift response highlights the agency’s commitment to public safety. In recent years, Nigeria has seen minor seismic activities, particularly in areas like Mpape and Katampe, which are known to lie near fault lines. However, experts emphasize that these tremors are not unusual for regions with such geological formations and typically do not escalate into significant earthquakes.

This event underscores the need for continued awareness and preparedness in Nigeria, as urban areas expand, and previously dormant fault lines may experience activity. The NGSA has also called for increased investment in monitoring infrastructure and public education on handling seismic events, ensuring that residents are better informed and equipped for any future occurrences.

As the agency continues its real-time surveillance, residents can take comfort in the fact that Nigeria’s geological experts remain vigilant, ready to provide updates and take action should there be any cause for concern.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in News 0
FG Waives Post UTME For Admission Seeking PWDs

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has directed universities, polytechnics,and other tertiary institutions in the country to offer direct admission to candidates living with disabilities who sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and met the minimum admissible scores for their chosen programmes without post-UTME.

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu gave the directive on Tuesday in Abuja during the first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED).

He said the move was necessary to ensure equal access to education for all, particularly persons living with disabilities.

He added: “JAMB also sought and obtained approval at the 67th National Council on Education meeting to exempt candidates with disabilities from Post/UTME Screening. I, therefore, reiterate, as already announced, that all tertiary institutions in Nigeria are to offer admissions to all candidates with disabilities who possess minimum admissible scores into the programmes of their choice after writing UTME.

“This initiative, together with the ambitious target to enrol 825,000 students with disabilities cumulatively over the next five years, demonstrates Our unwavering commitment to realizing equal access to education.

” It is also important that I inform this gathering that the DOTS policy takes into consideration the unique needs of the vulnerable groups vis-à-vis their needs for quality education and assurance that every child, including those with disability challenges, will have adequate opportunities to acquire adequate skills to realize their full potential later in life.”

Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, advocated the need for the establishment of a support centre for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to facilitate access to education.

He proposed that the centre, equipped with the necessary technology and support, should have at least one branch in each geo-political zone of the country, under the auspices of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

“The inaugural ARCEAHED presents a significant opportunity for JAMB and education stakeholders to gain insights on advancing inclusive education.

“Education remains the cornerstone of self-actualization, and it is our collective duty to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has access to higher education,” he stated.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in Education 0
Presidency Announces Commencement Of NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies’ $550m Ubeta Upstream Gas Project

Mohammed Shosanya

The Presidency announced on Tuesday,that the $550 million upstream gas project between the NNPC Ltd and TotalEnergies on the development of the Ubeta field has taken off.

Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, disclosed this during an inaugural US-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue, hosted by the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC.

In a statement, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, noted that the signing ceremony of the 550 million USD Fina Investment Decision (FID) on the Ubeta Field Deveopment Project took place in Abuja in June, this year. The Ubeta field, which was discovered in 1964, is located northwest of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

At a luncheon organised as part of the inaugural US-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue, Verheijen said the upstream gas project woud deliver 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day when operational.

She added that major energy reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since June 2023 focused on improving energy security, attracting investments, and deepening collaboration with key partners, including the US government.

She said the key reforms had improved the viability of the gas to power value chain of the country.

The reforms,according to her, included initiatives to improve cash flows in electricity distribution through smart metering and the payment of outstanding debts owed investors and to reduce carbon emissions from gas production.

She added that the President issued five new executive orders to support the reform efforts, aimed at providing fiscal incentives for investment and reducing the cost and time of finalizing and implementing contracts to
develop and expand gas infrastructure.

The presidential aide said the directives are aimed to immediately unlock up to $2.5 billion in new oi and gas investments in the country.

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of the State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, said the dialogue was apt and strategic.

“The inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue has set the stage for strengthened energy collaboration between the United States and Nigeria.

Together, we’re advancing shared energy security, decarbonisation, and economic growth goals,” he said.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, led the Nigerian delegation to the event. Officials from the Ministry of Power, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Nigerian Content
Development and Monitoring Board, and NNPC Limited were also in attendance.

The U.S. delegation included representatives from the Bureau of African Affairs, USAID, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and the Export-Import Bank.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in News 0
Crimes: Police Arrest 1575 Suspects In One Month

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Headquarters,says its operatives have made significant arrests of criminal suspects for various offences across Nigeria, in the last one month.

The Force said this was in line with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun’s policing vision which is to have a “Police Force that is professionally competent and well-positioned to carry out the constitutional mandate of the force which is the protection of lives and property, and maintenance of law and order,” among others.

The Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi during the parade of criminal suspects arrested for various offences across the country,disclosed that, “Over the last month, the Nigeria Police Force has made remarkable achievements in the fight against crime and criminality including violent crimes, recording the arrest of 295-armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnappers, 271 Murder/Homicide suspects, and 71 suspects for the unlawful possession of firearms.

“The Force also arrested 199 suspects for sexual-related offences, 143 suspects arrested for cultism, and 1575 suspects arrested for other various crimes.

“The total number of firearms recovered stands at 185, with a total number of 4087 ammunition of various calibres recovered, 111 vehicles recovered and 129 rescued kidnapped victims.”

The FPRO, however, revealed the notable successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force in its recent anti-crime efforts with several remarkable accomplishments nationwide during the period under review.

He said: “The IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) in its efforts to put an end to oil theft, illegal bunkering and economic sabotage on the 12th September, 2024 in collaboration with operatives of the Rivers State Command discovered, raided, and destroyed a storage facility in Trans Amadi, Rivers State used for dealing and processing illegally acquired crude oil.

“The operation led to the arrest of Four suspects namely: Emmanuel Nwachi ‘m’ 58yrs, Adamu Bala ‘m’ 35yrs, Nura Musa ‘m’ 22yrs, Bashir Abubakar ’m’ 28yrs and recovery of 40,000ltrs of petroleum products stored in 67 white storage tanks. Suspects would be charged to court accordingly upon conclusion of investigation.”

He also stated that, “On 15/09/2024 at about 9:15 pm, one Valentine Igbinevbo ‘m’ reported at the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters, Edo State that his Mercedes Benz C350 car with Reg No. KWL 195 KC was snatched by two armed men and his friend named Iyobo Ighodaro ‘m’ 21yrs was kidnapped in the process.

“Police operatives immediately swung into action and trailed the hoodlums to their hideout in Egor where a gun duel ensued which led to the death of one of the kidnappers and the kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt. One locally made cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge, one cutlass, and three handsets were recovered from the scene. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

Speaking further on the illicit activities of the suspects, the Force Spokesperson narrated that, “On 12/09/2024, at about 4:30 pm, operatives of the FID-STS on investigation activities in Kaduna State intercepted one Zaharadeen Abdulsalam ‘m’ 33yrs of Jos Plateau State and one Abdullahi Tahir ‘m’ 35yrs of Kidandan village Kaduna, along Kaduna-Bauchi Road in a tinted Peugeot 406 vehicle.

“On the spot search led to the discovery of 3,700 rounds of 7.62x39mm, 170 rounds of 7.62x51mm nato live ammunition.

“The suspects confessed that the ammunition were for onward delivery to one notorious armed bandit named Yellow Jabros at Galadimawa forest Kaduna who terrorizes parts of Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states. Suspects are helping the Police in investigation as to the source of these ammunitions and would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”

Adejobi explained that, on the 12/09/2024, at about 10:15 am, operatives of the FID-STS on investigation activities in Kaduna state intercepted and arrested one suspect identified as Tijjani Dalja while suspect was trying to deliver some military wears which include 20-military jungle hats, 13 head warmers, 5 inner t-shirts, and 5 side bags to a notorious bandit known as Yello Jabros of Galadimawa forest.”

He also said that, “On 15/09/24 at about 6: 10 pm, gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Ipob-Esn militia in many vehicles attacked Njaba Divisional Headquarters in Imo State.

“They were met by a fierce resistance by Police Operatives who were on duty at the Division which lead to the death of three of the gunmen. One Lexus 470 vehicle, Mercedez Benz Glk, Toyota Venza, one General-purpose machine gun (GPMG), and one AK-47 Rifle were recovered in the process.”

In today’s press briefing, ACP Adejobi explained that, “We have a total of 12 suspects arrested by the gallant operatives of the FID-IRT. The suspects have all given their confessional statements and are still providing our operatives with relevant information to aid in the apprehension of other criminal element who threaten the peace and sanctity of our dear country.

“We have also recovered a total of 15 Ak-47 rifles, 7 pistols, 571 Rounds of live ammunition of various calibres including 7.62mm and 9mm live ammunition and some cartridges from the apprehended suspects.

“The operatives have also recovered Seven AK-47 rifles, Two (2) Berretta Pistols, One Type 06, and One (1) riot gunner in a coordinated operation in Ughelli, Delta State.”

The cases for the Thursday briefing, the Force Spokesperson said include the arrest of suspected gunrunners, namely, Taimako Mato ‘m’, John Danladi ‘m’, Mohammed Munkail ‘m’, Willia, Manasseh ‘m’ and Muhammadu Haddi ‘m’

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include 1 PKT machine gun, 40 rounds of 37.2MM and 95rounds OF 62MM cartridge ammunition.

According to Adejobi,operatives of FIB-IRT acting on credible intelligence, carried out an intense investigation, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the exhibits mentioned above.

During interrogation, he said the “suspects each voluntarily confessed their roles as a working gunrunning syndicate operating across Bauchi and Plateau States.

“Taimako Mato who was an instructor on weapon handling for the youth of his community and a Boko Haram Camp, confessed to having stolen the PKT Machine gun and an unspecified quantity of its ammunition from a Boko Haram Terrorist abandoned vehicle. Part of the stolen ammunition had been sold to John Danladi through William Manasseh, who served as a middleman.

“John Danladi deals in the sale of assault rifles and had sold 3 AK47 Rifles to Munkaila and bought hundreds of rounds of ammunition from Taimako Mato. Meanwhile, Mohammed Munkaila offered to buy the PKT Machine Gun from Danladi.

“Munkaila has also confessed to purchasing three AK47 Rifles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from Danladi, which he then resold. In a related development, Muhammadu Haddi was apprehended after being informed about the availability of ammunition for sale. He contacted Mohammed Munkaila to purchase the rounds, leading to his arrest.”

The Force Spokesperson also said one Lawali Ibrahim ‘M’, Umar Ibrahim ‘M’ and Abubakar Dan Mubi ‘M’ were arrested over the case of kidnapping and murder with out any exhibit.

He said, “Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives of FID-IRT carried out an intense investigation, leading to the arrest of the suspects mentioned above. The suspects voluntarily confessed their roles in the kidnapping and murder of one Abubakar Muhammad ‘m’.

“Lawali Ibrahim ‘m’ was arrested in Unguwan Fadama Dorayi, Kano State. He then confessed that he, Umar Ibrahim ‘m’ and Abubakar Dan Mubi ‘m’ had conspired to kidnap and kill Abubakar Muhammad.

“Following this information, operatives of FID-IRT proceeded to Jigawa State and made the arrest of Umar Ibrahim at Gilma Town in Taura LGA of Jigawa State. Subsequently, Umar Ibrahim confessed that he and Abubakar Dan Mubi had kidnapped Abubakar Muhammad at Babban Gida Forest, Yobe State and kept him for one week as their hostage.

“They negotiated and Collected the Sum of N3,500,000 as r ansom and shared among themselves, whereby Umar Ibrahim got the sum of N100,000. After the collection of the Ransom, Abubakar Dan Mubi then proceeded to kill Abubakar Muhammad, leaving his body in the Babban Gida Forest in Yobe State.”

He reiterated that the Force is striving towards the achievement of a stable society.

He added that the, “Force remains optimistic that synergy amongst security agencies, and collaboration with the good citizens of this country would bear positive fruits towards bringing this to fruition.”

admin by — September 18, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
NDDC Builds Emergency Shelters To Contain Flood Threat

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is building six multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the event of flood in the Niger Delta region,its Managing Director,Samuel Ogbuku,has said.

He spoke during a press conference at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt,a statement signed Seledi Thompson-Wakama

Director,Corporate Affairs said.

He said the Commission was taking proactive steps to ameliorate the impact of the perennial flood in the region.

He observed that the project was conceived as a response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans. He noted that facilities at the emergency shelter would include essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation center, which would provide comprehensive support to the communities in times of distress.

He said: “We have six of this facility currently under construction in Otuokpoti and Odi, in Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”

He assured that the Commission would intensify its efforts to light up communities across the nine states of the Niger Delta, with solar-powered street lights, as part of measures to fight criminality and maintain peace in the region.

Ogbuku expressed delight at the positive impact of the “Light Up the Niger Delta” campaign, which he observed had reduced criminality in the various communities and enhanced commercial activities in the areas.

He observed: “We decided to adopt the clean energy approach which not only provides light but helps in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment.”

Speaking on the youth empowerment programmes of the Commission, he announced that the Holistic Opportunities Programme of Engagement, HOPE, would be launched at the end of this month in port Harcourt.

On the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, Ogbuku affirmed that entrepreneurial and skills enhancement were key components for unlocking the potentials of the youths in the Niger Delta region.

He said that the objective was to get the youths to acquire meaningful and self-sustaining skills that would improve their lives, support their families and communities and thus ensure peace in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking on entrepreneurship, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC, through the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce had streamlined engagement in giving support to farmers and verifiable entrepreneurs in the region.

He noted: “Technology is the key to the future of Niger Delta. The way technology is changing,it is only wise to change with the times and prepare for the future. We are ready to collaborate with relevant organizations to provide a training platform for our youths.

“We need to build our youths and our children as well. We have acquired 45,000 U-lesson tablets for distribution to schools for the use of our children. We will soon launch the tablets and deploy them to schools across the region.”

He listed some of the achievements of the NDDC, especially in the area of completing and inaugurating impactful projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta region.

The projects included the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe, which was executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC.

“We also commissioned the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV electricity substation at Okitipupa to serve over 2,000 communities in the southern part of Ondo State. Similarly, we inaugurated another 1×15 MVA 33/11 KVA injection substation to in Amufi, Edo State,” Ogbuku said.

He said further: “In Akwa Ibom State, we commissioned the 600-meter Ibeno Bridge and the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-IwuoAchang Road in Ibeno Local Government Area. The N10 billion virgin road project links 20 communities, hitherto separated by the Qua Iboe River.

“In Abia State, we commissioned the Obehie to Oke Ikpe-road reconstructed at a cost of N3.5 billion. The nine-kilometre road restores the road link between Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in Property 0
Revenue: FG,States,LGCs Get N1.203trn In August

Mohammed Shosanya

A total sum of N 1.203 trillion August 2024 Federation Accounts Revenue has been shared to the Federal Government, States and Local Government Councils in Nigeria.

The revenue distribution was announced at the September 2024 meeting of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), in Abuja,according to a statement by Bawa Mokwa,
Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant General of the Federal,OAGF

The N1.203 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N186.636 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N533.895 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N15.017 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N468.245 billion.

Mokwa said a communiqué issued by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicated that total revenue of N2.278 trillion was available in the month of August 2024. Total deduction for cost of collection was N81.975 billion while total transfers, interventions and refunds was N992.617 billion.

The communiqué said,gross statutory revenue of N1.221 trillion was received for the month of August 2024.

This was lower than the sum of N1.387 trillion received in the month of July 2024 by N165.994 billion.

Gross revenue of N573.341 billion was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in August 2024. This was lower than the N625.329 billion available in the month of July 2024 by N51.988 billion.

The communiqué stated that from the N1.203 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received total sum of N374.925 billion and the State Governments received total sum of N422.861 billion. The Local Government Councils received total sum of N306.533 billion and a total sum of N99.474 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

On the N186.636 billion distributable statutory revenue,the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N71.624 billion and the State Governments received N36.329 billion. The Local Government Councils received N28.008 billion and the sum of N50.675 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

From the N533.895 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue,the Federal Government received N80.084 billion, the State Governments received N266.948 billion and the Local Government Councils received N186.863 billion

A total sum of N2.252 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N15.017 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). The State Governments received N7.509 billion and the Local Government Councils received N5.256 billion.

From the N468.245 billion Exchange Difference revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N220.964 billion and the State Governments received N112.076 billion. The Local Government Councils received N86.406 billion, while the sum of N48.799 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

In August 2024, Oil and Gas Royalty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Import and Excise Duties, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), CET Levies and Companies Income Tax (CIT) all recorded decreases.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in News 0

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is building six multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the event of flood in the Niger Delta region,its Managing Director,Samuel Ogbuku,has said.

He spoke during a press conference at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt,a statement signed Seledi Thompson-Wakama

Director,Corporate Affairs said.

He said the Commission was taking proactive steps to ameliorate the impact of the perennial flood in the region.

He observed that the project was conceived as a response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans. He noted that facilities at the emergency shelter would include essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation center, which would provide comprehensive support to the communities in times of distress.

He said: “We have six of this facility currently under construction in Otuokpoti and Odi, in Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”

He assured that the Commission would intensify its efforts to light up communities across the nine states of the Niger Delta, with solar-powered street lights, as part of measures to fight criminality and maintain peace in the region.

Ogbuku expressed delight at the positive impact of the “Light Up the Niger Delta” campaign, which he observed had reduced criminality in the various communities and enhanced commercial activities in the areas.

He observed: “We decided to adopt the clean energy approach which not only provides light but helps in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment.”

Speaking on the youth empowerment programmes of the Commission, he announced that the Holistic Opportunities Programme of Engagement, HOPE, would be launched at the end of this month in port Harcourt.

On the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme, Ogbuku affirmed that entrepreneurial and skills enhancement were key components for unlocking the potentials of the youths in the Niger Delta region.

He said that the objective was to get the youths to acquire meaningful and self-sustaining skills that would improve their lives, support their families and communities and thus ensure peace in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking on entrepreneurship, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC, through the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce had streamlined engagement in giving support to farmers and verifiable entrepreneurs in the region.

He noted: “Technology is the key to the future of Niger Delta. The way technology is changing,it is only wise to change with the times and prepare for the future. We are ready to collaborate with relevant organizations to provide a training platform for our youths.

“We need to build our youths and our children as well. We have acquired 45,000 U-lesson tablets for distribution to schools for the use of our children. We will soon launch the tablets and deploy them to schools across the region.”

He listed some of the achievements of the NDDC, especially in the area of completing and inaugurating impactful projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta region.

The projects included the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe, which was executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC.

“We also commissioned the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV electricity substation at Okitipupa to serve over 2,000 communities in the southern part of Ondo State. Similarly, we inaugurated another 1×15 MVA 33/11 KVA injection substation to in Amufi, Edo State,” Ogbuku said.

He said further: “In Akwa Ibom State, we commissioned the 600-meter Ibeno Bridge and the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-IwuoAchang Road in Ibeno Local Government Area. The N10 billion virgin road project links 20 communities, hitherto separated by the Qua Iboe River.

“In Abia State, we commissioned the Obehie to Oke Ikpe-road reconstructed at a cost of N3.5 billion. The nine-kilometre road restores the road link between Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in Property 0
Flood: NNPC Ltd Condoles Borno Govt,Donates Relief Items To Victims

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, NNPC Foundation,has donated relief items to the recent flood victims in Borno State.

During a condolence visit paid to the Borno State Government on Tuesday, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, represented by the Executive Vice President, Business Services, Mr. Danladi Inuwa conveyed the Company’s message to the Government and people of the state over the disaster, a statement said.

According to the statement,materials provided to the affected communities during the visit include essential supplies such as food, toiletries, beddings and other household items.

End

L-R: Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Danladi A. Inuwa (who represented the GCEO, Mr. Mele Kyari) and Managing Director, NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe condole with the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, over the recent floods in the State Capital, Maiduguri, during the Company’s presentation of relief items to the flood victims, on Tuesday.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in Environment 0
NDDC Reaffirms Commitment To Stakeholders’ Engagement

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to regular engagement with critical stakeholders in driving the development process in the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this when a delegation of stakeholders from Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt,a statement from Seledi ThompsonWakama,Director,Corporate Affairs,said on Tuesday.

He stated: “We all face the same challenges in the region and this means that we must all work together to address the challenges, regardless of our ethnic background.

Challenges, such as underdevelopment and ecological problems, confront all of us”,he said.

He said that NDDC would initiate several development projects in Ogba, Egbema and Ndonì communities. The development initiatives would cover construction of bridges and internal roads, youth empowerment schemes, agricultural development schemes as well as cultural revival schemes.

He stated that the Commission was committed to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region through continuous stakeholders’ engagements and equitable distribution of available resources.

He noted that it was important to enhance collaboration between state governments, the NDDC, and other critical stakeholders to drive development through the monitoring and execution of regional projects.

He recalled that the NDDC recently hosted the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt, to articulate new strategies for driving the development of the Niger Delta region.

He added that the Commission had previously hosted a two-day 2024 Budget of Reconstruction Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the stakeholders resolved that the best option for facilitating regional development was for all concerned parties to work together as partners.

He added that the people of the region must shift their focus from the acquired taste of crude oil exploration and exploitation to sustainable agricultural practices which had made the region prosperous for centuries.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation from the palace of the Oba of Ogbaland, Dr Nwachukwu Nnam Obuoha Obi 111, Dr Chris Ojobah, appealed to the NDDC to extend more development projects to their communities.

He stated: “We would like to bring to your attention that the community of Ogba Egbema in Ndoni LGA, Rivers State is rich in natural resources and plays a vital role in contributing to the nation’s economy, with approximately 70 per cent of the country’s crude oil and gas originating from our region.”

Ojobah, however, acknowledged some of the development projects embarked upon by the NDDC in the Local Government Area, including the huge increase in the 2024 budget of the Commission, which they said was a significant milestone in terms of both value and strategy.

He said: “The Paramount Ruler of Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA on behalf of the people of the communities, wish to express our sincere appreciation for the positive initiatives undertaken by your administration as the MD/CEO of NDDC. We commend the “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta Solar Initiative,” which has illuminated many communities in the Niger Delta region.”

In his remarks, the Representative of Rivers State on the NDDC Governing Board, Chief Tony Okocha, commended the delegation from the Oba of Ogbaland for choosing to consult, rather than confront the NDDC.

He noted that the people had demonstrated their commitment to peace as a prerequisite for development.

admin by — September 18, 2024 in Niger Delta 0