Sources close to the NDDC Managing Director have revealed to Equity News about a plot to malign the personality of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, over activities marking his recent 50th birthday celebration that saw him being celebrated by family and friends in Port Harcourt, Abuja and his home state of Bayelsa.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku who turned 50 years on August 19, 2025, structured his 50th birthday celebration as a man of vision, humility and faith around his core values of intellectual reflection, communal celebration and thanksgiving to God.

Supported by his family, friends, colleagues and stakeholders who came to honour his life of service and commitment on this milestone was not anything extraordinary, as we see average Nigerians celebrate their milestones everyday with various elaborate ceremonies.

It is common practice in Nigeria today for family, friends and associates to pull resources together to help celebrate their friends, loved ones and associates. It is a trend that has been going on now for almost a decade. Friends come together to raise funds for burials, birthdays, support book launches and sundry celebrations.

The attempt by unscrupulous individuals to use the milestone celebration of any Nigeria whether in public or private service to drag that individual into public opprobrium is highly condemnable especially when such accusations are merely speculative.

For the records, it should be noted that the events marking Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s 50th birthday celebration are well documented thus: a Book Launch in Abuja, a Dinner in Port Harcourt, and a Thanksgiving Service held in his home town Ayakoro in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State.

Any suggestion of an ‘after party’ is a figment of the imagination of the harbingers of falsehood according to a source close to the NDDC operations.

This whole saga looks like a deliberate effort to distract from Ogbuku’s record of service and the NDDC’s ongoing work in the Niger Delta.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has paid tribute to it’s former Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, the late Sir Davies Okarevu, describing him as a result-driven professional who lived an impactful life.

Speaking during a night of tributes for the late Director at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, acknowledged his “immense contributions” to the development of the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, remarked that Sir Davies Okarevu’s contributions to the Commission were invaluable, and many people would miss him.

He stated: “He was an accomplished professional with extensive experience in strategic planning, performance management and budgeting.

“With a career spanning over three decades, he was involved in high-impact projects and participated in key strategic initiatives.”

The NDDC Boss noted the passing of Davies Okarevu was a big loss to the Commission.

In his opening remarks, the NDDC Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, eulogised the late Director, noting that he played a pivotal role in corporate strategy formulation, performance management, budgeting, stakeholder coordination, and sustainable development partnerships.

He stated: “Our late colleague contributed to the transformation of key government policies and regional development strategies. His expertise spans strategic execution, public-private partnerships, corporate governance, and capacity building.”

In his tribute, the president of the Chartered Institute of Strategic Management, Mr. Ndudi Enebeli, said their late colleague in the institute was an embodiment of knowledge and a bundle of talents.

He observed: “Davies was passionate about mentoring, leadership development, and continuous learning, fostering high-performance teams and driving innovation in the dynamic field of strategic management and public sector transformation.”

The late Davies Okoro Okarevu, died on Thursday, July 17, at a London hospital. He is survived by his wife, Angela Davies Okarevu, children, aged mother, brother, and sisters.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting education and human capacity development in the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Deputy Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Mrs. Florence Ediagbonya, stated this during a sensitisation rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the International Literacy Day.

A statement by NDDCs Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama noted that Ediagbonya emphasised on the importance of the event, explaining that the walk aimed to raise awareness about International Literacy Day and to showcase the Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote literacy across the Niger Delta region.

Ediagbonya highlighted several initiatives of the Commission under Dr Samuel Ogbuku’s leadership aimed at promoting literacy and education. These include foreign and local postgraduate scholarship programmes, the distribution of tablets and educational materials to schools, and other impactful interventions aimed at building an enlightened and inclusive society.

She noted that NDDC had built hostels in different tertiary institutions, constructed classrooms, donated desks and other facilities in many schools and various communities across the Niger Delta Region.

According to her: “This sensitisation is not only important to the NDDC but also to the world. Literacy is the bedrock of development and a fundamental human right. Every individual deserves the basic ability to read, write, speak, and communicate.”

Ediagbonya noted that NDDC was committed to ensuring that communities in the Niger Delta are not left behind in the global pursuit of literacy. She commended the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, for his dedication to improving education in the region, stating that he had empowered the Education Directorate to intensify action on literacy.

She stressed: “Literacy is the bedrock of development; it is a fundamental human right. Every human being on earth is supposed to be literate.”

As part of the celebration of International Literacy Day, the NDDC will host a seminar on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute in Port Harcourt. The event will explore the theme: “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”

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‎The organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament has felicitated the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on the occasion of his diamond jubilee.
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‎Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe in a statement on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee, COC describes the Deputy Governor as an exceptional administrator and a visionary leader who has continued to show commitment towards the stability and development of sports in the state.
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‎According to him, the Deputy Governor is an astute administrator, a dependable ally and deputy to Governor Douye Diri, who has served his people with an outstanding record of performance in governance in the state, even as Commissioner for Works then, maintaining that the competition organizers are pleased to be associated with him, particularly his tremendous qualities and experience in steering the affairs of sports in the state.
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‎The statement notes that the tournament’s success story was incomplete without the supervision of Senator Ewhrudjakpo and has placed the Prosperity Cup as a premium competition in the continent that has continued to give young Bayelsans the platform to showcase their talent.
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‎He expressed gratitude to God for granting the deputy governor the grace and presence of mind to discharge his duties creditably well in the past five years he has been in the saddle as deputy governor of the state.
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‎”From all of us in the Prosperity Cup team, we say a happy blessed, and glorious 60-year birthday to His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor, Bayelsa State”.
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‎“We are proud to identify with your achievements in the past 60 years of your existence. Over the years, you have been a symbol of humility, diligence and discipline.
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‎“You have also devoted your life to service to humanity, especially to sports and the Prosperity Cup that has become Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament. Your exemplary leadership and commitment to the common good of society has endeared you to so many people in Bayelsa State and beyond”, he stated.
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‎“Your Excellency, may the Almighty God bless your new age with good health, sound mind and more wisdom to serve humanity and the state, Mr. Akpe concluded.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing healthcare access in the Niger Delta, pledging to support the Care365 Health Hub’s innovation in the health sector.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this during the official launch of Care365 Health Hub’s groundbreaking product, an initiative set to redefine healthcare delivery in Nigeria, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

A statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs, noted that the event was chaired by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and graced by dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Chairman of Care365 Health Hub, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd), and Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, who officially unveiled the Care365 system.

During the panel discussion, Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the Commission’s extensive medical outreach programmes, which have long brought life-saving services to underserved communities in the Niger Delta. He stressed that the introduction of Care365’s cutting-edge equipment would significantly strengthen these efforts, enabling the Commission to deepen its impact across the region. Emphasising the importance of prioritising wellness, he remarked that “health is wealth, and wealth is health.”

He stated that the NDDC was collaborating with various healthcare partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), to enhance healthcare delivery through programmes like the Care365 Health Hub, which was recently launched to provide innovative healthcare solutions and community health outreach.

According to Ogbuku, partnerships focus on expanding access to quality healthcare, addressing specific health challenges in the Niger Delta, and ensuring the sustainability of medical services for the indigent population.

He further underscored the NDDC’s role as a key partner and early adopter of the Care365 innovation, reflecting the Commission’s proactive stance in ensuring that the people of the Niger Delta benefit from the latest advancements in healthcare delivery.

The NDDC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to expand collaboration with national and international partners. He also encouraged Nigerians to embrace healthier lifestyles, noting that eating well and exercising regularly are essential complements to the availability of advanced healthcare technologies.

He observed that the NDDC had sustained a flagship free medical outreach programme that provides healthcare services to vulnerable populations in the region. He assured that the Commission would continue with its health programmes by establishing partnerships and ensuring patients have access to healthcare services even after the outreach missions.

“We have our free medical outreach, which we carry out in the nine states of the Niger Delta. Initially, we carry out the programme once a year, but due to the high demand, we have decided to make it twice every year. The one for this year was flagged off by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Bayelsa.”

“For us in NDDC, we believe that health is wealth, and for the nation to be wealthy, the nation needs to be healthy. So every individual’s life is significant to us. We believe that the vulnerable people are the ones we need to reach out to. We came up with the digital health programme where we are registering the vulnerable people in our communities in partnership with the World Health Organisation. In the first phase, which we were supposed to register about one million persons, we have registered over 500 people who have been forwarded to the National Social Register to ensure that they have access to health insurance.”

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has again appealed to corporate organisations in the state to complement his administration’s effort in sports development.

Governor Diri particularly called on them to support Nigeria’s representatives in this year’s Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League, Bayelsa Queens.

As contained in a a statement by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, the state-run football team are in the final of the zonal WAFU B Champions League qualifiers in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, and will play the host, ASEC Mimosas, on Friday.

The Bayelsa governor made the appeal on Wednesday during
the state’s 172nd executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

He stressed the need for corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to emulate the shining example of Premium Trust Bank in demonstrating their corporate social responsibility.

He said during the last edition of the Governor’s Prosperity Cup competition, the financial institution donated a Coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens, and that the bank had been a good corporate citizen in the state.

The governor congratulated Bayelsa Queens on their remarkable performance in the championship and enjoined Bayelsans and investors to encourage the team.

He said: “We should have our Bayelsa Queens in prayers and whatever substance you have as a Bayelsan in support of what the state government is doing for our team should be done.

“Businesses and oil companies operating on our land should encourage our girls in whatever way that they can to promote sports.”

In the maiden edition of the continental tournament in 2022, Bayelsa Queens won the WAFU B qualifiers, also in Côte d’Ivoire, and went on to place third in the Champions League competition held in Morocco.

…for World Beach Wrestling Series, and African Beach Wrestling Championship

The President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, has lauded the sporting and developmental drive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, including capacity building of military personnel

Daniel Igali hinged the commendation on the approval of the Chief of Defence Staff to sponsor Lieutenant Colonel Timipre Okou to Morocco for the 3rd World Beach Wrestling Series, and African Beach Wrestling Championship for U15, U17 and U20 age categories to be held in Casablanca, Morocco from 2 – 8 September 2025.

An elated Igali in a statement made available through the NWF Media Assistant, Promise Okotoko, applauded the keen interest of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa to see that sports is developed in the military and even beyond.

Describing the CDS focuses on enhancing national security through various sporting initiatives, including sponsorship of military personnel to international advanced courses and programmes as an ‘inspiring nation-building policy’.

“We are very proud of the innovations of the CDS aim to enhance the ability and capacity building of military personnel to perform complex tasks, which will aid national and regional security environments.” Igali said.

“The CDS regular sponsorship of our sports men to international programmes and refresher courses will further expose the nation military officers to global security awareness and tactical skills to handle salient issues.”

“We believe with such collaboration and support from individuals and organisations, Nigerian Wrestling will keep being on the path of progress.” Igali concluded.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Timipre Okou, who is an international wrestling referee and member of Sports Science Commission of the International Military Sports Council, will participate in a 3-day World Beach Wrestling Referee course before officiating at the African Beach Wrestling Championship U15, U17 and U20 age categories in Casablanca

…Explains Why Sawyer Was Chosen
…Directs Redeployment Of Pension Board Staff

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday, swore in Dr. Wisdom Sawyer as the state’s 12th Head of Service.

Dr. Sawyer was appointed on Tuesday, September 2 following the retirement of his predecessor, Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema on August 31, as contained in a statement by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Governor Diri also swore in two Special Advisers on Legal Matters, Dr. Alabo Ozubide and Inemo Oruebimiekumo, during the 172nd state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

The governor, who charged the 55-year-old HoS to exhibit a high sense of professionalism in executing his duties and ensure that the civil service remained loyal and disciplined, explained that he was appointed on merit.

He also stated that Sawyer was chosen based on integrity and as the most senior Permanent Secretary and not on any other primordial considerations.

His words: “You were appointed as Head of Service not because you are from the governor’s local government area but that you have proven to be a man of integrity. Also, among your peers, you are the most senior.

“There are some who are qualified by several other parameters but their dates of retirement are just one or two years left and l do not want to appoint another HoS before l leave office. Having gone through your resume, clearly you will outlive my administration the way l inherited your predecessor.”

The state’s helmsman appreciated the immediate past HoS, who he noted discharged her duties with utmost responsibility, describing her as among the finest in the civil service.

The governor directed the new HoS to ensure the redeployment of all staff of the state Pensions Board, including heads of departments, and that new postings be done.

“You are hereby directed to post out every civil servant in our Pensions Board, including those coming from the Ministry of Finance, from the Accountant General’s Office and all the heads of departments. New postings should be done and ensure that men and women of integrity are posted there. A report should be sent back to me.”

Diri equally charged the two Special Advisers to display the highest standards of integrity in the performance of their duties and continue to create synergy with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.