‎The organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup, say they are pleased with the progress of the State referees in the last few years of the tournament.
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‎Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe gave the thumbs up while speaking at the opening ceremony of the referees refresher training programme at the Golden Tulip Resort and Apartments, Onopa, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
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‎The Director General, who was represented by the Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr Perela Aboro, noted that the training exercise has continued to improve the capacity of the state referees, pointing out that the dream of the tournament is to see Bayelsa excel at the global stage.
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‎According to him, the state referees are receiving international recognition as a result of the continuous investment on the umpires, urging them to discharge their duties during the tournament with utmost professionalism.
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‎He explained that five Bayelsa-born referees are in the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL, 12 in the Nigeria National League and five in the Nigeria Women Football League NWFL, maintaining that the quality of officiating has improved since the introduction of the refresher training.
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‎Also speaking, Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Aye Andrew, while expressing gratitude to the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, charged the referees to make good use of the opportunity,
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‎Chairman of the Bayelsa State Football Association, BSFA, Barr Porbeni Ogun, who was represented by the secretary of the Association, Mr. Diseye Nwankwe, remarked that the refresher course was not just an event but an investment in the future of football in the State.
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‎While commending the organizers of the tournament for the exercise, the Bayelsa State Football Association boss noted that since the commencement of the refresher training for referees, complaints of controversial officiating have reduced in the tournament.
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‎He explained that the exploits of the state referees outside the shores of Bayelsa State was indicative of the huge steps taken by the Prosperity Cup organizers for umpires in the State to compete favourably with their peers outside the state..
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‎Speaking in an interview shortly after the end of the theoretical session of day one of the training programme, CAF instructor and member of the NFF Referees Committee, Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, emphasized that the refresher course would significantly enhance officiating standards in line with global best practices.
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‎He appreciated the organizers for their efforts and encouraged other states to adopt similar training programmes to improve refereeing nationwide, stating that the exercise would give referees new directions when the competition begins.
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‎Richman Otiti and Rachel Onyekwere, who participated in the training programme, acknowledged that the exercise introduced them to new laws of the game, some of which would take effect in June.
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‎The duo expressed gratitude to the organizers for updating them with the latest officiating rules and ensuring that they remained competitive with their counterparts across Nigeria and beyond.
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‎The theoretical session of the training programme was immediately followed by a practical session at the Government House pitch. The programme continues tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has flagged off a six-week training programme for 400 Niger Delta youths on the Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, Autogas Conversion.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital development and a deliberate effort to position Niger Delta youths at the forefront of Nigeria’s energy transition.

A statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs noted that Ogbuku, who was represented by the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, said the training, which would run in two batches of three weeks each, was designed to equip participants with practical skills in CNG vehicle conversion, system maintenance, and safety standards, in line with global best practices.

He stated: “The CNG is a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to conventional fuels and the growing adoption of CNG-powered vehicles across Nigeria has created a strong demand for skilled technicians.”

According to the NDDC boss, the training programme would reduce youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, support environmental sustainability, and create new economic opportunities in the Niger Delta region.

He urged beneficiaries to approach the training with discipline and dedication, cautioning them against selling their starter packs after graduation.

The Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, affirmed that 400 participants were selected for the programme and would be trained in two batches over six weeks. She encouraged the trainees to pay close attention and make the utmost use of the opportunity provided by the NDDC.

In his remarks, a representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), Mr Olayinka Rufai, commended the NDDC for its forward-looking approach and alignment with the Federal Government’s vision for clean energy. He described the initiative as futuristic and praised the Commission for advancing the CNG agenda in the Niger Delta region.

Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, urged youths to fully utilise the skills acquired from NDDC-sponsored programmes rather than continually seeking new training opportunities. He noted that the CNG conversion training would expose participants to endless economic possibilities.

The Head Trainer from Viedenburg Energy Resources, Mr Saidu Hamdullahi, encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity to improve themselves and prepare for emerging opportunities in the energy sector.

‎By Hananeel Jackson

‎A renowned American wrestler and entrepreneur, Dwayne Johnson once said “Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.”

‎This timeless quote from Dwayne Johnson has continued to be the driving force of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, formerly known as Restoration Cup.

‎Since 2015 when the tournament was conceptualized by the former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the spectacle has continued to be the bedrock for many grassroots footballers in Bayelsa with some plying their trades with different European clubs ensuring that the dream of the vision bearer, Mr. Ono Akpe is realized.

In the maiden edition in 2015, the tournament witnessed 110 teams in participation with Ewo-ama FC of Brass Local Government Area emerging champions, defeating River Ramos FC of Ekeremor LGA at the Nembe City Stadium, Nembe. Okardi Inikurogha of Ewo-ama FC won the Most Valuable Player of that edition.

However, 2017 saw an increase from communities, tertiary institutions and faith-based organizations as Peretorugbene FC of Ekeremor Local Government Area were crowned champions of that edition. The 2017 edition produced the present Bayelsa United captain, Gabriel Biriduba and Tarabina Bweribo under the tutelage of Meinkeme Fekete with 154 teams in participation.

‎Hon Sunday Dare, former Minister of Sports now Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, named the Prosperity Cup Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament in 2019 at the grand finale of the spectacle. Okolobiri FC won that year’s edition with 160 teams taking part.

‎The 2018/2019 tournament birthed a selected team called the Restoration Starlets FC that participated in the African Youth Championship in Cape Verde sponsored by the Bayelsa State Government under the watch of Diepreye Teibowei. The Restoration Starlets finished third in the competition. Later in 2019, the team was crowned champions of the Bayelsa State League on their return from Cape Verde.

The showpiece was halted in 2020/2021 as a result of the global pandemic, COVID-19 that ravaged the world.

The competition resumed in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic with a total of 210 teams and that edition was won by Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM) FC of Yenagoa. This edition of the tournament attracted International Scouts from France, South Africa, Australia and Eastern Europe. A lot has been achieved by this competition as several players from the tournament are plying their trades with different clubs abroad.

‎The 2022 edition of the tournament witnessed its first scouting programme which was led by the Chief Executive, Supreme Sports International, Mr. Vincent Onyeama alongside the Chief Executive Officer, Aspire Sports France, Mr. Gregory Paul and Mr Passi Gerald of Olympique Marseille of France.

‎Other scouts that attended were from Memelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Thembela Lesly, Head coach and Newcastle Jets coach of Australia, Mr Hussein Skenderovic. Thereafter, the Prosperity Cup had its second scouting programme led by renowned FIFA agent, Ojo Paul Omamomo including Nikita Poliakov, Dimitri Churkin from FDC Vista Academy in Europe as well as former National team gaffer and Bendel Insurance coach, Kennedy Boboye and Ex-international Joseph Eyimofe.

‎Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene in 2023 won the tournament with 214 registered teams playing in 24 centres across the eight local government areas in the State. Beyond the prize money and the trophy, one of the most captivating moments of the 2023 edition was the young Everton of Ikoli side who took the tournament by storm.

‎Despite being the youngest side with a 20-year-old as the oldest in the team, shocked many teams to reach the quarter finals but were knocked out by eventual champions, Crusaders FC, beating De Grace 4-2 on penalties to claim the crown that year.

The visionary Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe and his team in the 2024 edition of the spectacle, added more spice to the competition with the introduction of the Women’s category, Para Soccer championship and the Local Government Area finals to decide champions in their respective local government areas.

‎According to Akpe, “the introduction of the women’s tournament was to consolidate on the achievements of Bayelsa Queens in women’s football in the country and continent, having finished third in 2022 in the CAF women’s champions league in Morocco”.

‎Apart from the various participating teams, the organizers have also created a platform to equip referees, coaches, medical personnel and coordinators with modern trends in their various vocations.

‎Ogboinbiri FC won the Prosperity Cup in 2024 beating Nembe City of Nembe at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa with 209 registered teams, in the presence of the NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and other critical stakeholders in Nigeria football.

‎Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC won the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament for the second time in 2025 to become the first team in the history of the tournament to achieve such a feat. EGM FC beat Advanced Dreams FA by 4-3 on penalties after hostilities ended in a barren draw after regulation time at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

The 2025 edition of the tournament was competed among 231 teams, an unprecedented number of registered teams, the highest entry since the inception of the competition in 2015.

‎However, the Women’s version of the Prosperity Cup have witnessed three different champions, Golden Sun Sports in 2023, Niger Delta Queens of Amassoma won the 2024 edition while Afini Ladies FC of Yenagoa in 2025, defeated tournament favourites, Ezougha Soccer Academy 4-2 on penalties to emerge champions.

‎The Prosperity Cup has over the years metamorphosed from being just a football competition to a veritable institution of learning, gathering knowledge and sharpening skills.

‎Due to the impeccable organization of the tournament, in preparation for the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season, the organizers of the Prosperity Cup held the first pre-season football tournament. They housed eight teams; Abia Warriors, Kwara United, Rivers United, Sunshine Stars, Bendel Insurance, Bayelsa United, and a team comprising selected players from the Prosperity Cup, took part in the pre-season tournament with the name Crusader FC.

‎Handsome Surveyor, one of the players that dazzled in the pre-season tournament was immediately signed by NPFL giants, Rivers United as a result of Crusader FC’s brilliant performance against Rivers United.

‎The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup has given grassroots footballers in the state the opportunity to earn a living as well as the opportunity to showcase their talents, with some plying their trade in the NPFL and others with foreign clubs.

‎Benjamin Precious is the latest player to enjoy the Prosperity Cup’s benevolence. He was discovered in Season five of the tournament after his impactful performance with Dream Football Academy, now Advanced Dreams FA under Kenneth Opukume’s watch.

‎Precious was an attacking sensation during the tournament and was admired by many fans and scouts in the SPOCS scouting programme at Remo, Ogun State and the 3rd Governor Douye Diri International Tournament in Yenagoa, thereafter he moved to the Gambian league, where he put up a brilliant performance before joining German Bundesliga side, TSG Hoffenheim.

‎Only recently, Precious shone like a million stars at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, compelling the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri commending the organizers of the tournament for their foresight. Other players are Joel Izibevie- Nestor who is currently in Bosnia.

‎Half of the Bayelsa United team that won the 2021 Aiteo Cup in Benin City, Edo State are products of the Prosperity Cup, Okardi Inikurogha, Robert Mizo who is currently in northern Cyprus, Gabriel Biriduba, Emo James, Endurance Ebedebiri, Tarabina Bweribo, Edwin Ayiba and Saro Loveday.

‎Alex Oyowah featured in the 2018/2019 edition with the Okordia team where he showcased his skills and got snapped up by Bayelsa United, he moved to Rivers United in the 2022/2023 season, before signing for Remo Stars and helping them to win the league title for the first time. Oyowah was also part of the last home-based CHAN Eagles team.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has inaugurated a seven-member Procurement Committee in compliance with the Public Procurement Act of 2007, as well as a Contract Review Committee.

Speaking during the inauguration, which took place at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku underscored the importance of adhering to statutory functions as directed by the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP. He emphasised that the committee’s establishment is an annual exercise designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective checks and balances in the Commission’s procurement processes.

He stated, “It is very important that we comply with the directives of the Bureau of Public Procurement. This committee has been given a specified timeframe to ensure that our 2026 procurement plan is executed without delay. Every directorate is expected to cooperate fully with the committee to make their work easier and more effective.”

The NDDC Boss further charged the committee members to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Procurement Act and ensure that all procurement lists for 2026 are compiled and ready for implementation.

In his remarks, the Director of Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, expressed appreciation to the Managing Director for setting up the committee. He urged members to prioritise the timely upload of the 2026 procurement plan on the National Contractors’ Portal, noting that such compliance was essential for securing approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement.

“The essence of uploading our procurement plan is to ensure smooth regulatory approval. Let us all work together to capture every detail of the 2026 procurement plan,” Dr Osuji said.

In a related development, the NDDC boss also inaugurated the Commission’s Contract Review Committee, charging them to ensure that all abandoned projects are identified for necessary action to complete them.

The Managing Director advised the committee to visit all nine Niger Delta states, as this was necessary to review the abandoned projects and determine the best way to revive them in line with the agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

He said the reason for the committee’s inauguration was to evaluate and ensure that all awarded contracts are executed. Ogbuku further charged the committee to determine the status of the contracts already awarded, review them, and take decisive measures to ensure the work is done.

Ogbuku explained that the committee was set up to identify contractors’ challenges, determine how to assist them, and ensure the work was executed. He emphasised that many communities were complaining about abandoned projects that need to be reviewed, possibly terminated or rewarded. He said every part of the region needs to feel the presence of the NDDC. He gave the committee eight weeks to complete the assignment.

The NDDC Director, Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Gbenga Omowale, thanked the Managing Director for his confidence in the committee and promised that they would carry out the assignment effectively and complete it within the time frame.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, says it has adopted a new Standard Operating Procedure, SOP, and the Governance Advisory Policies, as approved by the Commission’s Governing Board.

This was part of the resolutions contained in a communique issued at the end of the three-day NDDC Management Retreat at the Landmark Events Centre, Owerri, Imo State.
The communique stated that the SOP and Governance Advisory Policies “shall constitute the Commission’s Rule Book and strictly guide all processes and operations within the Commission.”

The Management Retreat, which was anchored on the theme: “Consolidating Performance and Repositioning the Commission for Strategic Impact in 2026,” was attended by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde, and all the Directors of the Commission.

The retreat stated that Leadership overload can be addressed by strict adherence to the Commission’s Standard Operating Procedures.

It added: “To significantly reduce cases of leadership misalignment in the Commission, staff shall be deployed to areas of expertise and specific skills gaps in the personnel shall be addressed through staff training/retraining.

The communique emphasised the need to establish a clear mentoring system and succession plan in the Commission, stating that it “shall comply with accountability frameworks to help staff understand their roles and align their services towards actualising the goals of the Commission.”

The communique declared: “To reinforce good behaviour, the Commission’s performance management systems should be clear on rewards for individuals and teams. The Commission must ensure the enforcement of staff discipline in line with appropriate Public Service Rules and the SOPs.”

It was also resolved that “the communication channel in the Commission should be enhanced to ensure official communication flow from the top without evading communication to superior staff in Directorates, Departments and Units. Also, communication gaps should be bridged through regular meetings by respective units in the Commission.

The communique added: “There is a need to further empower the mission-critical roles in the Commission. These include strengthening State Offices, enhanced women empowerment programmes, and proper project sustainability plans.

“The Commission needs to be at the forefront of institutionalising developmental planning. To this end, it is imperative to commence the full Implementation of the revised Niger Delta Regional Master Plan, anchored on the 7 pillars from the Sustainable Development Goals. Board and Management actions should align with the Master Plan, which becomes a tool for measurable impact in 2026.

“The Commission must sustain continuous stakeholder engagement for strategic impact that aligns with stakeholder needs.”

The resolutions stated that “to ensure an effective performance system and implementation of the SOPs, the Commission must ensure that every staff member has a clearly set out job description.

“To ensure an effective feedback mechanism for our projects and programs, there must be a post-intervention evaluation.”

It was agreed that “to enable the Commission to pay legacy debts, the Commission needs to explore other sources of revenue generation other than the Government and Oil and Gas Companies by exploring Partnerships using other resources within the region.

“The Commission must conduct a needs assessment prior to project conception to ensure ownership of projects by the beneficiaries and optimal utilisation of facilities.”
The communique stated: “More emphasis should be placed on monitoring and evaluation, particularly post-project monitoring and evaluation, to have proper feedback on the projects and programmes.

“There is a need for harmonisation of project data to determine the status of all the Commission’s projects to clearly indicate completed ones and ongoing ones.”
It added: “Beyond the social component of our projects, the Commission should incorporate economic considerations and consider investing in emerging clean energy technologies.”

Distinguished Resource persons delivered presentations on a range of topical issues, while participants constructively brainstormed issues affecting the Commission and proffered solutions during the practical, interactive sessions.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has affirmed that the Commission has started implementing a new Governance Advisory Report as part of its strategy to consolidate its performance and reposition itself for greater impact in the year ahead.

Speaking during a two-day NDDC Management Retreat at the Landmark Events Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Ogbuku, noted that the retreat focused on strengthening governance and improving project and service delivery.

The 2026 NDDC Management Retreat, which was anchored on the theme: “Consolidating Performance and Repositioning the Commission for Strategic Impact in 2026,” had in attendance the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde, and all the Directors of the Commission.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated that the Commissiowas already implementing the Governance Advisory Report, prepared by the multinational business management consultancy firm, KPMG, to facilitate its transition from transaction to transformation.

According to him, the KPMG report provides the tool for a new institutional culture, anchored in sound ethics and good corporate governance, to improve NDDC’s internal processes and protocols.

He urged members of the NDDC Governing Board and Management Committee to be deliberate in avoiding the mistakes of the past, though the experiences shaped the Commission’s present reality.

Ogbuku declared: “The 2026 NDDC Management Retreat offers a strategic platform for us to deepen our collective understanding of the Commission’s Standard Operating Procedures, SOP, and code of conduct, which remain the foundation of our service delivery. It is an opportunity to reflect on our institutional values, reassess our operational processes, and ensure that our actions consistently align with the Commission’s mandate and expectations of the public.

“Beyond policy discussions, this gathering calls for a renewed commitment to strengthening internal cohesion, collaboration, and mutual accountability across all levels of the organisation. By fostering unity of purpose, improving communication, and reinforcing ethical standards, we can enhance efficiency, promote transparency, and position the Commission to deliver greater impact in the Niger Delta region.

“Let us therefore,use this retreat not only as an opportunity for reflection, but as a catalyst for innovation, teamwork, and sustained institutional excellence.”

Ogbuku called on the Directors to practice good governance by implementing the basic rules, practices, and processes of corporate governance and adopting a set of relationships among the organisation’s board, management, and key stakeholders.

Speaking earlier, the NDDC Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Patterson Ogon, affirmed that the Commission remained committed to facilitating sustainable development across the Niger Delta. “Achieving this mandate, however, requires deliberate planning, strong coordination, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.

He stated further: “This retreat provides a structured platform to set a clear direction for 2026. It offers an opportunity for performance review and stocktaking, particularly regarding project delivery and the Commission’s strategic agenda. It also enables Management to clearly define roles and responsibilities, align priorities, and establish action-oriented outcomes.

“Above all, the retreat reinforces our accountability framework and strengthens our performance architecture, ensuring that our collective efforts translate into measurable impact for the people of the Niger Delta.”

Ogon, noted that the retreat aimed to evaluate past performance and set a transformative agenda for the region’s development in the coming year.

Speaking on the topic, “Consolidating Organisational Performance Through Human Capital, Change, and Team Alignment,” the Lead Presenter and Director of Studies at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Dr Dada, Joseph Olugbenga, urged the NDDC to emphasise teamwork and strive for robust engagement on key issues affecting the Niger Delta region.

He advised the NDDC to focus on consolidating performance, strengthening governance, and repositioning the Commission for greater strategic impact

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, to boost electricity in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the partnership agreement between the two agencies at the headquarters of the Rural Electrification Agency in Abuja, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, noted that it was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and accelerate sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.

A statement by Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama noted that the NDDC delegation, led by the Managing Director, included the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde, the Director, Legal Services, Mr. Victor Arenyeka, the Director, Finance and Supply, Mrs. Kunemofa Asu and the Director, Liaison Office Abuja, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke.

Ogbuku said the collaboration aligns with the NDDC’s strategic vision to “light up the Niger Delta” and complements national development priorities to expand distributed energy access across Nigeria.

The NDDC boss described the MoU signing as a strategic commitment to sustainable development and improved quality of life in the Niger Delta region.

He emphasised that the ceremony represented more than the signing of a document; “it symbolised a shared institutional responsibility to deliver reliable energy solutions that improve livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and expand opportunities for communities across the nine Niger Delta states.”

The Managing Director noted that electricity remained a critical enabler of national development, supporting job creation, healthcare delivery, education, and inclusive economic growth. He explained that the partnership would advance national development priorities while unlocking the economic potential of rural communities.

He further emphasised that the NDDC has consistently adopted partnership-based approaches in executing its projects across the Niger Delta and was ready to support the implementation of the MoU by leveraging its strong community presence, planning expertise, and infrastructure development initiatives.

Ogbuku reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the REA to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, expressed appreciation to the NDDC delegation for the visit and described the MoU as a natural collaboration between two interventionist agencies with complementary mandates.

Aliyu, stated that the partnership reflected a shared commitment by both federal interventionist agencies to expand access to reliable and sustainable electricity in rural and underserved communities, while leveraging renewable energy solutions to stimulate economic growth, improve social services, and enhance livelihoods across the Niger Delta.

He stated that this was more than a document, calling the MoU a clear statement of readiness from the NDDC to move decisively in delivering reliable and sustainable power to communities that have waited too long for stable electricity.

According to him, the Niger Delta is central to Nigeria’s economic story, and its development must be supported by infrastructure that enables productivity, enterprise, and dignity.

Aliyu commended the NDDC Managing Director for his strong leadership and commitment to bringing the collaboration to life.