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Tag: NDDC Board

  • World Malaria Day: Warri residents, environs get malaria free treatments, insecticide, treated nets

    World Malaria Day: Warri residents, environs get malaria free treatments, insecticide, treated nets

     

    Over five hundred persons in Warri on Wednesday 15th May 2024 benefited from the free Malaria treatment put together by Gilbert Hill Resources Limited supported by the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC and the Delta State Ministry of Health.

    The aim of the organizers Gilbert Hill Resources Limited, Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC and the Ministry of Health Delta State was to championed the campaign against Malaria in Warri and its environs.

    To create awareness on the killer disease, Health practitioners undertook a road walk round major routes in Warri distributing flyers and sensitizing the public on Malaria and the ways to prevent it in the society.

    The Delta State Commissioner of Health Dr Joseph Onojame said that the campaign was to create awareness among residents on the deadly disease called Malaria and how to prevent it.

    The State Commissioner for Health said what Gilbert Hill Resources Limited, the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC and the Delta State Ministry of Health are doing was to commemorate the World Malaria Day which is observed every April 25 with its theme Accelerating the fight against Malaria for a more equitable world

    Dr Onojame who was represented by the Permanent Secretary State Ministry of Health, Asaba, Dr Julie Amah cautioned against the habit of self medication in treatment of Malaria but recommended that people should go for test and treatment from approved healthcare centers.

    “World Malaria Day was celebrated on April 25th in Asaba and other parts of the state but NDDC thought it wise to also champion the campaign against Malaria in Warri today with the procession around town, talk on malaria, free malaria treatment and distribution of free mosquitoes insecticide treated net ” the commissioner said

    “The Delta State Government has done a lot in the crusade against Malaria in the state but more is still needed to be done ” he added

    ” Please avoid self medication and always go for test and treatment in approved hospitals and healthcare centers” he advised

    The State Health Promotion, education and social mobilization coordinator ministry of Health, Asaba, Dr Emmanuel Odejerho said some of the symptoms include high fever, headache, sweating, diarrhoea, fatigue, muscle and back pain, nausea and vomiting.

    He advised that members of the public should endeavor to clean up their surrounding, avoid stagnant water which breed mosquitoes, the use of mosquitoes insecticide treated net, fumigation of their environment among others.

    For her part, the Assistant Director Education, Health and Social Services Department Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Delta State Office, Mrs Irene Emavwodia noted that NDDC as an interventionist agency is poised at ensuring that residents in the Niger Delta Region are healthy.

    Speaking in a similar vein, the Executive Secretary Warri South Local Government Health Authority, Dr Tosan Sagay said that statistic shows that Malaria which is a major public health concern is the major cause of death among pregnant women, infant from birth to five years, the Youths and elderly.

    Some members of the public who benefited from the free treatment thanked the organizers for the free medical and the enlightenment on Malaria.

    Drugs were later dispense to those who undergone the free treatment as well as question and answer session

  • NDDC will complete abandoned DELSU 522-bed hostel, vows Igbuya+Photos

    NDDC will complete abandoned DELSU 522-bed hostel, vows Igbuya+Photos

    The Delta State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, has vowed that NDDC will do everything possible to complete the abandoned 522-bed Hostel building at the Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka.

    He disclosed this on Friday during a fact-finding and on-the-spot assessment of the hostel project and courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Professor Andy Egwunyenga.

    According to him, NDDC is determined to complete the building project which he is said is 40% done, adding that when completed President Bola Tinubu will be on ground to commission it.

    The building has been abandoned since 2014.

    Rt Hon. Igbuya noted that the project is dear to his heart because it will help to mitigate the suffering encountered by parents and students of the University in their quest to find a good and befitting accommodation for their children.

    He said: “We have a mandate by Mr. President to complete all old projects before facing new ones.”

    When eventually completed, the hostel will accommodate over 522 students of the University.

    Speaking to journalists, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Rosemary Okoh, who represented the Vice Chancellor, said she “is happy with the visit because of the importance the hostel when completed.

    Her words: “We are highly delighted to have Rt. Hon. Igbuya around to look at this project abandoned since 2014 or so. The project is of importance at this time. Apart from cult activities that happen outside, accomodation is very expensive for the staff and students. Also, we have issues of insecurity outside and all the students are preferring to stay within the campus. But all the hostel facilities we have on campus are grossly insufficient to meet the needs of students. If this project is completed within the shortest time and it is available for the next academic session, then we should have at least 522 beds made available for students. That is a big plus for Delta State University and for the whole of Delta State and Nigeria.”

  • NDDC projects have nothing to do with a sitting Senator – C’River Commissioner

    NDDC projects have nothing to do with a sitting Senator – C’River Commissioner

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    Cross River State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Pius Edet has disclosed that recent rehabilations and construction of roads in Calabar are done by the state government and not the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The Commissioner who stated this yesterday while briefing some newsmen in his office in Calabar also clarified that NDDC projects have nothing to do with a sitting senator whatsoever.

    The Commissioner was reacting to claims that the recent construction of some roads, rehabilations and fixing of streets lights in Calabar Municipal was done by the present Senator representing Southern senatorial district of the state.

    “All the senators that were in office when NDDC roads were done were never attributed to them. The roads done by the NDDC during now and after now is because Cross River State is a member of the Niger Delta Commission and those projects have nothing to do with a sitting senator of the federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “So I want to say that the distinguish senator has not done any project, we are waiting to see the project that will be initiated by him and of cause we know that such project will be a constituency project.”

    He said the state government has concluded plans to construct 10 extra roads in Calabar South local government area and rehabilations of roads already on going in other parts of the state.

    The Commissioner who disclosed that he inherited a ministry with an empty treasury, said most of the projects were initiated through direct labour to minimized cost.

    “We started with the rehabilitation of parliamentary road. It will interest you to know that we spent less than N50m to do an overlay based on direct labour and i can say if such money was given to a contractor, they wouldn’t have collected anything less than N200m.

    “We moved to Watt market, remember how that place was, it was an eye sour before now and we spent less than N50m as well to lay asphalt right from the Police station down to the Watt market roundabout.

    He further disclosed that the execution of the projects were made possible by means of a supplementary budget undertaking by the Senator Bassey Otu led administration owing to the empty treasury left by the previous administration.

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  • NDDC chairman, Chiedu Ebie, pays condolence visits to Asagba’s palace, Cairo Ojougbo, Omu Anioma’s families +Photos

    NDDC chairman, Chiedu Ebie, pays condolence visits to Asagba’s palace, Cairo Ojougbo, Omu Anioma’s families +Photos

    The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barr. Chiedu Ebie, Esq, has vowed to honour the principles and virtues espoused by the late Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, in advancing the development of the Anioma nation.

    He also paid similar visits to the families of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on recently as well as the home of Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma and icon of Anioma culture at Okpanam.

    Ebie, a former Secretary to the Delta State Government, described the late Asaba monarch as an outstanding personality who distinguished himself in the medical profession and academia before ascending the throne in 1991, coinciding with the creation of Delta State.

    ‘’At that time, Asaba being the capital of the new state was transforming from a town to a city. So, he (Obi Edozien) was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the development of the town into a city and the peaceful coexistence of indigenes and non-indigenes.

    ‘’We are grateful to God for having him crowned as the Asagba of Asaba at that time and greatly helping in the development of Asaba and also ensuring peace in the state capital.

    ‘’One of the things that the Commission keeps preaching at this critical time is the need for all of us to co-exist and work harmoniously so that the nine states that make up the NDDC can benefit in terms of infrastructural development and also human capital development.

    ‘’As an indigene of Delta and an Anioma son, we will work hard, give our best shot to ensure that the Anioma people and the people of Delta State benefit from our tenure as members of the board of the commission,’’ Ebie said.

    He consoled the wife of the late monarch, Agu’Nwanyi Modupe Edozien, urging her to take solace in the giant accomplishments of her husband.

    At the palace of the Ugoani of Okpanam HRM, Dr.Michael Mbanefo Ugbolu and the Ugoani-in-council over the death of the Omu of Okpanam and Omu Anioma, Ebie assured the people of Niger Delta of even distribution of impactful projects in the region as the new management and board of the Commission pilot the affairs of the agency.

    The Chairman of NDDC said the death of the Omu was shocking, describing her as a strong voice, community leader, human rights activist, reformer and a custodian of culture of the Anioma people.

    Responding on behalf of the Edozien family, one of the daughters of the late monarch, Miss Ngozi Edozien, thanked the NDDC chairman for his visit to condole with them, adding that his kind words were a great comfort in their moment of grief.

    ‘’On behalf of my family, the Asaba Kingdom and the Anioma nation, we thank you for all that you are doing and all that you will do in making our father, the late Asagba, proud’’ she said.

    Addressing the Ojougboh family in Agbor, Ebie noted that late former lawmaker was a dogged politician. He revealed that late Dr Ojougboh knew him when he was a kid. He added that his late father, Prof John Ebie, taught Ojougboh at the Medical School in University of Benin and he fondly called me by my surname.

    In his words, “I called to notify Dr Cairo Ojougboh about my appointment as NDDC, Chairman. We talked alot about NDDC since he was there before me. He was good to me and always saw me as his younger brother.”

    Mr. Courtious Ojougboh who spoke on behalf of the family expressed gratitude to the NDDC boss for the visit, saying that they are happy to see him around at their trying moment.

    Among those on the entourage of the NDDC chairman for the condolence visits were some members of the Delta State House of Assembly; the Director in charge of the Delta State NDDC Office, Mr. Onoriode Omo-Idoyo; the pioneer chairman of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Clement Ofuani, and other dignitaries.

  • NDDC-NLNG Collaboration: A Model for Sustainable Development in Niger Delta+Photos

    NDDC-NLNG Collaboration: A Model for Sustainable Development in Niger Delta+Photos

    By Aniekan Ekpo

    The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative is not just another bureaucratic paperwork.

    It represents a beacon of hope, a shining light amidst the often dark and conflicted narratives of the Niger Delta region.

    It is a story of collaboration, of leveraging the abundant resources that Mother Nature has bestowed upon this land, and most importantly, a story of collective responsibility towards the people and the environment.

    The partnership between NDDC and NLNG serves as a vivid reminder of the power and potential that lies in collaboration between government agencies and private corporations. It breaks down the traditional barriers that have often hindered progress and instead presents a compelling case for unity and synergy. The key lesson here is that International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region must seize this opportunity to engage with government development agencies, align their goals, and work hand in hand to create sustainable growth and development. This partnership sets a precedent, a shining example, for IOCs to follow.

    But it is not just about collaboration, it is about utilizing the wealth of local resources in a manner that is inclusive and sustainable. The NDDC-NLNG partnership places a strong emphasis on leveraging the natural gas resources in the Niger Delta region to drive development. IOCs must learn from this approach and explore ways to harness local resources in a manner that benefits not just their bottom line, but also the communities that have long been impacted by their presence. The benefits must flow down to the grassroots level, reaching the very people whose lives have been intertwined with these resources for generations.

    Public-Private Partnership models have often been hailed as a vehicle for progress, but the MOU between NDDC and NLNG serves as tangible proof of their effectiveness. IOCs must take notice and consider adopting similar partnership approaches. By pooling their expertise, resources, and networks together with government development agencies, governments, and local communities, IOCs can truly make a difference. Projects will have a greater impact, deliver lasting change, and pave the way for a brighter future.

    What sets this partnership apart is its unwavering commitment to social and environmental responsibility. It recognizes that progress should not come at the cost of Mother Nature or the well-being of local communities. IOCs must draw lessons from this collaboration and prioritize sustainable practices, investing in initiatives that benefit the communities they serve. Education, healthcare, and infrastructure development are not just mere buzzwords, but the building blocks of a better future. The time for short-term gains and quick fixes is over. It is now the moment to embrace a long-term commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and beyond.

    And at the heart of all these lessons lies the spirit of stakeholder engagement and inclusivity. The partnership between NDDC and NLNG serves as a clarion call for IOCs to listen, to involve, and to uplift. By actively engaging local communities, government agencies, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders in decision-making processes, IOCs can ensure that their endeavors are rooted in the real needs and aspirations of the people they serve. It is through this collective effort that true change can be achieved.

    In conclusion, the partnership between NDDC and NLNG is not just an agreement written on a piece of paper. It is a symbol of hope and progress in a region that has long been marred by conflict and neglect. IOCs operating in similar regions must take heed of the lessons: collaboration, leveraging local resources, embracing public-private partnerships, prioritizing social and environmental responsibility, committing to the long-term, and engaging stakeholders and promoting inclusivity. By doing so, IOCs can become catalysts for transformation, driving sustainable growth, empowering communities, and ultimately leaving a legacy that goes beyond profits and production numbers. The time for change is now, and the stage is set for IOCs to play a leading role in this remarkable chapter of development.

  • NDDC Board Appointments: Kalu lauds Tinubu’s choice of technocrats, hails Abia Rep, Eruba

    NDDC Board Appointments: Kalu lauds Tinubu’s choice of technocrats, hails Abia Rep, Eruba

     

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has lauded the appointment of technocrats on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), saying it was necessary in achieving the desired objectives of the agency.

    In a congratulatory message to the Abia State representative on the NDDC Board, Mr. Dimgba Eruba, personally signed by him and made available to Journalists in Abuja on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the deputy speaker said that the choice of technocrats speaks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s adeptness at ensuring that NDDC was given a facelift by people with requisite knowledge and experience.

    Kalu commended the President for appointing Eruba, saying it was a testament to the appointee’s exceptional commitment to the progress and wellbeing of Abia State, the Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.

    While tasking Eruba on the performance that will yield positive results, the Deputy Speaker also assured of his continued support in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu to enable the Board function very effectively.

    He said: “I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed
    Tinubu for this appointment. It underscores President Tinubu’s
    adeptness at ensuring that NDDC is led by qualified and experienced technocrats with requisite knowledge to make a difference in the lofty ideals of the Renewed Hope agenda of the present administration to which we are all part of.

    “It further speaks volumes about your pivotal role in mobilizing the oil-
    producing communities in Abia State during the last presidential
    election.

    “I have never doubted Mr. President’s dedication to all Nigerians
    irrespective of their circumstance or station in life provided they
    demonstrate the competence for public service.

    “I am confident in your capacity to excel and deliver on the mandate
    entrusted to you.

    “I therefore pledge my unwavering support towards helping you to
    achieve our shared objectives. Together, we will work to improve the
    fortunes of the agency for the good of the people.”

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • NDDC Board Chairman, Onochie tasks stakeholders on gender equality

    NDDC Board Chairman, Onochie tasks stakeholders on gender equality

    Lauretta Onochie, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board Chairman, has called on all stakeholders to ensure equitable treatment for all, irrespective of gender.

    Adding her voice to the worldwide campaign, Onochie said: “We must all learn to treat our girls the same way we treat our boys.”

    She spoke at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit by the female champions of the Commission’s football tournament.

    Expressing her delight at receiving the female champions in March when the world focuses attention on women’s matters, she urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that one of the 17 goals established by United Nations in 2015 seeks to achieve gender quality and empower all women and girls.

    NDDC Board Chairman, Onochie tasks stakeholders over gender discrimination
    Lauretta Onochie (4th left) and female champions of the Commission’s football tournament

    “Achieving gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

    “Some of the key targets and indicators of SDG 5 include ending all forms of discrimination, violence and harmful practices against women and girls; ensuring women’s full participation and leadership in all levels of decision-making; providing universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights; promoting women’s economic empowerment; and enhancing women’s role in peacebuilding and humanitarian action,” Onochie asserted.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that sometime December 2022, the Senate had confirmed Onochie and 12 other nominees as chairperson and members of the board of the NDDC respectively.

    Those confirmed, apart from Ms Onochie are Dimga Erugba (Abia), Emem Wills (Akwa Ibom), Dimaro Denyanbofa (Bayelsa), Oruk Duke (Cross River), Gbenga Edema (Ondo) and Elekwachi Dinkpa (Rivers).

    Others are Mohammed Abubakar (Nasarawa), Sule-Iko Sani (Kebbi), Tahir Mamman (Adamawa), Samuel Ogbuku (Bayelsa) MD for a term of two years, Charles Airhiavbere (Edo) Director of Finance and Charles Ogunmola (Ondo) Director of Projects.

  • NDDC Board: Akpabio denies passing the buck

    NDDC Board: Akpabio denies passing the buck

    Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has described as untrue the report in some sections of the media that he buck passed on his responsibility for the constitution of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The minister, in a statement he personally signed, attributed the report to those he described as falsehood writers who he alleged were sponsored to write the said story.

    Akpabio said the report was done when he was outside the country on a national assignment, adding that he had checked with his media aide, Jackson Udom, and discovered that the latter was deliberately misquoted.

    The statement reads:

    Re: Formation of NDDC Board Not Part Of My Responsibility

    “My attention has been drawn to sponsored write ups in the media, claiming that I passed the buck on my responsibility for the constitution of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC).

    “The write ups, deliberately published while I am outside the country on national duty, reportedly quoted my media aide, Jackson Udom, claiming that I have denied responsibility for the constitution of the board of the Commission. I have checked with Mr Udom, and he has clearly said he was misquoted.

    “While I am not shocked by the mischief inherent in the publication, I am alarmed at the extent of falsehood the writers went in pushing their anti- Niger Delta agenda, to scuttle the due consideration of the report of the Forensic Audit by stampeding the government. More alarming is the attempt to drag the hallowed name of our president into this plot.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. President has set out to reposition the NDDC after 19 years of rot, saw to the undermining of the dreams of the fathers of the region, to fast track its development through the setting up of an interventionist agency.

    “Part of the strategy was a forensic audit to understand what went wrong, despite the resources committed to the Commission over the years.

    “The report of that audit has just been submitted to Mr. President, who is studying it to come up with a formula for a commission fit for purpose. That formula is what the board being put together will work with.

    Akpabio said it would not be in the interest of the region to stampede the government into aborting the reform process because “the President wants to give to the region an interventionist agency that will realize the dreams of our fathers for our people and generations yet unborn.”

    He pledged his commitment in assisting Mr. President to leave behind a legacy for the Niger Delta people, particularly, saving the NDDC from dying like past developmental agencies put together for the region since 1958.

  • Buhari’s ministers, ‘high profile’ NASS members behind delay in NDDC board formation – IYC

    Buhari’s ministers, ‘high profile’ NASS members behind delay in NDDC board formation – IYC

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has accused ministers and “high profile” members of the National Assembly from Niger Delta of causing the delay in the constitution of a substantive board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The IYC alleged that the “ministers and National Assembly members of Niger Delta extraction were bent on usurping President Muhammadu Buhari’s power by ensuring that their candidates became the NDDC board members.

    To buttress the allegation, the group alleged that the same “greedy and high-profile” politicians had in the past ensured that their candidates became NDDC’s managing directors.

    It, therefore, challenged Buhari to shun “the greedy ministers and high-profile’ lawmakers by immediately inaugurating the NDDC board.

    This was contained in a statement at the weekend by the IYC National Spokesman, Ebilade Ekerefe.

    The group advised also the President not to allow the “selfish ministers” to undermine the current peace in the region.

    The statement reads in part: “It has come to the notice of the entire youths of the region that those ministers and some high profile members of the National Assembly from the region are engaged in a selfish battle over the choice of who mounts the saddle of leadership in the NDDC.

    “These politicians are trying to usurp the powers of the President to foist a board that will work for their personal interest and not that of the region.”

  • NDDC Board: You can’t run it like a sole proprietorship, Delta Dep Gov Otuaro tells Akpabio

    NDDC Board: You can’t run it like a sole proprietorship, Delta Dep Gov Otuaro tells Akpabio

    …says its non-composition has generated a lot of tension in N/Delta
    …insists Delta Govt position is in tandem with critical stakeholders
    …we agreed board should be constituted at end of June
    By Emman Ovuakporie

    Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro has said the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC cannot be managed like a sole proprietorship.
    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports Otuaro stating the obvious that the non-composition of NDDC Board portrays it as a one-man enterprise while appearing on a national TV program on Thursday.
    Otuaro said””you can’t run NDDC like a sole proprietorship because the enabling Act those not recognize sole proprietorship of the commission.
    On the position of Delta State government on the issue, Otuaro said” our position is in tandem with that of all critical stakeholders such as PANDEF and others.
    He explained that”I was part of all the consultations when the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Akpabio visited all critical stakeholders and our position is that at the end of June a board would be constituted.
    “This issue of the board has generated a lot of tension within the region and the issue forensic audit cannot stop it from being constituted, forensic audit is not a Siamese twin that cannot be separated.
    “All we want is peace in our region, Akpabio should go back to his friends to further discuss because what we agreed on is that by the end of June a board should be in place.
    “There’s need for Akpabio to quickly get in touch with his friends because they love him for his transformative agenda and as a former Governor in the region.