The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit, coming up on July 10-13, 2024, will develop strategies for economic growth and development of the Niger Delta Region.

Ogbuku gave the assurance during an interview with newsmen at NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, said that the summit would serve as a platform to articulate a roadmap for sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region.

This was contained in a statement by Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama on Monday.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer remarked that stakeholders’ engagement was one of the cardinal points in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stating: “The importance of stakeholders engagement is to ensure that projects and activities of government are well understood by the people.”

He emphasised the need to give the people opportunities for conversations to discuss development plans to ensure that they keyed into the renewed hope for sustainable development and support the programmes and activities of government.

Ogbuku said further: “The plans for renewed hope have to be tailor-made. Hence, the people must participate in the process. Moreover, the democracy we are practicing today is a participatory democracy where you must bring the leadership and followers together for proper understanding of policies and programmes.

“Renewed hope means touching lives. This government is out to touch lives. Bringing the people under one roof in the Niger Delta is to let them know what the renewed hope for sustainable development is all about and how beneficial it is for the region.

Ogbuku noted that President Tinubu had charged the NDDC to complete and commission signature projects that would impact the lives of Niger Deltans. Following this directive, he said, the Commission recently inaugurated five flagship projects, covering roads, bridges and electricity, across the region.

He listed the projects as follows: “The 9km Obehie-Oke-Ikpe road in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State; the 25.7 kilometre Ogbia -Nembe Road in Bayelsa State; 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.

Speaking on the 2024 budget of the commission, Ogbuku explained that the budget was done in collaboration with major stakeholders, insisting that when approved, it would help to complete many ongoing projects spread across different communities in the region.

The Managing Director, who stressed that the Federal Government was committed to tackling the under-development in Niger Delta region, expressed joy over the passage of the 2024 budget by the Senate, as it would facilitate the speedy completion of on-going projects across the Niger Delta region.

Commenting on the Public Private Partnership, PPP, initiative embraced by the Commission, Ogbuku attributed the completion of Ogbia-Nembe Road to the gains of partnership and stated that the NDDC was in talks with Chevron for partnership in the construction of the Warri- Omadino-Escravos Road to boost oil production and other economic activities in the area.

President of the Nigerian Young Professionals’ Forum (NYPF), David Osadolor, has called on government at all levels to create a tailored and conscious financial support towards Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), stating that this will cushion the high inflation and pervasive poverty.

Osadolor noted this while delivering a virtual goodwill message from Germany at the 4th Niger Delta MSME Summit/Bootcamp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to Osadolor, amidst the economic realities facing the nation as a whole, there is a need for government to equally embrace the global growing trend of digital economy adding that this will boast small-scale business making it more viable.

He emphasized that prioritizing the growth of MSMEs is essential for national prosperity noting that nations thrive when they invest in their MSMEs.

He called upon the government at all levels to take decisive action by reducing the cost of governance and halting plans for frivolous expenditures, such as the acquisition of another presidential aircraft, stressing that these resources should instead be channeled into supporting MSMEs.

Osadolor explained that investing in MSMEs is not merely an economic strategy, it is a pathway to lifting millions out of poverty.

While reiterating that the focus must shift towards creating an enabling environment for these enterprises to flourish, Osadolor explained that, through this a groundwork for a diversified economy that does not rely solely on oil will be created.

He added that as the major producers of oil, the Niger Delta must lead by example in this diversification process, envisioning a future where prosperity is sustained by a vibrant, innovative, and resilient MSME sector.

Furthermore, he urged the government to create an enabling environment by implementing policies that ease the regulatory burden on MSMEs and provide incentives for their growth.

Also, he highlighted on the need for investing in infrastructure that supports MSME operations, such as improved transportation networks and access to technology.

On Finance, he urged the government to facilitate easier access to credit and funding for MSMEs through financial institutions and government grants.

‘‘The government can equally assist young entrepreneurs by providing education and training programs to equip them with the skills needed to succeed in their ventures, and for fostering innovation by supporting innovation hubs and incubators that nurture new business ideas and technologies’’ he said.

Additionally, Mr. Osadolor commended Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia for his unwavering commitment to empowering young people and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, adding that Mr. Siasia’s dedication serves as an inspiration to all and is vital in shaping a brighter future for young professionals.

‘‘Your foresight in recognizing the transformative power of MSMEs mirrors the successful strategies employed by nations like China and Singapore, which have significantly boosted their per capita income through dedicated investment in their small and medium enterprises.

‘‘ I am inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt: “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” Our goal is to ensure that the youths and young professionals of today are ready for the future,’’ he said.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has opened up on the plans of his administration for the agricultural sector in the state, assuring stakeholders that farm inputs, tractorization and issue of food security are being addressed by his government.

Speaking on Friday evening after a meeting with a Nordic firm interested in setting up a tractor assembly plant in Osun, the state Governor said his plans for the agricultural sector is robust and all inclusive , adding that “ the state is now set for implementation of various programmes in the sector.

“We take Agriculture very seriously. Our government decided to first focus on bridging the infra deficit to strengthen connectivity between rural and urban areas. We first focused on building the roads and bridges as a condition to empower the agricultural sector in the area of transportation and market linkages.

“Now that we have made enormous progress in the infra sector, we are now set to roll out specific programmes for the agricultural sector. I have set up an implementation committee on the recommendations of our food security committee.

“The Committee which is to be chaired by my Special Adviser on Agriculture, Hon Olaniran Akanfe has the mandate to put into effect the suggestions and proposals in the food committee report. Other members of the committee include Olusola Omole, Dr Alaba Towoju, Dr Olu Olajide, Hon Moshood Yakub, Hon Alexander Kehinde Oloke, Adelowo Adekunle Saburi, Kolade Tunde (TISKO) and Engr Badmus Bukola Mikail. The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture is to serve as the Secretary of the Committee while the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Tola Faseru serves as overall Coordinator.

“As we kickstart the implementation of the food security committee, our government is to launch the Osun Young Agropreneurs Incubation Programme which is to target thousands of young farmers and agropreneurs across the agricultural value chain.

“The programme will include at least 1000 hectares of Land per local government; provision of land clearing and tractorization; availability of inputs; guaranteed offtaking; all season irrigation farming; integration of hydroponic farming; integration of precision farming and emphasis on gender balancing and inclusivity.

“My Commissioner for Agriculture,  Hon Faseru is to chair the Action committee which will have representatives from ALGON, traditional institutions among others. Other members of the action committee will include Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Land; Surveyor General of the state; Director Agriculture services at the Ministry of Agriculture;  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth; President, Osun Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr Adegoke Taiwo Kamal; a representative of farm equipment leasers and Hon Hezekiah Olabamiji Oladele(HOB).

“I have also directed the Commissioner to host a meeting with real farmers on our various farmlands in the state. The Commissioner is to meet genuine farmers to strengthen our partnership  as we launch various programmes within the sector.

“I am happy to announce that the federal-state partnership on Fertilizers has yielded positive results. We will as quickly as possible commence the distribution of Fertilizers to our farmers.

“On tractorization,  this is another piece of good news. The state has acquired some tractors while the Commissioner has been directed to negotiate a leasing deal with the tractor hiring association. We are also repairing existing tractors.

“Our government is therefore elated to recieve your company with such interest as setting up a tractor assembly plant. We warmly welcome your initiative. The Commissioner for Agriculture is to meet and discuss further with your representative.

“For those into plantation farming, we are raising seedlings across the crop sectors. We are starting with cashew and cocoa.

“More importantly,  our government is working on reviving the cocoa industry as well as supporting agro processing through public private partnership. We welcome investors and partners in this critical sector”, Mr Governor stated.

Signed:

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,

Spokesperson to the State Governor.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has opened up on the plans of his administration for the agricultural sector in the state, assuring stakeholders that farm inputs, tractorization and issue of food security are being addressed by his government.

Speaking on Friday evening after a meeting with a Nordic firm interested in setting up a tractor assembly plant in Osun, the state Governor said his plans for the agricultural sector is robust and all inclusive , adding that “ the state is now set for implementation of various programmes in the sector.

“We take Agriculture very seriously. Our government decided to first focus on bridging the infra deficit to strengthen connectivity between rural and urban areas. We first focused on building the roads and bridges as a condition to empower the agricultural sector in the area of transportation and market linkages.

“Now that we have made enormous progress in the infra sector, we are now set to roll out specific programmes for the agricultural sector. I have set up an implementation committee on the recommendations of our food security committee.

“The Committee which is to be chaired by my Special Adviser on Agriculture, Hon Olaniran Akanfe has the mandate to put into effect the suggestions and proposals in the food committee report. Other members of the committee include Olusola Omole, Dr Alaba Towoju, Dr Olu Olajide, Hon Moshood Yakub, Hon Alexander Kehinde Oloke, Adelowo Adekunle Saburi, Kolade Tunde (TISKO) and Engr Badmus Bukola Mikail. The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture is to serve as the Secretary of the Committee while the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Tola Faseru serves as overall Coordinator.

“As we kickstart the implementation of the food security committee, our government is to launch the Osun Young Agropreneurs Incubation Programme which is to target thousands of young farmers and agropreneurs across the agricultural value chain.

“The programme will include at least 1000 hectares of Land per local government; provision of land clearing and tractorization; availability of inputs; guaranteed offtaking; all season irrigation farming; integration of hydroponic farming; integration of precision farming and emphasis on gender balancing and inclusivity.

“My Commissioner for Agriculture,  Hon Faseru is to chair the Action committee which will have representatives from ALGON, traditional institutions among others. Other members of the action committee will include Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Land; Surveyor General of the state; Director Agriculture services at the Ministry of Agriculture;  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth; President, Osun Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr Adegoke Taiwo Kamal; a representative of farm equipment leasers and Hon Hezekiah Olabamiji Oladele(HOB).

“I have also directed the Commissioner to host a meeting with real farmers on our various farmlands in the state. The Commissioner is to meet genuine farmers to strengthen our partnership  as we launch various programmes within the sector.

“I am happy to announce that the federal-state partnership on Fertilizers has yielded positive results. We will as quickly as possible commence the distribution of Fertilizers to our farmers.

“On tractorization,  this is another piece of good news. The state has acquired some tractors while the Commissioner has been directed to negotiate a leasing deal with the tractor hiring association. We are also repairing existing tractors.

“Our government is therefore elated to recieve your company with such interest as setting up a tractor assembly plant. We warmly welcome your initiative. The Commissioner for Agriculture is to meet and discuss further with your representative.

“For those into plantation farming, we are raising seedlings across the crop sectors. We are starting with cashew and cocoa.

“More importantly,  our government is working on reviving the cocoa industry as well as supporting agro processing through public private partnership. We welcome investors and partners in this critical sector”, Mr Governor stated.

Signed:

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,

Spokesperson to the State Governor.

Laddan Bosso, Glen Stahl Lead 8 Other International Scouts to Bayelsa for International Scouting Exercise

The 5th Governor Douye Diri International Scouting Program is set to commence on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The program, organized by the Prosperity Cup in collaboration with Tristone Agency, OTP Finland and Red Sapphire Abuja, aims to identify and develop young talents in the state, aligning with Governor Douye Diri’s philosophy of empowering youths through sports.

Over 500 youths have been selected from 22 centers from the ongoing Prosperity Cup Season 6 for a week-long camping exercise in preparation for the U-20 Coach Ladan Bosso and Glen Stahl of Sweden scouting exercise which will take place from July 1-4, 2024, while a coaching clinic will be held between July 1 and 2 at Golden Tulip Hotel, Onopa, starting at 8am daily.

The program is sponsored by the Bayelsa State Government, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Century Group, the Grooming Centre, Amadues University, RedTech, Bayelsa Board of Internal Revenue, and Aqualina Water. Additional support is provided by Ayalla Waters, Bayelsa State Student Loans Board, Zillies Prints, and Prosperity Pilot Initiative.

Dignitaries expected at the event include Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, as Chairman, Hon Tare Porri Chairman House Committee on Sports as Special Guest of Honour; Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Nimizigha Kemapado, as Guest of Honour.

The program is a testament to Governor Douye Diri’s commitment to empowering Bayelsa’s youths through sports and providing them with opportunities for a productive life.”

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has expressed interest in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme.
Adeboye made his interest known on Tuesday at the Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun State , when the management of the Osun Health Insurance Agency led by its Executive Secretary, Dr Rasaq Akindele visited him.

The visit was part of its drive to ensure more people are captured in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme and to seek Adeboye’s support to get members of the church in Osun registered into the scheme.
Representing the General Overseer, the National Overseer of the Church, Pastor Sunday Akande applauded the vision of the Agency and the Osun State Government for thinking about the residents health.
“I applaud the vision of the Health Agency and the Osun State Government for thinking about the health of its residents. Health is very important and health insurance is a laudable programme for the people”, he said.

“The Church has a health insurance policy to cater for the health of its members and the GO will be very interested in this scheme.
“The Church takes matters of health seriously, when I was in the North, there have been several contributions of the church to the healthcare in the Northern part of the country.
“The Church also supports some hospitals with one medical outreach and programme or the other, that’s part of the contribution of the GO to promoting healthcare in the country”, he said.
Pastor Akande also promised to deliver the Agency message to the GO, while applauding the Agency and Governor Ademola Adeleke for the good work.

He also urged the Agency to take the message to other church centers, mosques, grassroots to enable a sustainable health care service to the residents of the State.

Earlier in his presentation, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Rasaq Akindele appreciated the Pastor for the audience, while explaining the purpose of the visit.

“This is a courtesy visit and also an advocacy visit. When members of the church are going on Holy Pilgrimage, they should insure their families in the scheme, so they won’t have anything to be worried about during their journey”.
“We appeal to the Daddy GO to assist the agency to enrol members of the Redeemed Church to the scheme. We know the GO is from Osun State, and the health scheme has a family package for a year, to insure the health of the people.

“We have been to the State House of Assembly, Local Government Areas to talk to their chairmen and they have promised to enrol most of their constituents into the scheme”.
“All these are to insure the health and promote good health across the State”, he remarked.

Akindele also revealed that the scheme has been repositioned by the Governor to ensure it caters for a larger percentage of Osun residents without defaulting in its core mandates.