The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has extended a heart felt deep condolences to the Niger State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Garba Yakubu, and his entire family on the tragic loss of his beloved wife, Hajia Zainab.
The United Arab Emirates has said it will support Bayelsa State in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region to develop its gas resources, agriculture and seaport.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, stated this at a meeting with the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, at the embassy in Abuja on Tuesday.
The UAE envoy, who appreciated Governor Diri’s visit, noted that it was the first time they were meeting but that he had followed developments in Bayelsa and was impressed with his performance in office.
Al-Shamsi commended the governor for establishing a new ministry on blue economy to tap into and develop the state’s maritime potentialities.
He also said information available to him was that Bayelsa was peaceful and had recently successfully conducted local government election.
He said his country was willing to collaborate and support the state and would welcome a visit of its team to Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital city.
According to Al-Shamsi, “We appreciate this visit and the opportunity to explore areas of cooperation and support.
“The UAE is ready to discuss any area of interest between Bayelsa and Abu Dhabi and willing to support the state towards developing its oil and gas resources, its agricultural sector and the seaport.
“You have just established a Ministry of Blue Economy. As a maritime environment, the establishment of this ministry is very commendable.
“The Dubai Ports will meet with your team and they can discuss how to develop your seaport. We will arrange a meeting with the ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) team on oil and gas development as well as with our Agriculture Minister.”
The UAE ambassador appreciated the robust relationship between his country and Nigeria, stating that all outstanding issues between both countries will soon be resolved.
He also commended Nigerians for their resilience in the face of the country’s economic challenges, saying the UAE was willing to support President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria to overcome them.
Responding, the Bayelsa governor equally expressed appreciation to the envoy for the warm reception.
Governor Diri noted that his visit was divine as the ambassador already had in mind virtually all he wanted to discuss with him.
He welcomed the opportunity of meeting with UAE officials to foster bilateral cooperation and relationship also in areas of educational and science and technology development.
Diri said the state seeks private investors to develop its seaport at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area and expressed excitement about the proposal of the envoy, saying the port will serve the whole of the Niger Delta and the South East.
He stated that Bayelsa was an oil and gas-rich state but is seeking investors on gas as an alternative revenue source and as the country transits to gas as a cleaner energy.
The governor assured that his team was ready to meet with the UAE officials to discuss the areas of collaboration.
With a mix of pride and nostalgia, I, Pius Ughakpoteni, announce my retirement as the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), effective June 26, 2024.
I am deeply grateful to the Managing Director/CEO of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for his astute leadership and for considering wise counsel in approving the recommendation for my posting as the Director of Corporate Affairs. Leading this department has been an immense privilege and a profoundly fulfilling journey. Throughout my tenure, I have been fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders committed to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
I am especially grateful to my colleagues in the media, whose support and collaboration have been invaluable to our success. As a proud alumnus of the ThisDay family, I have always cherished the strong relationships I have built within the media industry. These connections have not only enriched my professional experience but have also played a pivotal role in amplifying the NDDC's message and ensuring transparency in our operations.
As I embark on my next chapter, I will be fully engaged in two of my passions: lifelong learning and knowledge dissemination. In addition to running the Center for Corporate Sustainability Performance Advancement, where I will leverage my doctoral research from Business School Lausanne to work with C-suite executives on advancing corporate sustainability performance, I will dedicate my time to advocating for the practical application of the lessons encapsulated in my new book, “Making the Niger Delta Work: Strategy Execution Tips from the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan and Essays on the Niger Delta.”
I am pleased to introduce Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, who belongs to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), as my successor at the NDDC. Mrs. Thompson-Wakama has been a vital part of the NDDC's history for a long time, joining the Commission in 2004 and advancing through significant roles from Manager to Director. But Seledi is more than just an accomplished professional with a wealth of knowledge and a keen intellect. She was fortunate enough to work under the guidance of Mr. Anietie Usen and Dr. Christie Atako, the first two Heads of the Commission's Corporate Communications. Together, they cultivated the core values of integrity, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that define our department today.
With a strong educational background from the University of Port Harcourt and the Mandelson School of Business and Management in the UK, as well as a recent Leadership Certificate from Harvard Business School, Mrs. Thompson-Wakama possesses a wealth of expertise in corporate governance, personnel management, and leadership. She has held key roles at prestigious organizations such as the NDDC, British American Insurance Limited, and the National Boundary Commission, demonstrating her capability to navigate complex organizational structures and deliver impactful results.
Reflecting on her appointment, Thompson-Wakama expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to continue the NDDC's commitment to transparency and accountability. "I am honored to be entrusted with this responsibility," she said. "Effective communication is essential to our success, and I am committed to building upon the strong foundation that Mr Ughakpoteni has established and ensuring that the NDDC’s message is heard loud and clear."
Mrs. Thompson-Wakama’s strategic vision, combined with her operational prowess and financial acumen, makes her an invaluable asset to the NDDC. I have full confidence in her ability to lead the Corporate Affairs department with distinction, building upon the strong foundation we have established and further enhancing the NDDC’s reputation as a transparent and accountable organization. I leave my role knowing that the NDDC is in capable hands. My exit today is in line with a plan Seledi and I have been working on over the past few weeks to ensure a seamless handover process and to uphold the high standards of corporate communications we have set.
I am deeply grateful for the support I have received throughout my tenure at NDDC. I am proud of the progress we have made in advancing the organization's communication strategies and upholding its mission of sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. To all our stakeholders and partners, I extend my sincere appreciation for your collaboration and dedication. Your commitment to the NDDC’s mandate has been integral to our collective achievements.
I urge my friends in the media to embrace Seledi with the same warmth and camaraderie you have shown me, and together, let us continue to build upon the legacy we have nurtured. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to continue contributing to the field of corporate sustainability.
Pius Ughakpoteni
Outgoing Director of Corporate Affairs, NDDC.
…10 FOREIGN SCOUTS , AGENTS EXPECTED BY 30TH JUNE.
The Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, otherwise known as the Prosperity Cup, says it is set to flag off the 5th edition of the Governor Douye Diri International Scouting Programme and Coaching Clinic for coaches participating in the ongoing competition.
The scouting event sponsored by the organisers of Nigeria’s largest Grassroot Football Tournament is in collaboration with Tristone Football Club, OTP Finland, and Red Sapphire
According to a statement by Mr Ono K. Akpe, Director General, and Mr Perala Aboro, the Tournament Director/Head Scouting, the international coaching clinic which follows the recently organized refresher course for referees is in line with Governor Douye Diri's commitment to enhancing the capacity, skills, knowledge and empowerment of Bayelsans through strategic capacity building programmes.
The four-day programme will see foreign experts visit Bayelsa and impact knowledge of new coaching techniques to the grassroot coaches through comprehensive coaching courses, that will equip them with advanced techniques and strategies on how to train, nurture and develop young athletes to stardom.
The statement noted that resource persons will be led by Coach Glenn Stahl of Sweden, Hakan Uyanmis, football agent and CEO, and H-Sports management agency of Turkey. Other resource persons include: Mindaugas Malinauskas (Lithuania) a retired goalkeeper and current goalkeeper's Coach in Lithuania; Augustine Jibrin (Finland/Nigeria), Head Coach OTP United; Kestutis Petkus, Head Coach FK Babrungas Plunges (Lithuania); Ahmet Ozein, Agent Choil (Turkey); Hilary Azudo, Sporting Director OTP Finland; Peter Nieketen Ex-international and UEFA B Coach, Simas Kumza Sporting Director FK Babrugas Plug, Lithuania and the Coordinator of the programme Kelvin Etemike of Tristone.
A total of 50 coaches are expected to participate in the programme and due to the need to develop our grassroot coaches, team coaches that qualified for the Round of 32 will be sponsored by the tournament organisers as well as four state coaches and four female coaches, totaling forty coaches (40 coaches) and 10 external coaches.
However, other coaches, especially coaches from outside Bayelsa State who are interested in participating in the scouting programme and coaching clinic, are expected to pay a token of N20,000 only as course and registration fee.
The DG, in the statement, therefore called on coaches interested in participating in the coaching clinic slated for June 30th - July 3rd to get their registration forms through Dr Akpofini Odogu- 08065337798, Mr. Patrick - 07013165085 and Mrs Blessing - 07063485003.
He said the deadline for registration is Monday, 24th June 2024.
The statement concluded by notifying coaches that there is limited number of spaces available, so it will strictly be on 'first come first serve basis' calling on interested teams to parade exceptional and talented players within the ages of 18-20years.
Mr Akpe encouraged coaches and talented footballers in Bayelsa to take advantage of this once in a life time opportunity that can serve as a pedestal to achieving their dreams, boost their careers and eventually take them to the international stage.
He concluded by thanking the Games Master General of Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri, for his positive impact on the youths of Bayelsa through sports development.
...Organizers Commend Ogbia Council Boss For A Colourful Final
Nigeria's biggest grassroots football tournament, the Prosperity Cup ongoing local government finals train, continued on Tuesday in Ogbia Local Government with Movers FC of Otuasega emerging Ogbia champions.
Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup witnessed an unprecedented turn out of fans at the Otuasega Township Stadium and was watched by the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government, Hon Golden Jeremiah, Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Michael Ogbara, Chief I.I. Afagha, former Ogbia PDP Caucus Chairman amongst other dignataries.
Movers FC of Otuasega joined the league of LGA Champions already boasting the likes of Krusaders Feeders FC of Ekeremor, Agbere FC of Sagbama, Odi United of Kolokuma/Opokuma, Kongho United of Brass.
Movers FC of Otuasega beat Anyama FC 2-1 to lift the trophy. Precious Omonibo saw off Brandy Ataria's challenge to feed Elton Mina who chipped the ball into the net in a sublime fashion to put the Otuasega side ahead 10 minutes into the game.
Mina almost made it 2-0 on 20 minutes but his effort was saved by the last man in the defence line of the opposition. Anyama FC should have their goalkeeper Darlington Emeka to thank who kept them in the game with crucial saves stopping Precious Omonibo and Sydney Appiah's shots as well.
Sydney Appiah doubled the lead for the Movers FC on 48 minutes from Precious Omonibo's beautiful low pass as he rifled home to score the second goal for Movers FC who completely outclassed the Anyama side.
Vincent Azibapu who was in great form for the Anyama FC replied for Anyama FC on 82 minutes but was unable to secure the second goal that would have stretched the game to penalties.
Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Hon Golden Jeremiah in his remarks, said the quality of football displayed by both sides has shown that Ogbia is filled with talents that would represent the nation in the future.
The Ogbia council boss thanked Governor Douye Diri and the organizers of the tournament for giving the youths the platform to put their lives on the right track through sports, urging both teams to give Ogbia good representation as the tournament progresses.
He commended the Movers FC and Anyama FC for the orderliness and the show of professionalism, describing grassroots football as the bedrock of football in every nation.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Daniel Baralate Igali represented by the Assistant Director Human Resources Management, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Mike Ede-Alakere remarked that the tournament is a means to curb crime and social vices by giving the youths a profitable line of occupation.
According to him, the Prosperity Administration was committed to engaging young Bayelsans meaningfully through football and as well build capacity in the youths, saying that he was impressed with the electrifying atmosphere in Otuasega.
Director-General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe in an address, thanked the people of Ogbia for the hospitality, describing the final as the best witnessed so far in the ongoing local government finals putting the clement weather, hospitality, ambiance and football displayed.
Mr. Akpe noted that the support by the governor, Senator Douye Diri has been massive in the tournament, pointing out that outstanding players have been identified in both teams that would join the international scouting exercise at the end of this month.
He explained that about ten scouts from Europe are expected to be in Bayelsa for the international scouting program alongside a coaching clinic for local coaches to be acquainted with modern coaching techniques.
Earlier, Tournament Director, Mr. Perela Aboro appreciated the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government and the people of Otuasega for the colourful atmosphere.
Also, Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Gabriel Ogbara lauded the organizers of the spectacle for investing in the youth.
Members of the Prosperity Cup LOC including the DDG Corporate Affairs, Deacon Zuobomowei Emmanuel Appah, the Tournament Director, Mr Perela Aboro, the Technical Director, Diseye Nwankwe, Mr Ada Gwegwe, Marvelous Marcauley Akpuluma Jr led by Mr. Ono Akpe alongside Mr Mike Ede-Alakere the representative of the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development had joined the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government, Hon. Golden Jeremiah to the Otuasega Township Hall where they received by the chiefs, elders, CDC and the youths of Otuasega before the game.
Organisers of the Prosperity Cup presented a plaque and one hundred thousand naira (N100,000.00) to Movers FC of Otuasega, a plaque and fifty thousand naira (N50,000.00) to Anyama FC and an award to the Ogbia Council Boss for his support to the development of sports and ensuring a successful final.
The highlight of the event was the donation of a new pair of jerseys by the member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency in the House of Representative, Hon. Mitema Obordor to Movers FC as the Champions of Ogbia Local Government Area.
The LGA Finals Train moves to the Nembe Township Stadium on Thursday for another exciting final between Nembe FC and Fisherman's Sons FC .
By Ifeatu Agbu
It took the composure, confidence and sincerity of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to win the approval of the Senate for the N1.911 trillion 2024 budget of the Commission within 24 hours.
Appearing before members of the National Assembly for budget defence could test the wits of many and push their adrenalin into overdrive. Luckily for the current leadership of the NDDC, its performance scorecard is loaded with positive outcomes that inspire hope.
The Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, attested to this recently during the inauguration of the 600-meter Ibeno Bridge and the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-IwuoAchang Road, in Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, showered praises on the NDDC Board and Management for delivering impactful projects in the Niger Delta region. He said that despite the enormous challenges of developing the region, the NDDC had risen to the task by executing projects that have improved the lives of the people.
Against this background, one can understand why the NDDC budget was treated with dispatch and approved with minimal queries. The Senators were convinced that the proposals presented by the NDDC, represented a clear roadmap for the rapid development of the Niger Delta region.
In retrospect, the NDDC has been fortunate to enjoy a somewhat cordial relationship with both chambers of the National Assembly. Last year, after initial misgivings over the accumulated budgets of 2021, 2022 and 2023, the National Assembly was convinced to pass the budgets for the three years.
Indeed, the rapport between the NDDC and the lawmakers shone light a bright light in 2017 when the legislators facilitated the expeditious passage of the amendment to the NDDC Act as it relates to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG.
The amended law included a clause that the NLNG and other gas-producing companies must pay not less than three per cent of their annual total budget into the coffers of the NNDC as their contributions to the fund of the Commission. It also included that the percentage should be fixed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
Evidently, the NDDC has very good reasons to be thankful to the lawmakers, who are among its numerous supervisors. For the records, the Act establishing the NDDC makes it one of the most monitored Federal Government agencies in the country.
The relevant committees in the Senate and the House of Representatives, the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, the Advisory Committee made up of all the governors of the region, among others, take turns to beam searchlights on the activities of this very important interventionist agency. In a way, this has helped the commission to always be on its toes.
The intention of the Act setting up the NDDC was for the key development actors in the region, especially the state governments, to play a strategic role and indeed take leadership in the harmonisation of the development strides in the region.
The Act provided and constituted the nine governors of the region into the NDDC Advisory Committee, thereby creating a window for the joint inputs of the governors and most importantly a platform for regional integration of plans, projects and programmes.
It is expected that the NDDC Advisory Committee will use the window of the impending review of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan to reflect the vision of the various states into the development compass and take ownership of the plan.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, underlines the fact that regional development requires robust funding to effectively address specific and urgent development needs in the Niger Delta region. He notes that timely and flexible financial decision-making is crucial to respond effectively to dynamic regional challenges, stating: “There is no doubt that funding is critical to the development of the Niger Delta region and the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.”
Ogbuku, said that the 2024 appropriation was anchored on the theme: “Budget of Renewed Hope” in line with the Federal Government’s budget, noting that “the proposed budget seeks to move the Commission from transaction to transformation and it is a product of participatory budgeting process that involves all the major stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region.”
He said further: “In preparing the 2024 budget, our primary objective has been to sustain our robust foundation for sustainable economic development. A critical focus of this budget is this present management’s commitment to a greener future.
Seeing that investing in critical infrastructure is a key component of its fiscal strategy, the NDDC launched a ‘Rewind to Rebirth’ initiative as “a strategic vision designed to recalibrate engagement with the Niger Delta and the Commission’s overall intervention implementation plan.” That initiative provided the bulwark for the Commission’s drive to do things differently, as it also embraced the Public Private Partnership, PPP, model to provide alternative sources of funding for key development projects and programmes.
It is important to leverage private capital to augment public funding, hence the NDDC's deliberate decision to pursue the PPP option. By partnering with the private sector, the Commission can unlock a wealth of resources, expertise, and innovation that will enable it tackle complex development challenges more effectively.
Perhaps, this informed the new strategy of seeking bank credits to bridge the funding gap and accelerate the completion of signature projects. This approach, while requiring careful planning and risk management, offers a unique opportunity to achieve more results within a short period of time.
The plan in the 2024 budget to raise N1 trillion, to be sourced from the development and commercial banks, for the completion of 1,006 legacy projects spread across the region, is pragmatic and should be encouraged to succeed because it is targeted at specific projects, which includes roads, bridges, electricity projects, school buildings, hospitals, shore protection and reclamation, among others.
It is noteworthy that the current NDDC’s leadership approach to development and collaboration is beginning to yield bountiful results, as can be seen from the recent commissioning of five flagship projects within 10 days.
Between May 18 and May 28, 2024, the NDDC commissioned the 9km Obehie-Oke-Ikpe road in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State; the 27.5 kilometre Ogbia -Nembe Road, constructed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC; the 1×15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation in Amufi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in Benin City, Edo State; the 45km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa, Ondo State and the NDDC 6km Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and 600m Ibeno Bridge in Ibeno LGA, Akwa Ibom State.
These landmark projects, which are among the 92 infrastructure projects completed at a cost of N84 billion across the nine mandates states of the NDDC, speak of the impact the Commission is making in the quest to quicken the pace of development in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
Even with the huge portfolio of projects, stakeholders must not lose sight of the fact that the NDDC is not just about infrastructure development. The interventionist agency is envisioned to look at development from a holistic standpoint that includes investing in education, healthcare, skill training, as well as youth and women development.
An all-encompassing development goes beyond building roads and bridges, it entails human capital development, as well. This too, must be funded adequately and at the right time.
...Beat Water Strikers Of Twon- Brass In Penalty Shootout
The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament popularly known as Prosperity Cup Season 6 LGA Finals continue to record exciting football and draw more support and appreciation across the state and beyond as Brass LGA Final came to climaxing end with Kongho FC the proud winners of the LGA Final.
A few minutes after the blast of the whistle, Kongho FC left no one in doubt that they came to the party well prepared. Their early incursion into their opponents half almost resulted into a very early goal, but the defence of Water Strikers repelled their attack.
Nackson Prince of Kongho FC gave the Water Strikers defence a big job on the day as he kept them on their toes every way of the game. As tormentor-general, he threw all spanners at the works of the Water Strikers defense, but they determined not to be undone easily withstood him and the rest of the Kongho attack But their resolute defence could only keep the rampaging Kongho attackers at bay for 11 minutes when Nackson Prince drilled the opener into the far corner of Water Strikers net to the admiration of the capacity crowd that watched the exciting cup final in the coastal city of Brass.
The first half ended with Kongho FC’s one zero lead. On resumption of play, the Water Strikers team showed they were no push overs with a determined approach to overturn the Kongho lead, but the goalkeeper of Kongho reduced their efforts to nothing. Kongho FC took a closer leap to the winner’s trophy when they increased the tally to two through the boots of Ben Oweiwari 12 minutes into the second half.
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When everyone thought it was lights out for Water Strikers, Baratuaipre buried the hopes of Kongho FC in going home with the trophy, though only momentarily, with his equaliser.
The game ended with the scores at 2:2 and went into a penalty shoot out. In the end, Kongho came out tops and concluded the well written script they executed with determination winning the penalty shoot out 4:2 to the joy of the ecstatic crowd.
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The Chairman Brass local government represented by the leader of the legislative arm Hon Clement Aseitongha thanked the governor for making it possible to have the tournament and appreciated the organizers for the work they're doing. He also received the award of Excellence for Promoting Grassroots Sports Development and a branded jersey of the tournament for the Chairman, Hon Lucky Febo, from the COC of Prosperity Cup.
The champions were awarded a plaque and a hundred thousand naira (N100,000) only by the COC of Prosperity Cup while Water Strikers went home with fifty thousand naira (N50,000) only and a plaque.
The LGA Finals will continue in Kaiama on Monday 17th to produce the champion of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area at the Kaiama Grammar School Field.
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has provided clarity on the issue of the tenure of...
