The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing the Blue Economy as a strategic pathway for sustainable development, regional prosperity, and international collaboration in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku gave the assurance while hosting the former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr. Mehdi Jomaa, at the NDDC Guest House in Maitama, Abuja, as part of engagements linked to the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit 2026 scheduled to hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The former Prime Minister, who arrived at the guest house with members of his entourage, was received by the NDDC Managing Director, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Otunba Ifedayo Abegunde, and the Director, Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs Mary Nwaeke.

Speaking during the interactive session, Ogbuku highlighted the Blue Economy as a key pillar of the Commission’s development strategy, noting that the Niger Delta’s vast coastal assets present significant opportunities for job creation, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and regional economic growth.

He stressed that the Blue Economy Investment Summit was designed to attract investment, share best practices, and position the Niger Delta as a hub for sustainable marine and coastal development.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer emphasised that successful blue economy development required strong institutions, responsible leadership, and collaboration between governments, development agencies, investors, and local communities.

He noted that the Commission was prioritising initiatives that align infrastructure development, environmental protection, and economic inclusion within the coastal communities of the Niger Delta.

The Managing Director further briefed the former Prime Minister on the NDDC’s mandate and ongoing interventions relevant to the blue economy, including infrastructure development, community-based projects, youth-focused initiatives, environmental sustainability programmes, and regional economic development strategies.

In his remarks, the former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr. Mehdi Jomaa, commended the Blue Economy initiative and expressed interest in the NDDC’s approach to regional development. Drawing on Tunisia’s Mediterranean experience, he highlighted the importance of strategic planning, environmental stewardship, and regional cooperation to harness marine resources for sustainable growth.

He said the engagement provided an opportunity for high-level dialogue on blue economy development, governance, and African cooperation, while strengthening partnerships to unlock the economic potential of coastal and marine resources.
The discussions also touched on Africa’s shared maritime heritage and the need for continental cooperation in developing blue economy frameworks that reflect African realities. Both leaders agreed that Africa’s future growth will increasingly depend on its ability to sustainably manage its marine and coastal resources.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining strong collaboration with security agencies to maintain peace, protect critical national assets, and accelerate development across the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, and his entourage to the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate AffairsOgbuku emphasised that security and development are inseparable, noting that meaningful development would not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, while underdevelopment itself often fuels insecurity.

“At the NDDC, we have established a robust working relationship with security agencies across the region because we believe that security and development are intertwined. Without security, communities cannot develop, and when communities are underdeveloped, insecurity is bound to thrive,” he said.

The Managing Director stressed that the Commission’s support for security agencies aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ensure peace and security across the country, noting that the Niger Delta is among the most peaceful regions in Nigeria today due to sustained security efforts.

“All that we do in the Niger Delta is in line with Mr President’s mandate. Security support is a collective responsibility involving host communities, the government, and institutions like the NDDC. We will continue to support the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to enable them to carry out their duties effectively,” Ogbuku stated.

He assured the Naval Command of the Commission’s readiness to deepen engagement, adding that the NDDC would continue to provide strategic interventions to ease operational challenges faced by security agencies.

“What we have done so far is only a prelude to what is to come. We will keep the lines of communication open and undertake visits to better understand your challenges. It is not enough to sit in boardrooms; we must see realities on the ground,” he added.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim commended the NDDC for its visible and impactful interventions across the Niger Delta, describing the Commission’s projects as clear evidence of development under the current management.

“On behalf of the people of the Niger Delta, I want to thank the NDDC for what it has done in the lives of the people. Since the assumption of office of the Managing Director, we have witnessed remarkable development across the region,” he said.

The Naval Commander praised Ogbuku’s dedication and resilience, noting that his familiarisation tour across the Niger Delta revealed numerous NDDC-funded projects, including solar streetlights, inverter installations, naval base infrastructure, and the construction of a secondary school for the Nigerian Navy.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim disclosed that the Nigerian Navy recently launched “Operation Sentinel,” aimed at supporting crude oil exploration, production, and transportation, in line with national economic objectives.

He noted that with plans by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, to increase crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027, sustained security collaboration would be critical.

“If this target is achieved, the NDDC will be a major beneficiary, while the people of the Niger Delta will gain directly through increased development projects. I, therefore, appeal to the Commission to sustain and expand its support to enable the Navy to strengthen its security apparatus and assist NURPC in meeting and surpassing this production target,” he said.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim also acknowledged the NDDC’s consistent support for security agencies and called for a stronger partnership to ensure lasting peace, increased oil production, and a positive global projection of the Niger Delta

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in collaboration with the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises–Niger Delta, LIFE-ND, has intensified efforts to advance agricultural transformation across the Niger Delta region.

A ststement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs noted as part of its oversight responsibilities, officials of the NDDC and LIFE-ND inspected agricultural incubation centres in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States to evaluate the programme’s performance in rural communities.

Speaking during the inspection of Megalakes Farms in Ogu Town, Rivers State, the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, said the exercise was a routine inspection aimed at assessing the level of implementation of the programme.

She noted: “This oversight function is to ensure that the training is on track with its mandate. The NDDC’s commitment to meeting its counterpart funding obligations and driving rural economic transformation is in alignment with the agricultural development objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Madume explained that the inspection provided an opportunity to engage directly with incubatees across the different batches and identify areas for improvement under the LIFE-ND programme, a collaborative initiative involving the NDDC, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Federal Government, and participating state governments. She added that the three-day inspection covered incubation centres in Delta, Imo and Akwa Ibom States.

The Special Assistant on Agriculture to the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Abi Morris expressed satisfaction with the level of implementation of the programme and the enthusiasm displayed by the young agripreneurs who have either set up their own enterprise or are undergoing incubation. He made this observation during an inspection of one of the training centres in Sogho, in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“This programme is a clear demonstration of development in action. It goes beyond training to unlocking livelihoods and reshaping mindsets. The Commission will continue to support initiatives that equip our youth with the skills and resources to succeed. We have taken note of the challenges faced by these young agripreneurs and ensured that necessary adjustments are made,” Morris said.

One of the beneficiaries in Sogho, Rivers State, Miss Nzhu Salome, thanked the NDDC for the initiative, noting that the programme had equipped her with the requisite knowledge and funding to establish her own garri marketing enterprise.

During oversight activities in Imo State, Director II, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Tonye Frank-Oputu, emphasised the importance of the initiative whilst commending the incubatees for their recorded progress. “The incubatees have shown sheer dedication and have achieved a lot so far. Their progress is clear evidence that the opportunities provided under the LIFE-ND programme are being effectively utilised,” he said.

Also in Imo State, Ibigineh Doreen, an incubatee at Ibiasoegbe in Oru West Local Government Area, commended the programme for significantly enhancing her fish farming venture.

During oversight activities in Akwa Ibom State, a Director in Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Oretan Adebowale, charged the beneficiaries in Adiasim Ikot Essin in Essien Udim LGA, to use the knowledge gained to drive sustainable agriculture in their community and state at large.

“From our interactions and observations, it is evident that the incubation model is efficient,” he said.

One of the incubatees, Mr. Ohaka Emmanuel, also thanked the NDDC and the Federal Government for the initiative, expressing gratitude for being selected for the third batch. He said: “This training has given me the opportunity to learn fish production, processing and marketing. I also appreciate my incubator for the knowledge acquired.”

The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has charged the South East Development Commission to collaborate with the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in the execution of regional projects that will benefit the South East and the South South states.

The Minister stated this yesterday during the South East Vision 2050 Stakeholders’ Forum at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. The NDDC Board Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and the Bayelsa State Representative on the Board, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa joined other stakeholders at the event.

A ststement by NDDCs Director, Corporate Affairs Seledi Thompson-Wakama stated that the Minister noted the creation of the South East Development Commission by the administration of President Tinubu reflected an institutional commitment to the coordinated, targeted transformation of the region through the revitalisation of critical infrastructure, including the rail sector and the agricultural value chain.

Momoh said the event was a crowning moment in the development of the South East region, especially in fostering a united and prosperous future.

Declaring the Vision 2050 Stakeholders’ Forum open, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said that the 25-year development blueprint for the South-East region was a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic future.

He announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited, designed to mobilise resources from the diaspora, capital markets, and development finance institutions for the region’s development.

The Vice President said the gathering was a decisive break from short-term governance cycles toward a structured, multi-decade development framework.

“This forum reflects foresight, responsibility, and a shared understanding that the future is not something we wait for, but something we must deliberately design.

“In recognition of the distinctive character of the South-East, its entrepreneurial spirit, its global diaspora, and its long-standing relationship with international capital, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited.”

Speaking earlier, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State joined his colleagues in the region in endorsing the vision 2050, explaining that the vision is an opportunity for the South East region to tap into the national agenda tagged vision 2060.

He applauded the unity of purpose among leaders and stakeholders in the region and proposed the birthing of a South East common market, describing the moment as the awakening of an economic giant.

He urged a paradigm shift in the planning and execution of projects across the region while calling on the people of the area to complement the renewed drive by the Federal Government to improve the security of lives and livelihoods as well as integrate all parts of the region’s plan for inclusive development.

In his welcome speech, the Chairman of the South East Development Commission, Sir Emeka Wogu, thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the progress and development of the South East region and its people.

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director of the SEDC, Mr Mark Okoye, thanked President Tinubu for creating the commission as a special-purpose vehicle to champion the region’s economic transformation.

He said the SEDC will seek the partnership of state governments, the diaspora community, and the organised private sector in implementing the 2050 vision, aimed at charting a shared path to sustainable prosperity for South East Nigeria, focusing on infrastructure, power, peacebuilding, and connectivity, among others.

In a goodwill message, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Sen. Azuta Mbata, commended the Federal Government for prioritising regional integration and development through the summit.

He said the integration of the South East in the broader national development agenda is key, and pledged the support of the people of the region for the aspirations of the Vision 2050 and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, say it is inviting all medical personnel serving as Medics in the tournament and participating teams to register for the forthcoming intensive medical training ahead of the competition.
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‎This was contained in a statement signed by the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe in preparation for Season 8 of the tournament.
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‎According to him, the training would start from the 19th through the 21st of February, 2026 at the Government House clinic in Yenagoa, pointing out that the essence of the programme is to equip all the medics with the fundamentals before the commencement of the tournament.
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‎He noted that apart from prize money and the ultimate trophy, the organizers are working round the clock to ensure that every department is equipped with knowledge in order to be acquainted with contemporary trends while discharging their duties.
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‎It explained that the programme aligns with the visionary philosophy of the “Assured Prosperity” Government, led by Governor Douye Diri which is aimed at strengthening the capabilities and expertise of Bayelsans.
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‎He further explained that the exercise would be conducted alongside other capacity-building initiatives for referees, coordinators, media personnel, and an international training programme for coaches, to be handled by a team from FC Barcelona.
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‎Mr. Akpe also said interested participants are to send their names, phone numbers, contact addresses, emails and medical specialty to the Director of Finance, Mr. Martins Warepre Diegbegha on 08033121571 and Head of Marketing Mrs. Ajewole Morenikeji on 0803 3711689.
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‎Prosperity Cup 2026 is a special edition that is being used to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State and it will also mark the sixth anniversary of Governor Douye Diri’s Assured Prosperity Administration.
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‎Champions in the male category of this special “Bayelsa @ 30” edition of the competition will receive the sum of N30 million while runners-up will smile home with the sum of N10 million and in the female category, the winners will smile to the bank with the sum of N10 million while the runners-up will be five million Naira richer.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has emphasised the importance of nurturing a healthy population for the holistic development of the Niger Delta region, stressing that the region needs a healthy people.

Speaking during the Sickle Cell Health Promotion and Sensitisation programme at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, observed that Sickle Cell Disease remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, noted that the sensitisation programme was dedicated to strengthening awareness to ensure prevention and care for Sickle Cell Disease in the Niger Delta.

The Managing Director stated: “As a Commission mandated to enhance the well-being of our people, the NDDC recognises that sustainable development is impossible without a healthy population.

“This programme reinforces our commitment to preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and community education. For our youths, knowing your genotype early is essential. For patients, we reaffirm our support for improved access to care. For health professionals, we appreciate your dedication and encourage continued collaboration in research, counselling, and community outreach.”

Ogbuku said that the goal of the NDDC was to ensure that “every young person understands genotype compatibility, that every family has access to screening, and that every patient receives care without stigma. Prevention is achievable, and informed choices save lives.”

He said further: “As we deepen awareness on Sickle Cell Disease, I urge our youths to prioritise genotype testing, our patients to remain hopeful, and our health professionals to continue their invaluable service. The NDDC remains committed to strengthening healthcare systems, empowering communities, and building a healthier Niger Delta.”

Speaking earlier, the Founder of Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland-Nigeria, SCAIIN, Mrs Esther Pepple Onolememen, commended the NDDC for investing in public health and for recognising that sickle cell disease was not only a medical issue but also a social and developmental one.

She stated that SCAIIN, a non-governmental organisation, was focused on breaking the cycle of pain, stigma, and silence surrounding sickle cell disorder through research, education, and community mobilisation.

According to Onolememen, the sickle cell health promotion and sensitisation programme would strengthen health outcomes and build public trust, stating: “Together, we are rewriting the story of sickle cell in Nigeria from silence to knowledge, from stigma to support, and from neglect to action.”

Expressing gratitude, the father of one of the children living with the sickle cell disease, Mr Derefaka Yemiesibo, thanked the NDDC for helping families build resilience through advocacy and support for awareness programmes.

The people of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State have bestowed a prestigious chieftaincy title on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, describing him as a catalyst for “abundant development” in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the installation ceremony at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Ogu, the Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Lawrence Egbelekpeke, said Ogbuku was being honoured for his exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to community development in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, he declared: “By the authority vested in me as Chairman of the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, and acting on behalf of the Amanyanabo-in-Council of Ogu Kingdom, I hereby install you as a Chief of Ogu Kingdom, and confer upon you the revered title of ‘Pere Se Bobo, ‘ meaning ‘He Who Comes with Abundance.’

Egbelekpeke stated: “Among the Wakirike, abundance is measured not only in wealth, but in peace, goodwill, unity, progress and development.”

Reviewing the attainments of the NDDC Managing Director, the Chairman of the Installation Planning Committee, Senator George Sekibo, stated that “under Ogbuku’s stewardship, the NDDC had been repositioned from a transactional agency to a transformational institution, anchored on transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and sustainable growth.”

“His administration has strengthened corporate governance, enhanced service delivery, fostered stakeholder confidence, and deepened collaboration with oil companies, state governments, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth groups, and development partners across the Niger Delta.”

He said further: “The visible commitment of this distinguished son of the Niger Delta to infrastructural development, institutional strength, and community empowerment aligns perfectly with our values, traditions, and aspirations.”

Responding, Ogbuku said that the honour done to him was an expression of appreciation by the people and a call on him to do more in developing the Niger Delta region.

He thanked the people of Ogu Kingdom for recognising his contributions and honouring him, stating that the credit should be given to President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku restated the commitment of the NDDC to positively transform the region, reassuring that he would continue to work hard to drive the sustainable development of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

He stressed: “We must unite and work in one accord to surmount the development challenges that confront our people. We are determined to succeed, and with your support and cooperation, we will achieve our goals.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, described Ogbuku as “a visionary and a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the development of our region are commendable. We are privileged to have him as the NDDC Chief Executive Officer.

“We celebrate Chief Ogbuku not only for his personal achievements but also for his unwavering dedication to the betterment of our region. Through his visionary leadership, we have witnessed tremendous strides in infrastructure development, community empowerment, and sustainable growth.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, Chief Vincent Nemieboka, commended Ogbuku’s achievements in the infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region and Ogu-Bolo communities in particular.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says that the Commission’s processes will be fully automated by the end of the first quarter of this year.

Ogbuku announced this during the Mandatory Continuous Procurement Capacity Development Training Programme, organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, at the PTDF Centre for Skills Development in Port Harcourt.

He stated: “We will soon automate our procurement processes to ensure compliance, transparency, and better service delivery. We have recently reformed our corporate governance structure and internal processes.”

According to the Managing Director, the NDDC had commenced implementation of a new Governance Advisory Service to ensure accountability and transparency in service delivery.

Ogbuku observed: “Holding this training in the Niger Delta demonstrates that there is peace in the region, which translates to peace in Nigeria. We have transitioned from transaction to transformation, and this is evident in our public procurement processes.”

“In NDDC, we take public procurement very seriously. Last year, we collaborated with BPP in training some of our staff. Training and retraining are essential in every organisation. We are also training our staff in ICT to enhance their digital knowledge.

He noted that the NDDC had 35 BPP-certified Procurement professionals in the Commission’s Procurement unit. We try in various ways to train our staff on procurement processes.

Highlighting some of the achievements of the NDDC, Ogbuku stated that the Operation Light Up the Niger Delta, one of the Commission’s flagship programmes, had been very successful. We undertake projects based on needs assessment. “Mr President loves the Niger Delta, and we are doing our best to bring his programmes home to the people,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening procurement reforms and fortifying transparency, which helped the BPP to elevate professionalism and position procurement as the strategic engine of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that the Capacity-Building programme demonstrated the Bureau’s sustained commitment to institutionalise trained, certified and accountable procurement professionals; a programme designed to strengthen competence, ethical standards and professionalism within the Nigerian Procurement System.

Adebowale said: “The training is in line with the requirements of the procurement act. PPP, as a regulatory body. This programme is meant to enhance your capacity. Procurement is a distinct cadre that provides the background for project delivery.”

He urged all participants to engage fully in the programme to sharpen their expertise and reaffirm ethical resolves as Nigeria needs competent and courageous procurement officers to uphold due process at all times, and wished all participants a productive and transformative training programme.

In his keynote address entitled: “The role of Procurement Officers in the Delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Chairman of FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, noted that procurement was a tool for good governance, as well as a mechanism to fight corruption.

He emphasised: “You must internalise the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.”