The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has been conferred with the BusinessDay Excellence in Public Service Award alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and seven other Ministers.

The award was presented to Ogbuku by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, during the 2025 BusinessDay Public Service Lecture and Excellence Awards in Abuja.

Speaking during the ceremony, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer expressed joy over the award and remarked that it showed that Nigerians appreciated the work the NDDC was doing in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

Ogbuku stated: “It is a recognition of our hard work all through the year. We thank God for the opportunity of service, and we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving us the platform to showcase our ingenuity. He put together a team that has transformed the administration and development of the Niger Delta region.

“We also thank the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who has provided us with technical and administrative support. This honour calls on us to do more and reminds us that next year we must redouble our efforts and do better.

“We will not rest on our oars until we satisfy the yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta region and take development to the nooks and crannies of the region as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged the recognition of his ministry’s collective efforts to rebuild public trust and enhance Nigeria’s information ecosystem under the current administration.

“Over the past 2 years, we have focused on redefining Nigeria’s national communication architecture to promote transparency, professionalism, and citizen-centred governance. We have revitalised the national orientation framework, strengthened government-to-citizen communication, and advanced reforms that promote media responsibility, ethical standards, and public accountability.

“The Ministry remains committed to building a more informed, united, and values-driven society. We will continue to strengthen public communication channels and deepen the reforms necessary for a healthier, more transparent information space.”

Giving his impressions on the award to the NDDC Managing Director, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, said that the honour would energise the Commission to do more.

He said the award has validated the contributions of the NDDC in driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta. “This recognition and acknowledgement will encourage us to continue contributing to the development of our region and the nation.”

Also speaking, the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, described the award as a significant recognition for the NDDC. He thanked the BusinessDay newspaper and noted that the NDDC would continue to give back to the communities in the Niger Delta region.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Publisher of Business Day, Mr Frank Aigbogun, said that the BusinessDay awards were meant to honour functionaries in strategic government positions who demonstrate exceptional performance and leadership.

He noted: “The BusinessDay Public Lecture and Award Series is a veritable platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and business experts to discuss the most pressing issues facing Nigeria’s economy and proffer implementable solutions.”
Aigbogun, represented by the Editor of BusinessDay, Mr. Lolade Akinmurele, said that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. “It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.”

” There is no doubt that this year’s Public Service lecture and award, with the theme: Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future: Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities”, is very apt, given the current critical challenges the country faces.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will confer the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery and Sustainable Regional Growth on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, on December 7, 2025.

A letter signed by the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, stated that Ogbuku would be honoured at the forthcoming Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) organized by The Best Strategic (TBS) Media in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

According to the Permanent Secretary, the prestigious award ceremony, scheduled to take place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, would be graced by President Tinubu.

Danjuma states: “With reference to the letter from the Chairman, Advisory Council of Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service, I write to respectfully inform you that you have been nominated to receive a Distinguished Award for Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery and Sustainable Regional Growth.”

Recall that the President had, on July 12, 2024, during the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt, commended the NDDC Board and Management for working in harmony to fast-track the development of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

This recognition highlights Ogbuku’s remarkable contributions to advancing infrastructure development and promoting sustainable growth in the Niger Delta region. Significant achievements, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and social amenities, have marked his stewardship at NDDC.

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for offering the state the hosting rights of the 2026 Niger Delta Sports Festival.

Senator Okpebholo gave the commendation when the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, led a team of the Commission’s officials, including the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, the Edo State Representative on the Board of the Commission, Hon. Patrick Aisoweiorem, and other Directors, on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Benin City.

In a statement by Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Governor Okpegholo acknowledged the achievements recorded by the NDDC in recent times, noting a positive turnaround in the execution of projects in Edo State.

The Governor said the Niger Delta Sports Festival would harness the youth’s potential, promote unity and community development in the Niger Delta region.

He commended the NDDC for initiating the sports festival, which he said had provided a platform to bring young sports talents from the region together. According to him, “this praiseworthy initiative would foster youth development, promote peace, and contribute to economic growth.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, affirmed that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the development of the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku urged state governors in the Niger Delta region to increase their collaboration with the NDDC to promote economic and sustainable development in the oil-rich region.

The NDDC boss restated the importance of stakeholder engagements, which he noted was a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He observed that events like sports festivals were not just about competition but also about unity, development, and the discovery of homegrown talents.

Ogbuku stated: “We are all united by a common problem, such as environmental challenges. We should leverage on sports as a uniting factor.”

The Managing Director noted that previous partnerships had been very beneficial to the Niger Delta region. He recalled that the NDDC successfully executed the 27.5-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, constructed in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC.

He noted that the Commission recently completed the emergency reconstruction of the Irrua-Ewu-Agbede Road in Uhunwonde/Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Ogbuku explained that the Irrua-Aviele project would link up with the Benin-Irrua road project being executed by the Federal Ministry of Works.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, describing him as an excellent motivator for many achievements recorded by the NDDC.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr Desmond Enabulele, said that the state was peaceful and rich in culture. He thanked the state governor for his massive support for sports development in the state.

…Passes Vote Of Confidence On Otuaru, Tompolo

The National Leadership of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, the umbrella body of committed All Progressives Congress (APC) youths across the nine Niger Delta states comprising ex-agitators, party stakeholders, and human rights activists, have condemned in totality, the false allegations and cheap blackmail targeted against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaru.

The group made its position known during an emergency press conference held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to address what it described as “an unfortunate wave of fabricated stories and politically motivated blackmail being circulated by a few disgruntled individuals uncomfortable with the transparent and excellent work being done by Dr. Otuaru in the Amnesty Office.

According to the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, in a statement read to newsmen and signed by the President/ National Coordinator, Snr. Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder And National Secetary, Dr. AK Peters, totally condemn, in strong terms, these baseless and malicious allegations sponsored by misguided, unpatriotic, and disgruntled elements, whom are best described as idols of underdevelopment in the region.

According to the group, these agents of distraction have chosen the path of falsehood and blackmail rather than contributing to peace and progress, simply because they cannot withstand the visible transformation and transparency that Chief Dr. Otuaro has brought to the Presidential Amnesty Programme in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The group stated that “Since assuming office, Chief Dr. Otuaru has demonstrated visionary, pragmatic, foresighted, and transparent leadership that has repositioned and transformed the Presidential Amnesty Programme from a transactional initiative benefitting a few individuals into a credible, people-oriented, and transparent human-capital development platform.”

“Under his administration, the PAP has: Implemented large-scale vocational and technical training programmes for ex-agitators, Niger Delta youths, and women both within Nigeria and in reputable international institutions in the United Kingdom and other countries, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope mantra.Expanded educational scholarship opportunities, professional certification, maritime, and seafaring training to global standards for human capacity building.”

” He Promoted a culture of accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and open-door governance, engaging critical stakeholders, traditional rulers, and youth leaders across the region and Aligned the Amnesty Programme with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, transforming Niger Delta youths from agitation to productivity, and from restiveness to responsible nation-building.”

“Through his dynamic and people-oriented leadership, the Amnesty Programme has become a cornerstone of sustainable peace, socio-economic growth, and development in the Niger Delta.”

The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard also commended High Chief Tompolo for his patriotic commitment to safeguarding national assets and securing Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.

According to the group, ” Tompolo, through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Tompolo has played a key role in boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production, which has risen from under 900,000 barrels per day to nearly 2 million barrels per day. His collaboration with security agencies has ensured relative peace, protection of vital infrastructure, and restoration of confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas operations.”

The group noted that together, Dr. Otuaru and Government Ekpemupolo represent a new era of responsible leadership, partnership, and patriotism in the Niger Delta, in perfect alignment with President Tinubu’s vision of national unity, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

The group however warned against Political Sabotage and Blackmail, warning those circulating fabricated allegations and malicious propaganda against these respected sons of the Niger Delta to desist immediately.

The group described such campaigns of deceit and character assassination as not only counterproductive but also as direct attacks on the peace, stability, and economic progress currently being enjoyed under President Tinubu’s leadership.

The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard declared that it will no longer tolerate any form of cheap blackmail or unfounded allegations orchestrated by known enemies of peace and development in the region. Should these unpatriotic actors persist, the group said it would have no choice but to declare them “enemies of peace and economic stability” in the Niger Delta.

The group however declared that in view of Chief Dr. Otuaru’s unprecedented achievements, transparent governance, and loyalty to the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leadership of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard hereby passes a resounding Vote of Confidence on Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaru, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The group also recognizes and appreciates High Chief Tompolo for his outstanding contributions to peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta region.

“The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty, full support, and total commitment to the visionary leadership of Dr. Otuaru, and to the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu.”

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has urged the traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region to step up their collaboration and support to the Commission in ensuring the sustainable development of the region.

Speaking during the Annual Strategic Consultative Feedback Forum for Traditional Rulers in the Niger Delta Region, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the guidance and support of the traditional rulers were critical to sustainable development.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Governance, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, described the traditional rulers as “essential partners” in the development process.

He declared, “You are our essential partners in the quest for sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region. This forum is designed to gather valuable feedback from our traditional institutions, enabling us to understand your communities’ needs and priorities, first-hand.

Through this interactive dialogue, we aim to compile community-based needs assessments, pinpoint critical areas for intervention, and enhance our collaboration in fostering inclusive, people-centred development.”

“We understand that we can’t truly develop the Niger Delta without your guidance, support, and input. You, our esteemed traditional rulers, are the genuine voices of your people and the guardians of their hopes and dreams.”

“We genuinely believe that this ongoing collaboration will yield more meaningful outcomes and help us achieve our overarching goals of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity for the region.

He observed: “The traditional institution remains the closest to the people. The institution is trusted, respected, and uniquely positioned to mediate, guide, and reconcile the controversies we experience among ourselves. Today, more than ever, your role is essential in bridging.

“We must therefore strengthen our local conflict resolution mechanisms; reviving traditional councils, promoting inclusive dialogue that engages men, women, and youth, and ensuring that grievances are addressed swiftly and fairly. Let us also encourage collaboration between traditional institutions and government agencies, civil society, and security forces, built on mutual respect and shared purpose.”

“The future of the Niger Delta depends on the peace of its communities. Development cannot thrive amid division. Let this forum renew our collective will to pursue peace, not as a temporary truce, but as a culture and way of life.”

Delivering his address, the National Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, and Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Felix Mujakperuo, the Orodje of Okpe described peace as a pre-requisite for development.
The TROMPCON Chairman, represented by the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, and the First Vice Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, King Pere Luke Kalanama remarked that peace-building was necessary for sustainable development.

Furthermore, he stated that traditional rulers in contiguous kingdoms should be constituted into conflict management committees for conflict resolution, remarking that conflict resolution is necessary for conflict management.
Speaking on how the Commission could benefit rural communities, the Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum and the monarch of Emohua, King Sergeant Awuse, argued that one cannot offer feedback on any programme unless he was carried along from the inception.

Decrying a situation in which traditional rulers are not part of project conception, formulation, and execution, he further remarked that this remains inimical to effective project delivery and, by extension, to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region.

In his own remarks, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, described peace as the main prerequisite for development. While laying credence to views canvassed by previous speakers, King Spiff said that traditional rulers should be given their pride of place in the Nigerian Constitution.

He likened today’s traditional rulers to school children whose names do not appear in the school register, wondering why the Nigerian Constitution denied them the roles hitherto assigned to them in previous constitutions.

“Development, he said, ‘should be technically driven as is the practice in Britain and other Western nations.” He stated that the Niger Delta could be turned into an industrial hub with various areas of specialisation, including the marine industry, construction, agriculture, and fisheries.

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

One of the beneficiaries of the 18th batch of Rep. Unyime Idem’s foreign skills and human capital development programme, Peter Saturday Peter, has described the federal lawmaker as a “trademark of effective representation and human capital developer,” following his sponsorship of four Akwa Ibom youths to the People’s Republic of China for advanced training in Eco-Leather Technology and Digital Security.

Rep. Idem, who represents Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Public Procurement, sponsored Peter Saturday Peter, Ndifreke Sunday Otu, Anietie Mark Etuk, and Emmanson Aniekan Eno on the all-expense-paid training as part of his commitment to empowering 100 Akwa Ibom youths with globally competitive skills.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries at a send-off ceremony at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja hosted by the Federal Lawmaker, Peter Saturday expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the training modules are rich, transformative, and aligned with emerging global technologies. He added that the exposure will enhance their effectiveness and broaden their capacity to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.

He praised Rep. Idem for his impactful representation, citing his strong legislative performance, diligent oversight duties, and exceptional record in human capital development. He further appreciated the lawmaker for selecting and sponsoring the beneficiaries for the China programme.

Peter Saturday who is a media/public relations practitioner and crusader of good governance for public good concluded by thanking God for the opportunity and reaffirmed his support for Rep. Unyime Idem, whom he described as a true symbol of effective and people-centered leadership.