The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has celebrated its newly retired Directors and other staff by presenting service awards to them for their contributions to the Commission’s progress and success in the discharge of its mandate to develop the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the ceremony at the NDDC Club House in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stressed the need to recognise and honour retired staff for their various roles in driving the development process.

Ogbuku commended the retirees for the meritorious service they had given to the Niger Delta region, in particular, and to Nigeria as a whole, noting that it was a great honour to be recognised by one’s organisation.

He urged the retired Directors and staff to see themselves as ambassadors of the NDDC in whatever post-retirement activities they undertake.

Ogbuku said that the NDDC management would continue to reward those who served the Commission well, noting that it was essential to recognise and reward the efforts of staff and retirees who served without blemish.

The Managing Director told the retirees, “You have an institutional memory of the NDDC that is invaluable to those still in service. We will, therefore, continue to tap into your wealth of experience by engaging some of you as consultants.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, commended the retiring Directors for serving the Commission well. Stating: “You’re leaving the NDDC is not because the Commission does not want you again, it is just the nature of public service.”

“Without you, the Executive Management would not have been able to perform optimally. Your loyalty and dedication have helped us to succeed. We will still need your services as consultants and contractors because you are a rich repository of invaluable institutional memories for the NDDC.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, the retiring Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr Patrick Ekade, described the ceremony as a celebration of the retirees’ service.

He said that the current NDDC management thought it wise to make the retirement process less stressful: “The honour the NDDC bestows on the retirees is to give hope to those still in service. It is a celebration of hope for the retirees.”

Responding on behalf of the retirees, the former Director, Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Nelson Onwo, thanked the NDDC Board and Management for recognising their contributions and celebrating them even in retirement.

He promised they would continue to support the NDDC whenever called upon to assist.

He remarked: “I am excited to be leaving because it allows me to explore other areas of my life. But again, I am going to miss the warmth of the NDDC family and friends of many years.”

Also responding, the former Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr George Uzonwanne, observed that the NDDC, apart from being a “wonderful family,” had provided the retirees with the best training throughout their service to the Commission.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says the Commission is now cruising on high altitude with the blessings of God.

Speaking during the Annual Thanksgiving Service at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku noted that with the multiple awards of excellence given to the Commission this year, it was obliged to put in more effort in 2026.

He enjoined the staff to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving to attract more blessings from God, noting that the Almighty Father had been faithful and merciful to the NDDC.

In a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDCs Director, Corporate Affairs, Ogbuku stressed the importance of thanksgiving and “glorifying the Lord for guiding and protecting the Commission and its workforce in its activities.”

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated that thanksgiving was a good way to seek the face of God, noting that showing gratitude even in the midst of challenges would bring about a positive turnaround.

He maintained that under his leadership, the NDDC Management would continue to work in harmony with staff, soliciting more support to enable the Board and Management to achieve their targeted goals.

In his exhortations, the Rivers Regional Pastor of Redeemed Christian Church, Pastor Remi Odebode, said that the NDDC had discovered the secrete of greatness and success, “which is locked in thanksgiving.”

The cleric stated that God’s blessings would follow the NDDC and its leadership because they have continued to reverence the Almighty Father through thanksgiving.

The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, restated that the commission would never be tired of giving thanks to God for numerous blessings and favours.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, thanked God for the successes the NDDC had recorded over the years.

Also speaking, the NDDC fellowship Pastor, Mr. Sabbath Udoma, observed that God had answered the prayers of the staff by giving the Commission a good leadership.

Eagle Eye Ijaw frontiers has alleged the factional President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Jonathan Lokpobiri who may have diverted financial support meant for youth development and institutional strengthening for personal purposes. The development has deepened internal divisions in the once-unified youth body and triggered renewed calls for accountability and proper documentation of fund usage.

Benjamin Benjamin attributed the slow pace of the secretariat building of the IYC to the deliberate diversion of over 2.5 billion naira to personal projects of Jonathan Lokpobiri

Benjamin specifically shared that Tantita Security outfit alone allocated over 2.5 billion naira for the IYC secretariat project. A committee was set up to manage the funds to speed up the completion process.

However, Jonathan Lokpobiri, in his usual taste for money, approached the committee to keep the monies in his custody to administer the day to day overseeing of the project. Through the help of his crony Jeremiah Owopele, he was able to secure the over 2.5 billion enmarked for the project. We heard on a reliable source who pledged anonymous that Jonathan Lokpobiri gave Owopele 200 million to facilitate the process

Benjamin noted that Lokpobiri has also received financial support from corporate and interventionist organisations including the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and other bodies that frequently engage with Ijaw youths.

These funds, according to concerned youth representative forum, were reportedly meant to cater to welfare programmes for Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta and to support the much-anticipated construction of a permanent Ijaw Youth Council Secretariat in Bayelsa State.

Benjamin said, instead of focusing on the building pledged to be completed by Tantita Security outfit, Lokpobiri has allegedly used the project as a conduit pipe to siphone monies for his personal palace construction at old GRA, yenagoa, a service apartment at Mike Okpokpo street kpansia, over 100 rooms hostel construction at Amassoma and he has purchased lands properties at choiced areas across the Niger Delta even at the federal capital territory.

He also begged for answers for the 900 bags of cement donated by a construction company towards the building. Jonathan must provide answers he further pressed

The accusations, which have gained momentum in recent weeks, have raised questions about the internal financial management structure of the IYC and the transparency surrounding donations received on behalf of the council.

Benjamin argues that the absence of an open financial report or published project status update fuels suspicion and undermines the trust expected from corporate partners who routinely support empowerment initiatives across the region. They insist that since the funds were given in the name of Ijaw youths, every expenditure must reflect their interest and be backed by a verifiable audit trail.

The controversy has also intensified discussions over the protracted leadership crisis within the IYC, with stakeholders warning that persistent internal disputes and allegations of financial misconduct could weaken the organisation’s influence at a time when the Ijaw nation requires a coordinated youth front on issues of resource control, security, environmental justice, and political participation.

We are aware of how Lokpobiri moves around only to solicit and begs for money to serve his selfish goal of amassing wealth at the expense of the collective interest of the Ijaw people.

The group finally calls on all parastatals across the Niger Delta, IOC’s private companies and all deep pocket individuals not to give Lokpobiri a dim and to resist the alleged criminal character whose interest is projecting his personal gains above the development of the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta

As at the time of filing this report, Jonathan Lokpobiri has not issued a public response to the allegations, leaving the Ijaw youth community eagerly awaiting clarification.

The people of the Ogbia Kingdom, including the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, have assured support for President Bola Tinubu and appealed for the establishment of a Petroleum Institute in Oloibiri, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

They started their position during a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Ogbia delegation, led by the monarch of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba, and other distinguished sons of the kingdom, conveyed appreciation to Mr President for the confidence reposed in our sons and daughters through key national appointments, including the appointment of the NDDC Managing Director.

The royal father noted that the gesture underscored Mr President’s commitment to inclusive leadership and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

The delegation also formally presented priority developmental needs of Ogbia Kingdom; notably the Akaba–Okodi Road, the construction of strategic bridges, shoreline protection for erosion-impacted communities, and the establishment of a petroleum-related institute in Oloibiri, Nigeria’s historic birthplace of the oil industry.

Speaking on the visit, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ogbuku, expressed appreciation for Mr President’s commendation of the efforts of the NDDC Board and Management. He said: “His words of encouragement further energises our resolve to sustain people-centred, impactful development across the Niger Delta region.”

“Beyond appreciation, the visit reaffirmed the strong bond between Ogbia Kingdom and the Federal Government, as our people expressed firm support for President Tinubu’s leadership and vision for a progressive Nigeria.”

“Through unity, collaboration and purposeful governance, we remain committed to advancing the aspirations of our people and contributing meaningfully to national development.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has commended the Commission’s staff who participated in the 44th Annual Federation of Public Service Games held in Adamawa State, and returned won 14 medals.

Ogbuku, who gave the commendation during a reception organised for the athletes, described the Commission’s participation and success at the games as heartwarming and inspiring.

In a statement by NDDCs Director, Corporate Affairs,  Seledi Thompson-Wakama noted that the NDDC boss expressed delight that the NDDC was able to compete alongside other government parastatals and return with medals, noting that the achievement demonstrated the immense talent and potential of the Commission’s staff.

He stated that, as a result of success, the NDDC staff would actively participate in the Niger Delta Games , scheduled to take place in February next year in Edo State. He described the festival as a platform for showcasing talents and promoting sports development in the Niger Delta region.

According to him, “This is about promoting talents in the Niger Delta. I feel delighted that the funds expended to sponsor our participants were utilised judiciously. The confidence you have shown in competing and winning medals should be replicated in everything you do, especially in your work and in contributing to the development of the Niger Delta region.”

The NDDC boss encouraged staff to remain self-motivated and continue striving for excellence, adding that the Commission truly appreciated the athletes for making the organisation proud.

He said, “Let the awards keep coming at whatever level you are. Keep winning and keep bringing in the medals.”

In his remarks, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, said the medals won by the NDDC team came as a pleasant surprise to management and clearly showed that the funds expended on the exercise were not wasted.

Iyaye commended the athletes for positively changing public perception of the NDDC and for making the Commission proud through their outstanding performances.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NDDC Staff Union, Comrade John Achoreturi, observed that the 44th Federation of Public Service Games marked the first time the NDDC would participate in the competition since its inception.

He attributed the historic participation to the support and leadership of the Managing Director, adding that NDDC athletes competed in all events and returned with a total of 14 medals.

The Union Chairman thanked Management for its commitment to staff welfare and sports development, describing the outing as a significant boost to staff morale and unity within the Commission.

The Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has described the late Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Community, King Righteous Inegbagha, as a man whose name reflects his character.

Jonathan made the remark at the weekend when he joined, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during the funeral service of the late monarch held in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

He said the late ruler lived a righteous life and that his reign as king brought significant development and progress to Ayakoro Community.

The former President noted that the late King Righteous Inegbagha was not only a respected traditional ruler but also a good friend and senior colleague from their school days at Martha Dei High School, Immiringi.

He expressed gratitude to all those who attended the funeral to honour the memory of the monarch.

In a tribute, the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ogbuku, described the late ruler as a man who truly lived by the values of righteousness, as reflected in the enduring peace that characterised Ayakoro Community during his reign.

Quoting the Christian holy book, “When the righteous rule, the people rejoice,” Ogbuku said the burial ceremony was a celebration of a fulfilled and impactful life.

He urged traditional rulers across the region to emulate the virtues of the late monarch by promoting peace and unity in their domains, stressing that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Ogbuku added that the unity and developmental strides recorded in Ayakoro were clear testimonies to King Righteous Inegbagha’s godly leadership, humility, team spirit, and love-driven style of governance.

The NDDC boss expressed optimism on the future of Ayakoro Community, noting that the solid foundation laid by the late monarch would inspire the emergence of leaders who would build on his legacy.