NDDC Board: Senate Screened Me For Four-Year Tenure – Ogbuku

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has provided clarity on the issue of the tenure of the current Governing Board of the Commission, stating that the members were appointed for a four-year tenure.

Addressing a Press Conference at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku said the insinuations in some quarters that his tenure as the Managing Director would end this year, was false and without any foundation.

He stated that subject to the provision of section 4 of the NDDC Establishment Act, “a member of the board other than ex-efficio member, shall hold office for a term of four years at the first instance and may be reappointed for a further term of four years and no more.” 

Ogbuku said that those pushing for the truncation of the tenure of the NDDC Board were not happy that members were working harmoniously to deliver on the mandate of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the people of the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer lamented that in spite of the efforts of the NDDC Board and management to deliver on quality projects and programmes, some people with selfish motives were working behind the scene to return the commission to the days of instability and non-performance.

He stated that nothing would distract the NDDC Board and Management from holding fast to its mantra of Transiting from Transactions to Transformation.

Ogbuku advised those scheming for a change of batons at NDDC to hold their horses as President Tinubu re-appointed him for another term of four years, noting that the region should be ready to see more people-oriented projects and programmes.

He assured that as soon as the 2024 budget of the Commission was signed into law, the on-going efforts to complete legacy projects would gain momentum, pointing out that the plan in the budget was to raise N1 trillion from development and commercial banks for the completion of legacy projects spread across the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku explained that the legacy projects included regional roads, bridges, electricity projects, school buildings, hospitals, shore reclamation and protection, among others.

He also outlined recent initiatives of the Board, including the Niger Delta Stakeholders’ Summit, which was a culmination of other engagements with the youth groups and women. He assured that the resolutions of the summit would inform future actions, stating that the communique would be presented to President Tinubu.

Speaking on the NDDC Healthcare Programme, which caters to the needs of rural communities, Ogbuku said that the recent free medical outreach across the nine states of the region, was successful, leading to plans for holding the event biannually.

He said further that the Commission had acquired and distributed 13 ambulances to regional hospitals in response to a cholera outbreak and was working to secure more ambulances and cholera vaccines to prevent further incidents.

In the education sector, the NDDC boss highlighted the Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme of the Commission, noting that 2,323 students in the region had so far benefited from it. 

“We have released the initial funds for beneficiaries of the 2024/2025 scholarship programme. In response to the rising costs of foreign education, we are considering offering local undergraduate scholarships.” He added.

 

The NDDC boss assured that the era of not having data or evidence of projects and programmes was gone, adding the current Board and Management of the Commission had adopted strategies to showcase its activities.

NOIPolls Survey Uncovers Climate Change As Threat To Nigeria’s Development

 

A new survey by NOIPolls has revealed that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a pressing challenge to Nigeria’s sustainable development. 

The findings show that the vast majority of Nigerians - 98 percent believe climate change is real, with 94 percent acknowledging that the country is already struggling with its effects.

Presenting the survey results in Abuja on Tuesday, NOIPolls CEO, Dr. Chike Nwanwgu, explained that awareness of climate change has surged across Nigeria, with 68 percent of respondents recognizing it as a shift in weather patterns. 

According to Dr Nwanwgu, this marks significant progress, considering that just a few years ago, over 60 percent of Nigerians were unfamiliar with the term.

Dr. Nwanwgu noted that while the survey highlights increasing awareness of climate change among Nigerians, there remains a significant gap in understanding what the average citizen can do to mitigate its effects. He also emphasized the need for more conversations that focus on empowering people with the knowledge to take meaningful action.

The survey further revealed that deforestation, cited by 22 percent of respondents, is viewed as the leading cause of climate change in Nigeria, worsened by unchecked industrial activities and bush burning. 

It also noted that Sixty-three percent of respondents reported that temperatures have risen in their areas over the past five years, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions, where over 80 percent noted warming. 

Rainfall patterns have also become more erratic, with 38 percent of respondents experiencing a sharp decline in precipitation. 

Speaking further on the survey, 32 percent revealed that flooding has ravaged their communities, destroying homes and livelihoods. The agricultural sector was also not spared as a staggering 84 percent of farmers surveyed said climate change has reduced their crop yields, with 89 percent believing it has damaged agriculture across the country. 

Beyond the fields, 49 percent of respondents have been forced to relocate due to climate-related disasters, particularly in flood-prone regions like the North-East.

Meanwhile, despite the growing crisis, the survey revealed a troubling lack of confidence in the government’s ability to tackle climate change. Nearly half of respondents 46 percent expressed doubts that the government is prepared to address the mounting environmental challenges.

As a call to action, NOIPolls survey recommended measures to mitigate climate change, including planting trees (19 percent), enacting legislation to regulate pollution (13 percent), and stopping unregulated bush burning (9 percent). The findings emphasize the urgent need for government intervention and stakeholder collaboration to address the escalating environmental challenges facing the country.

The NOIPolls survey therefore, indicated a clear message that without swift government action and strategic interventions, the nation risks losing critical ground in the fight for sustainable development.

Sen. Banigo Sympathises With Borno Flood Victims, Seeks Further Intervention

The Chairman Senate Committee on Secondary and Tertiary Health, Sen. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has commiserated with victims of Borno flood disaster, noting that this 

recent devastating floods has disrupted socio-economic activities of the State.

The lawmaker who also applauded the FG intervention through the timely visit of VP Kashim Shetima noted that the flood continues to reveal the adverse effect of climate change.

While expressing satisfaction with the quick intervention of the state governor, Babagana Zulum to mitigate the impact, Sen Banigo applauded the relevant agencies of the federal government, especially National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as well as the military to ensure effective and adequate delivery of relief materials and palatives to affected places in Borno. 

In a statement on Tuesday by her media office, Sen. Banigo expressed worry that the already pressured Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in most communities in North-East, especially Borno will be affected from the impact of the flooding, urging that relevant health bodies should quickly intervene to checkmate the spread of water-borne diseases. 

The recent flooding in Borno submerged several residential homes, displacing tens of thousands of residents and causing zoo animals to escape into the streets.

According to authorities, about 30 people’s lives have been claimed by the Maiduguri flash flood, with over a million persons affected. UN puts the total number of displaced persons at 414,000.

The incident is said to have been caused by the collapse of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River in the State last week. 

Expressing concern over the health implications of the disaster, especially on women and children, Sen. Banigo said development could lead to escalation in the spread of diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases, as well as heighten the rate of infant and maternal mortality, calling quicker preventive measures. 

"While I deeply sympathise with the victims of the disastrous flooding, I profoundly thank Governor Babagana Zulum for demonstrating leadership by ensuring safe evacuation of victims. 

"It is also my appeal that health agencies should mobilise to affected areas and provide the needed assistance so that health hazards of flooding will be brought to the barest minimum", she added.

Prosperity Cup DG Congratulates Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens New Board

 

...Hails Governor Diri for Appointing Technocrats into Various Boards_

The organizers of Nigeria's biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup and have congratulated Dr. Tarilaye Nwankwe as chairman of Bayelsa United and commended Governor Diri for appointing technocrats into various boards. This was contained in a statement signed by Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono K. Akpe, on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee of the tournament.

The statement describes the appointment of Dr. Nwankwe as a step in the right direction for Bayelsa United, stating that the appointment further portrays the governor's love for sports development. According to the statement, the board of Bayelsa United was carefully selected with the inclusion of Tarilah Okorowanta as team manager, Pereola Aboro as a member, Elder Ogunu Miebi who made a return as a member of the board, and other members.

It equally appreciates the governor for appointing Mr. Pereala Aboro, the Tournament Director of Prosperity Cup, to the board, recognizing his contributions to football development. "Perela Aboro, popularly known as Uncle P, is a passionate, dedicated, thoroughbred professional with vast contacts, experience, and deep understanding of football", the statement added.

The Prosperity Cup DG also hailed Governor Diri for appointing technocrats into various boards, demonstrating his dedication to excellence in sports administration.

The statement also congratulated the new board of Bayelsa Queens led by Robbin Apreala and commended Governor Diri for his commitment to the development of women's football in the state. Mr Akpe also thanked the Governor, His deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner of Sports, Hon Daniel Igali for their overwhelming support of sports development in the state and the country in general.

Ono K. Akpe

Director-General, Prosperity Cup

Digital upskilling: Foundation graduates first set of trainees

The Pat & Gbenga Komolafe Foundation, says it has successful graduated its first cohort of trainees in Digital Upskilling and No-Code Web Development.

The Public Relations Officer of the Foundation, Ms Lilian Nwawuchie made this known on Tuesday in Abuja  saying that the graduation is a milestone that reflects the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to equipping Nigerian youth with future-ready digital skills, providing them with tools to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.

According to her, "Over the course of several weeks, participants from Ondo, Lagos, Rivers, FCT, Akwa Ibom, Kano and Kaduna States were engaged in hands-on training to develop cutting-edge skills in digital technologies and no-code platforms. 

She said the initiative is designed to empower young Nigerians by enhancing their employability, fostering entrepreneurship, and enabling them to contribute to the country’s growing tech ecosystem.

"The program culminated in a special graduation ceremony, where participants proudly showcased their projects, ranging from business websites and e-commerce platforms to innovative digital solutions built using no-code tools," Nwawuchie said. 

Similarly,  the Programme Director of the Foundation, Mr Josh Emmanuel, said the mission of the foundation is to empower young Nigerians by providing them with the skills they need to excel in the digital world.

"This graduation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our participants, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the foundation for the opportunity to learn digital skills and improve their living conditions.

One of the beneficiaties,  Paul Fakedayo, Ogun State said, "I had no background in web development, but now, I can confidently build functional websites for small businesses. 

"This skill will definitely help me contribute more to my community and potentially start my own web development agency," Adeola said.

In same vein, Conway Oloruntoyi, Ondo state said the digital upskilling programme has been a life-changing experience for him. 

"Before this, I struggled with basic computer skills. Now, I’m confident in navigating digital platforms, building websites, and even creating apps without needing to write a single line of code.”

Jeremiah Ehije, Edo State said he was looking for ways of transition into the tech space without needing to become a programmer, "this programme provided the perfect entry point. 

"The no-code tools are amazing and I feel empowered to innovate," he  said

Similarly,  another beneficiary from Lagos State, Daniel Emmanuel explained that the programme has truly set him on a path to success.

"I am now confident in my ability to help businesses create an online presence, and I’m excited about the doors this will open for me professionally," he  said. 

Mr Jayjay Ebruvwe and Aisha Abdullahi from Delta and Kogi States also express his joy about the programme saying it has really impacted on them.

Bayelsa Prioritises Special Needs Education

...Students Get Free Tuition, Immediate Employment For 12 Teachers

Bayelsa State government has said it will give more attention to the education of children with special needs in the state.

It has also commenced free tuition, feeding and provision of uniforms for students in the state-owned special needs school. 

Governor Douye Diri stated this on Monday in Government House, Yenagoa, when he received a delegation that included 12 graduates trained in special needs education at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by the Bayelsa State Education Trust Fund (EDTF). 

Governor Diri told the delegation, which included the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, and the EDTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Alice Atuwo, that the training of the teachers was one of his administration’s policies in the education sector not to leave anyone behind in the state. 

This was contained in a statement by, Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Daniel Alabrah, 

He expressed satisfaction with the government’s investment in the training of the special needs teachers, who he said will in turn impart the knowledge gained on children with impairment in the state.

The governor directed the immediate employment for the teachers, noting that they were the first set to be trained in the sector and urged them to contribute their quota to development of education in the state.

He appreciated the EDTF Executive Secretary and the board members, saying the laudable scheme was inherited from the immediate past  administration.

He said: “The training of these teachers adds to the policies of this government not to leave anyone behind in the education sector of our state.

“I am happy that you have all graduated and now also want to contribute to the growth and development of education in Bayelsa State.

“Having satisfied the requirements to be teachers in our special education sector, I hereby direct the Ministry of Education to employ all 12 of you.

“Also, the school for the special needs students will now begin to enjoy the free tuition, free feeding and free uniforms policy that is already in place in all of our science and technical colleges across the state as well as our model schools.

“Already, four of the technical colleges at Ekeremor, Sagbama, Yenagoa and Kolokuma-Opokuma have been completed and commenced academic activities, while that of Ogbia and Nembe are near completion. Next year, Brass and Southern Ijaw local government areas will get theirs.”

In her remarks, the EDTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Alice Atuwo, said 15 teachers of the state origin were enrolled by the board for the training but 12 have graduated. 

She stated that following the training, which lasted five years, the state now has its own trained teachers in its special needs school.

Shodan Pharmaceuticals Introduces Sitfine toilet-seat sanitizer To address Sanitary Infections

By Blessing Bature

A fast growing Pharmaceutical industry,  Shodan Pharmaceuticals has introduced Sitfine toilet seat sanitizer, a product designed to ensure hygiene and safety in the Nigerian public and private restrooms.

The Chairman, Shodan Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Seun Tola Shosanya, made this known in a press briefing on Monday, that his organisation is passionate about contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy by championing locally-made products.

He said despite the numerous challenges involved in producing in Nigeria, the organization remain dedicated to supporting local industries and reducing dependency on imports.

According to him, Shodan Pharmaceuticals Ltd. was established in 2023 with a clear vision to provide quality healthcare products to the masses, and has since been committed to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians by offering innovative and effective products that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Expressing confidence on the product Shosanya said Sit Fine is clinically tested and approved by NAFDAC as toilet seat sanitizer spray in the form of a quick-drying aerosol that protects against 99.99% of germs on the toilet seats.

Also, Mr Daniel Okeoma, Vice President of Excid Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd said, "using a toilet seat sanitizer spray like Sitfine is an effective way to maintain personal hygiene and protect yourself from germs and bacteria when using restrooms, adding that the product gives maximum protection against germs and bacteria, neutralizes every bad smell and odour in the restroom and gives it a better fragrance".

He informed that under the leadership of our esteemed chairman, Mr. Seun Tola Shosanya, Shodan Pharmaceuticals is poised for growth. We are driven by a desire to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of our community.

NDDC Youth Internship Scheme: Disregard False List Of Beneficiaries

 

The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been drawn to certain lists circulating in the social media, purportedly representing selected beneficiaries of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme.

The fraudsters spreading false information about the youth internship scheme are also demanding personal information and payment of an acceptance fee.

In statement on Tuesday signed by Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama stressed that the NDDC does not require any fees or payments for the placement of qualified youths in its internship programme.

We wish to clarify that no such list has been collated, approved or released and any claim to the contrary is false. Those who registered for the scheme should note that the process of selection is on-going.

The final list of beneficiaries will be drawn from the NDDC’s official database and only those that were duly registered between August 5, 2024, when the registration was formally launched and August 31, 2024, when it closed, will be considered.

We advise members of the public, especially our youths who are eagerly waiting for the completion of the selection process, to ignore any unauthorised list and seek information only from the NDDC official channels.

We assure all our stakeholders that we remain committed to transparency and fairness in all our activities, including our youth empowerment programmes.

It is indeed disconcerting that some mischievous individuals are trying to take advantage of our youths who are seeking ways of being gainfully engaged in legitimate activities. In the light of this unfortunate development, we urge our youths to be wary of these scammers.

Meanwhile the NDDC noted that for inquiries about its empowerment programmes, please contact us directly through our official channels. We also encourage beneficiaries of our programmes to verify facts on the NDDC's official website: [www.nddc.gov.ng] and social media handles.

Senator Banigo advocates for global Health standards, technological integration in Nigeria

Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and a member of the ECOWAS Parliament has advocated for Nigeria to adopt international best practices to enhance its medical sector. 

Senator Banigo shared this perspective following her participation in the Delocalised Meeting of the ECOWAS Health Committee in Conakry, Guinea, where the role of telecommunications and information technology in promoting health services across the ECOWAS region was a key focus.

In a statement made available to media, Senator Banigo underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to leverage technology to improve healthcare delivery, emphasizing the importance of embracing global standards to strengthen the nation’s health system.

Reflecting on the recent discussions, Senator Banigo explained that the critical issue of technology in healthcare was also a central theme at the 5th Legislative Health Summit, which she hosted in her capacity as Chair of the 10th Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary). 

“It marked the first comprehensive discussion on this issue in the Nigerian Health sector, paving the way for unlocking the full potential of telemedicine as a valuable means of delivering health education and improving our healthcare outcomes in achieving Universal Health Coverage.” She noted.

Senator Banigo disclosed that as part of efforts to promote health services within the ECOWAS region, the committee visited two tertiary hospitals in Conakry, Guinea the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire and the National Hospital Donka. She highlighted the importance of these visits in assessing best practices that could be adapted to improve Nigeria's health system.

At the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, a 400-bed facility staffed by 300 health professionals and originally built in 1902, Senator Banigo was struck by the well-maintained condition of the hospital, despite its age. 

“What struck me was that despite the hospital's age, it appeared well-maintained, neat, and clean,” she explained. 

She noted that the hospital administration had appealed for infrastructural support and better equipment. 

"We shared this observation with the Director General and his team, offering words of encouragement," she said, emphasizing the need for similar practices to be adopted in Nigeria.

Moving on to the National Hospital Donka, a modern facility completed just two years ago and run under a concessionary agreement with a Canadian NGO, Senator Banigo pointed out the state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment that the hospital boasted. 

“The National Hospital, with its state-of-the-art buildings, has 631 beds and first-class equipment, with each ward accommodating only two beds,” she disclosed. 

She highlighted how these best practices could serve as a guide for improving oversight and administration in Nigeria's healthcare system.

Meanwhile, Senator Banigo further stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to draw lessons from such facilities to develop a more robust healthcare framework that prioritizes efficiency, quality, and accessibility. 

“It was interesting to observe best practices and consider how these can inform more robust oversight as we move forward,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders in Nigeria to embrace innovations that could transform the health sector.

She however reiterating her commitment to driving legislative reforms that will position Nigeria's health sector on par with international standards, noting that collaboration across the ECOWAS region would be vital to achieving this goal.

 "We must learn from each other, adopt best practices, and ensure that our health systems can adequately serve our people," she stated.

Disclaimer NDDC Youth Internship Scheme: Beware of Fraudsters

The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been drawn to the fraudulent activities of scammers claiming to represent the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme. 

Please, note that the registration for this scheme closed on August 31, 2024. 

We received reports that several persons have been getting unsolicited messages stating that they have been selected for the NDDC Internship Scheme, accompanied by requests for personal information and an acceptance fee. 

The NDDC does not require any fees or payments for the placement of qualified youths in its internship programme. 

We want to clarify that the NDDC is not associated with this fraudulent selection process. Official communications from us will always come from our verified websites and social media accounts. 

If you receive a message similar to the one described, we urge you to disregard the fraudulent message and report it to the appropriate authorities. 

Your safety and privacy are our priority. 

For legitimate inquiries about our empowerment programmes, please contact us directly through our official channels. 

We also encourage beneficiaries of our programmes to verify facts on the NDDC's official website: [www.nddc.gov.ng]. 

Seledi Thompson-Wakama Director, 

Corporate Affairs September 6, 2024.