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Tag: NDDC

  • NDDC, at International Women’s Day, calls for compulsory education for the girl child(Photos)

    NDDC, at International Women’s Day, calls for compulsory education for the girl child(Photos)

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has called for prioritisation of the education of the girl child as it holds the key to sustainable development in the country.

    At a recent ceremony to mark the International Women’s Day in Agbor, Delta State, the Commission urged the various tiers of government to evolve measures that will enable the girl child secure access to quality education.

    NDDC at international women’s day

    Chiedu Ebie, Esq, Chairman of NDDC, who spoke at the ceremony said as a pivotal segment of the population, educating the girl child empowers women to succeed in all areas of life. He was represented by Hon. John C. Aleh, his Special Assistant.

    In separate remarks, women who spoke at the event commended Ebie and the NDDC for supporting the fight for the education and empowerment of women.

    The guest speaker, Mrs. Ben Utalor Goziem, who spoke on: “Girl Child Education”, said that women are the heart of the nation, hence, they should be equipped with sound education.

    NDDC at international women’s day

    According to her, “It is very important for the girl child to be educated. A good education is a foundation for the girl child. An educated woman possesses so many attributes that will make her survive tomorrow’s challenges.” She urged government at all levels to continue to support the education of the girl child.

    Another speaker, Mrs. Blessing Akachu, stated that women play diverse roles in the society, hence, it is important they stay healthy all the time. She advised women to always engage in physical exercises, sleep well, particularly at night, reduce or manage stress, go for regular medical check ups, maintain personal hygiene and eat adequate and balanced diet.

    NDDC at international women’s day

    In her words, “Physical exercise is very important in our lives. We must be physically active, it helps the heart to circulate blood well and it also helps the brain cells. Also, engage in regular check ups on your Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Breast Cancer, Cholesterol and other diseases as it will help prolong your life.” She added that women are nation builders, therefore, their health, should be taken seriously.

    Earlier, in her address, the Coordinator, Abba Charity Foundation, Mrs. Charity Abba, called for the inclusion of more women at decision making levels of government. The event was organised in conjunction with Abba Charity Foundation.

    Among dignitaries present at the event were the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Hon. (Engr) Doris Uboh; wife of former chairman, Ika South Local Government Council, Mrs Clara Ibude; wife of former vice-chairman, Ika South Local Government, Mrs Rosemary Ogini, women drawn from Ika Federal Constituency and staff of NDDC.

  • NDDC’s Bold Vision: A New Dawn for the Niger Delta

    NDDC’s Bold Vision: A New Dawn for the Niger Delta

    By Pius Ughakpoteni

    A palpable wave of optimism is sweeping across the Niger Delta region. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), long beleaguered by underfunding, is embracing an ambitious new vision for the future, promising a transformative era for the oil-rich yet relatively underdeveloped region.

    At the heart of this renewed hope is the recently approved ₦1.911 trillion budget for 2024, aptly named the “Budget of Renewed Hope.” This unprecedented financial commitment, coupled with a strategic vision and innovative partnerships, marks a turning point for the NDDC and the communities it serves.

    “This budget is more than just numbers,” declares NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie, a seasoned administrator deeply familiar with the region’s complexities. “It represents a renewed commitment to the people of the Niger Delta, a pledge to deliver tangible results, and a recognition of the urgent need for sustainable development.”

    The NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, a renowned development activist and public policy expert, echoes this sentiment. “We are embracing a holistic approach to development,” he explains, “one that not only addresses physical infrastructure but also invests in human capital, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.”

    This holistic approach is evident in the NDDC’s multifaceted strategy. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are being pursued to leverage private sector expertise and resources, accelerating infrastructure development, particularly in the crucial transportation sector. Investments in modern road networks, bridges, and ports are expected to unlock the region’s economic potential, facilitating trade, tourism, and overall growth.

    To further fuel this development, the NDDC is exploring innovative financing mechanisms, notably a bold plan to secure a ₦1 trillion loan to fund 1,006 high-impact projects across the Niger Delta. These projects are not only expected to address critical infrastructure needs but also stimulate economic activity, creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and improving the quality of life for millions.

    This strategic approach has garnered support from high-ranking officials. Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently commended the NDDC for its recent achievements, citing the completion of major projects like the 27.5-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road with its five bridges, the 6-kilometre Ibeno Road and its 600-meter bridge, and the Okitipupa Substation that now powers five local government areas and 2,000 communities. These projects exemplify the NDDC’s commitment to tangible, impactful development.

    Beyond infrastructure, the NDDC’s vision encompasses a broad spectrum of initiatives. It is investing in education, constructing and rehabilitating schools and hostels, and awarding scholarships to foster human capital development. It is also prioritizing healthcare, upgrading facilities, providing free medical outreach, and administering vaccines. In addition, the commission is promoting environmental sustainability through initiatives like the installation of 56,786 solar streetlights.

    The NDDC’s commitment to the region’s development is not just about financial allocations and project implementation; it is a paradigm shift in how the commission envisions its role. It is a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development that puts the needs of the people at the forefront. This is evident in the commission’s emphasis on transparency and accountability, its detailed budget breakdown, and its commitment to regularly monitoring and evaluating project progress.

    The “Budget of Renewed Hope” is more than a financial document; it is a symbol of the NDDC’s steadfast commitment to the people of the Niger Delta. It represents a new dawn for the region and a promise of a brighter future. With a clear vision, a dedicated team, and a multi-faceted strategy for mobilizing resources, the NDDC is poised to deliver on its promises and transform the Niger Delta into a model of inclusive and sustainable development.

    The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but the potential rewards are immense. As the NDDC embarks on this ambitious journey, it carries with it the hopes and dreams of millions who yearn for a better life. The world is watching, and the Niger Delta is ready for its renewed hope.

  • Reps to probe 20 years NDDC contract abandoned in Bayelsa

    Reps to probe 20 years NDDC contract abandoned in Bayelsa

    The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the abandoned erosion protection contract in Kolokuma/Opokuma in Bayelsa, awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Abonsizibe Oboku(PDP-Bayelsa) during plenary in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Presenting the motion, Oboku said that almost 20 years after, the project had been abandoned, adding that this had resulted into a perennial erosion, affecting a clan comprising 10 communities.

    He said that Ayakotoama community had been washed away, adding that a substantial part of Orubiri community had suffered the same fate.

    This, he said had led to the loss of lives and property, which he said could have been averted if the contractor and NDDC had lived up to the expectation of the aim and objectives of the said contract.

    Adopting the motion, the House mandated the committee on NDDC to investigate the project and report back to the House in four weeks for further legislative action.

  • NDDC inaugurates electricity substation in Edo

    NDDC inaugurates electricity substation in Edo

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated the 1x15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation worth N248 million at Amufi in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo.

    The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said this on Monday during the inauguration of the project.

    He said the NDDC expended N248 million on the execution of the project in line with its mandate geared towards boosting power supply and commercial activities in Amufi community and environs.

    According to Ogbuku,  the Commission is making a difference by adding value to the lives of the people of the Niger Delta, adding that series of projects had been lined up for inauguration to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

    “The most compelling need for this administration has been that all abandoned projects must be completed to serve urgent need of the communities in which they are situated

    “And help in renewing hope in the people in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “This is day two of our series of projects to be commissioned. Just on Saturday, we commissioned a 12-kilometer road project in Imo state.

    “We are here to tell the world that NDDC is a blessing against the narrative that the commission was under performing.

    “The only government presence you see in some communities are projects done by NDDC. We are not in competition with state governments but to compliment what they are doing,” he said.

    The project, he said, would improve the energy requirements of Amufi and neighbouring communities by increasing productivity in businesses and artisans.

    Ogbuku assured that the road leading to the community would be re-constructed as an added incentives to ease the challenges faced by the residents.

    “I must thank the community for ensuring that the project while it was abandoned, was not vandalized. It made it easy for us to complete”.

    Sen. Neda Imasuen (LP – Edo South), lauded the gesture, adding that the importance of light cannot be over emphasised.

    Imasuen, however, decried the deplorable state of the road leading to the community and urged the Commission to fix it.

    “Everyone knows the importance of electricity and the commissioning of the substation will help boost businesses in and around the community.

    “I will also use this opportunity to appeal to the NDDC to undertake the road construction leading to this community as the road is in a deplorable condition.

    “Constructing the road will improve the quality of life of the people,” Imasuen said.

    Mr Patrick Aisowieren, the Edo Representative, NDDC Governing Board, urged the people in the benefitting community to take ownership and protect the facility.

    Also, the Head of the Community, Pa Aisenogua Egharevba, thanked NDDC and called for the rehabilitation the road access road in the area.

    For his part, Victor Antai, the Executive Director of Projects, NDDC, said the project had been tested and certified by the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).

  • NDDC’s N84 billion projects – By Etim Etim

    NDDC’s N84 billion projects – By Etim Etim

    By Etim Etim

    There is calm these days at the corporate headquarters of NDDC, the 24-year-old interventionist agency established by the Federal Government to fix developmental gaps in the Niger Delta region. The 13-storey edifice, commissioned in 2021, breaks into view as you turn into Eastern bypass in Port Harcourt. Inside, executives are hard at work on the 2025 budget and completing ongoing projects. The rest of the workers are no less busy.

    The tranquility is a far cry from the brouhaha that enveloped the commission three years ago in the wake of the forensic audit ordered by the Buhari administration into its affairs. A new management team, headed by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, seems well determined to leave the ugly past behind. For two weeks beginning Saturday, May 18, NDDC will commission 92 high-impact infrastructure projects executed at over N84 billion across the nine states. They include roads, bridges water, electricity, electrification, a police station, health centres and school blocks.

    Among the projects is the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, which has created a road link to the ancient city of Nembe in Bayelsa State, for the first time in living memory. It includes 9.15 km of pre-fabricated vertical drains on the swamp and seven bridges. Executed at a cost of N24 billion, the road cuts the travel time to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital from 3 hours on dangerous water routes to a mere 45 minutes. It also opens up 14 communities for development. The project was executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and is regarded as a model of the commission’s partnership approach in tackling the challenges of the region.

    Also slated for commissioning is the 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV Substation electrification project, executed at a cost of N8.3 billion to optimize power supply to five local government areas in the southern part of Ondo State. The project covers the construction of 45km double circuit 33KV feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station (Hook-up point) to Okitipupa and two 30MVA, 132/33KV Injection Substations with breakers, gantry and substation automation. It also includes the construction of a three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow as service quarters.

    The capacity of this power station is optimized with the provision of 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV transformer and other ancillary works at Okitipupa Injection Substation, rehabilitation of 35km 33/11KV transmission from Okitipupa-Igbokoda-Ugbonla and environs and the construction of 1km rigid pavement. The electricity project will complement the Federal Government’s effort in the power sector by improving power supply to Okitipupa, Igbokoda and about 2,000 neighbouring communities in Ondo South Senatorial District with direct value chain in small and medium scale industries, job creation and consequently engender growth and development in Ondo State.

    NDDC’s executive director in charge of projects, Victor Antai, sounded ecstatic when I spoke with him early Saturday morning. It is his brief to deliver on all the projects undertaken by the agency. And so, for five months since late last year, Antai has been touring the nine NDDC states, inspecting projects and ensuring that contractors are up and doing. He told me: ‘’As you know, I have been on the road, inspecting these projects, meeting with contractors and the communities, just to ensure that every project is delivered on time. It is the decision of the executive management to deliver dividends to our people.”

    Before he assumed duties in November, Antai has been a businessman, a Local Government chairman and a commissioner in Akwa Ibom government. To his folks, he is known for his simplicity, affability and generosity. Unlike many ‘big men’ in public service, Antai has no airs and does not encourage partisan divisions and ethnic bigotry. So, I asked him, among all the 92 projects, which one do you have for Akwa Ibom state?

    In Akwa Ibom State, NDDC will commission the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Iwuochang road in Ibeno LGA the southern part of the state. The road project consists of two-lane single carriage way, a 600-metre bridge and side drains. The N10 billion virgin road project links 20 communities, hitherto separated by the Qua Iboe River. Three years ago, NDDC completed and commissioned a 1005-student hostel at the University of Uyo. I attended the event. In Abia State, NDDC will commission 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, through Abia (Ukwa East/West). It involved the reconstruction of seven kilometres of failed section of the road and the construction of drainage.

    It is commendable that Dr. Ogbuku and his team are completing and commissioning these projects, many of which were started by previous managements. It is indeed pleasng that he has not fallen into the temptation to abandon them and start news ones as it has often been the case in public service. Said the chief executive: ‘’The most compelling need in completing and commissioning these projects is to put them for use in the communities and help in renewing hope in the people in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

    It is also important that the NDDC is now generating more good news than the negative ones. I was in the center of the fight in 2021 during the forensic audit controversies, defending the commission in the media. It is my pleasure to report on the calm and the progress that we now have.

    ETIM is a former media consultant to the NDDC

  • NDDC rolls out internship programmes for Niger Delta youths

    NDDC rolls out internship programmes for Niger Delta youths

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), says plan is ongoing to engage thousands of youths from the region on internship programmes across various industries in the country.

    Mr Fubara Blessing, the Resource Consultant for the NDDC-funded HOPE Project, said this while speaking to newsmen after a meeting with youth groups in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    He said that placing youths on internship roles would allow them to enhance their technical skills and acquire practical experience in sectors such as oil and gas, hospitality, and medicine, among others.

    “Additionally, 370 individuals in rural areas will receive support through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) programme, while 185 in urban centres will be assisted under the Small and Medium Enterprised (SMEs) category.

    “The Commission aims to utilise the Hope Project to change the negative local and international perception that the region’s youth are inclined toward militancy.

    “Thus, a new tech programme, Mili-tech, is set to be inaugurated, signifying a transition form militancy to technology,” he said.

    Blessing said that an ICT hub centre owned by the Rivers Government had been secured to kick-off the tech programme as part of the initiative to transform the Niger Delta into a technological hub.

    According to him, the Holistic Opportunities of Programmes and Projects for Engagement (HOPE) Project has incorporated five key areas: agriculture, music and arts, technology, entrepreneurial development, and internship.

    He said the NDDC had recently acquired a 900-hectare farmland spread across nine Niger Delta states to kickstart large-scale agriculture in the region.

    “We have secured a total of 900 hectares of land, with 100 hectares designated in each of the nine Niger Delta states.

    “In Abia, a vegetable farm and textile market will be established, while rice and vegetable farms along with a technology hub will be set up in Akwa Ibom.

    “Cross River will host a poultry farm, vegetable farm, and tech hub, and Delta state will have a cassava farm, automobile village, and a tech hub,” he added.

    He said that for Imo, a sugarcane plantation and tech hub are planned, while Ondo’s projects include a cassava farm, tech hub, and a diary for milk, butter, and cheese production.

    “In Rivers state, offshore fishing, a cassava farm, and a tech hub are in the pipeline.

    “We are currently preparing for groundwork and land preparation in time for the upcoming planting season in May.

    Blessing confirmed the approval of a ‘Music and Arts Project for Niger Delta Youths,’ focussing on music, music production, cinematography, script and movie creation, and creative skit content.

    He said that musicians would receive industry-standard contracts with housing, car, signing fees, and production sessions for a two-year period.

    “Music producers will have access to equipment to facilitate audio and video production within the region,” he said.

    He also said that participants of the programme would be selected from the recently introduced Niger Delta Youth Resource Database by the NDDC.

  • Oborevwori tasks NDDC on abandoned projects’ completion

    Oborevwori tasks NDDC on abandoned projects’ completion

    Delta State Governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, charged the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to complete all ongoing and abandoned projects in the region for the benefit of the people.

    Governor Oborevwori gave the charge in Asaba at the 6th Meeting of the National Council of Niger Delta (NCND) with Theme: “Stimulating Strategies For Economic Growth and Development in the Niger Delta Region”.

    He said that the intervention of the agency was crucial in facilitating urban-rural integration, creating employment opportunities for the people and enabling regional economic growth.

    He further remarked that the “forum is a strategic platform for states in the Niger Delta region to focus on issues and challenges of common interest, create a more dynamic and equitable arrangement for regional prosperity, and deepen our collaboration for using the region’s natural resources for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

    “Let me appeal to the NDDC to take steps to urgently complete all ongoing and abandoned projects in the region.

    “Indeed, the existence of the National Council on Niger Delta recognizes the interdependent nature of economic and political systems and the value of regional approach to economic development.

    “Economic diversification is key to our growth aspirations. Hence, I welcome ideas on how we can reposition our agricultural economies and invest massively in critical social and economic infrastructure.

    “I also expect this meeting to develop the blueprint for a more robust and effective public-private partnership to accelerate industrialisation in our various states.”

    Oborevwori stressed that urgent steps needed to be taken in addressing the protracted problems of poverty, unemployment, and inequality in the region.

    “By far the biggest challenge confronting us is the ugly spectre of youth unemployment, with the attendant effect of youth restiveness. The region boasts of a vast army of jobless young graduates, a clear and present danger to our collective peace and security.

    “Urgent interventions are, therefore, needed to get the youth productively engaged. While the various states in the region have embarked on youth entrepreneurship development programmes, there is a compelling need for the Federal Government to work closely with the states to develop sustainable youth engagement programmes.

    “Here in Delta State, the services sector accounts for over fifty percent of the non-oil economy, followed by agriculture twenty-seven per cent, and manufacturing nineteen per cent to the State’s GDP.

    “Thus, we are equipping our youths not only with employability skills but also with the technical and vocational skills to participate in business, trade, and commerce.

    “As we navigate our way through the current national economic crisis, it behoves on us to prioritize the development of agricultural value chains in our areas of comparative advantage, notably aquaculture, oil palm, cassava, rice, and maize.

    “It is my considered view that these are areas needing urgent attention and follow-up for our dreams for the economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region to become reality,” the Governor added.

    In his remarks, President Bola Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, said the focus of the Council was in tandem with his administration’s objectives in the renewed hope agenda.

    He said the renewed hope agenda is focused on bringing hope to all Nigerians in the trying period. He appealed to the people of the region to be patient on the infrastructural development of the region, adding that his administration had developed a holistic plan for the overall development of the oil rich region.

    Chairman Progressives Governor’s Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma called for ideological based conversation on the overall development of the region and urged the NDDC to call a meeting of Governors of the nine states of the Niger Delta to discuss the way forward on Niger Delta Development.

    Earlier, Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh thanked Governor Oborevwori for hosting the National Council meeting, adding that the Council was working assiduously with other stakeholders to improve on infrastructural development and human capital development in the region in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

    While heeding to Gov. Oborevwori’s advise, the Minister assured that the Ministry would work with the NDDC to complete all ongoing and abandoned projects across the region.

  • NDDC connects Ondo South Senatorial District to national grid

    NDDC connects Ondo South Senatorial District to national grid

    The Nigeria Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to inaugurate a 132/33KV electricity substation in Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa in order to end the 15 years of blackout in Ondo South Senatorial District.

    The over 2,000 communities in the five local government are expected to be lit up when the substation is inaugurated later in April

    Speaking after inspection of the project on Saturday, Sir Victor Antai, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, said that the completed electricity sub-station was already connected to the national grid.

    He described the power station as a legacy project that would boost economic activities in Ondo State and improve the living standards of the benefitting communities.

    Antai stressed that the NDDC was committed to providing electricity to the oil-producing communities that had been without electricity for the past 15 years.

    He said that the sub-station will be inaugurated ĺater this month.

    “The power sub-station is a legacy project which is in line with the directive of our Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to see to the completion and commissioning of legacy projects that will make meaningful impact on the lives of our people.

    “The MD/CEO has also directed that we replicate this legacy project across all states in the Niger Delta, and we thank the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving the NDDC a performing Governing Board that has the interest of the people at heart.

    “We are committed to lighting up all the local government areas and the oil-producing communities in Ondo South Senatorial District.

    “This is part of NDDC’s mandate to provide infrastructure and development projects in the Niger Delta region. The Commission is committed to fulfilling this mandate by completing all on-going projects,” he said.

    Antai stated that the power sub-station would provide electricity to over 2,000 communities across the five local government areas within the oil-producing region of Ondo State, significantly impacting lives by ending decades of darkness.

    The Executive Director, Projects noted that the NDDC had also awarded contract for the total rehabilitation of the distribution network because it was eager to hook up the power lines to the injection sub-station and enable the benefiting communities to enjoy electricity from the national grid.

    Mr Benson Obayelu, who spoke for the contracting firm, said that the scope of the power project covered the evacuation of light from Omotosho Power Station with a step down at Ode-Erinje, Okitipupa, through a 132KV double circuit transmission line with two 30/40MVA transformers.

    According to him, the transmission lines run through Ireje with 145 electricity towers that are standing on concrete foundations.

    He observed that five local government areas in the Southern Senatorial district of Ondo State that have been without public power supply would be connected when the project was inaugurated.

    In his remarks, Dr Obafemi Ogbaro, Acting National Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, said that nothing mattered more to the people in Ondo South Senatorial District than being connected to the national grid

    Also, the Ondo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Mr Otito Atikase, observed that several communities across the five local government areas in the oil production belt of Ondo State were eagerly waiting for the lights to be turned on in their localities.

    He said that access to electricity was essential for economic development and improving the quality of life of the people.

    Atikase said that lack of electricity had hindered growth and development in many communities in the Niger Delta region.

    “NDDC’s efforts to provide electricity to these communities will have a significant impact on their lives and contribute to the overall development of the region,” he said.

  • 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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  • NCDC reacts to Lassa Fever outbreak in Kaduna State

    NCDC reacts to Lassa Fever outbreak in Kaduna State

    Dr Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has officially acknowledged the outbreak of Lassa fever in Kaduna State.

    Speaking to newsmen on Friday in Abuja, Idris confirmed that the NCDC was closely monitoring the situation and working in collaboration with state health authorities to contain the spread of the disease.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NCDC) reports that Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic (excessive bleeding) illness that is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or contaminated persons.

    Its symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, chest pain, and in severe cases, unexplainable bleeding from ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.

    Idris said “the NCDC was notified yesterday by the Kaduna State Ministry of Health of the report of deaths from suspected viral hemorrhagic fever at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

    “Following this notification, the centre has been working with both institutions to conduct comprehensive investigation of the suspected cases, as well as ramp up response activities.

    “Four of the six blood samples from suspected cases sent to the Bayero University Teaching Hospital in Kano have been confirmed for Lassa fever. Furthermore, twenty-five close contacts of all these cases are now under follow-up and placed on prophylactic medicine.

    “The state’s Ministry of Health has also activated the Incident Management System with all the response pillars including intensified risk communication and community engagement for the prevention and control of Lassa fever in the affected communities.”

    According to him, the NCDC has dispatched rapid response teams to the affected areas in Kaduna State to conduct epidemiological investigations and implement necessary control measures.

    He emphasised the importance of early detection, prompt treatment, and community engagement in curbing the spread of the disease.

    “Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces.

    “The disease is endemic in Nigeria, with sporadic outbreaks occurring primarily during the dry season,” he said.

    He urged healthcare workers and the public to maintain strict hygiene practices, including proper food storage and disposal of waste, to reduce the risk of Lassa fever transmission.

    He also advised individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, and muscle aches to seek medical attention immediately, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

    The NCDC DG reassured the public that the agency was committed to containing the outbreak and protecting the health of Nigerians.

    He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or state health authorities for prompt response.

    “As the situation develops, the NCDC will continue to provide updates and guidance to the public to ensure effective control and prevention of Lassa fever in Kaduna State and across Nigeria,” he said.

    According to him, as of Feb. 18, 2024 (end of week 7), 84 local government areas in 23 states of the country have reported a total of 2,621 suspected cases, 476 confirmed, and 84 deaths with a case fatality rate of 18.6 per cent.

    “Our condolences go to the families and friends of those (including the health workers) who lost their lives to this disease across the country,” he said.

    He added that the agency, through the recently activated multi-sectoral multi-disciplinary Incident Management System has taken the following actions:

    “Distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory diagnosis, in all  Lassa fever treatment centres in the country.

    “capacity building exercises of some healthcare workers across all the geopolitical zones on Lassa fever preparedness, readiness, and response through the pilot Lassa fever clinical management fellowship.

    “Distribution of Lassa fever social and behaviour change communication (SBC) materials to all the 36 states and FCT,” he explained.

    He called for a holistic approach to addressing public health challenges in the country, saying “we will be introducing a significant perspective on tackling complex public health issues in the country.”