…11th AIG Assumes Duty

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has given approval for the allocation of land to the Nigeria Police Command Zone 16 for construction of administrative and residential structures.

Senator Diri gave the approval on Tuesday when the new Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Johnson Adenola, the Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and other officers of the command paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah noted that the governor directed the Ministry of Lands and Survey and the Secretary to the State Government to liaise with the command for allocation of the land in response to AIG Adenola’s request,

He said the location of the headquarters of the command, which covers Bayelsa and Rivers states, in Yenagoa, was a pride to the state as it has greatly enhance security.

His words: “The zonal command covers Bayelsa and Rivers states with headquarters in Yenagoa. It is a pride to host it in Yenagoa.

“It has been five years since you have been operating from your temporary office, which was provided by the state government. Your request for land is hereby granted.

“I direct the Commissioner for Lands and Survey and the Secretary to the State Government to liaise with the zone to allocate a befitting land to the command in Yenagoa.”

The state’s helmsman thanked the new AIG for acknowledging the concerns he raised with his predecessor, particularly on the issue of multiple road blocks on the highways, and expressed the optimism that the command will address the challenges.

“Listening to you, clearly you have come hitting the ground running. You are already aware about my concerns as indicated in your speech that l am averse to police road blocks. Every 50 metres, there is a checkpoint and yet these police road blocks do not check crime and criminality. I am glad we have an AIG who is not going to be part of road blocks.”

He urged security agencies to adopt a non-kinetic approach through intelligence gathering to tackle security issues as security was everybody’s responsibility.

Diri stated that his administration had deployed the use of technology through the installation of closed circuit television cameras in major parts of the city as well as drones to curb crime in the state.

“For me, it is better to avert crime than to go about carrying guns to look for criminals. Let us use more of intelligence and technology.”

Earlier, Mr. Johnson Adenola said he assumed office last month as the 11th AIG Zone 16 and expressed appreciation to the state government for its support to the command.

He assured the governor of his loyalty and commitment to enhancing security in the state.

“I came to pledge my loyalty and support to the efforts of the state government in ensuring peace and tranquility in the state. We are making effort to have better policing and ensure a people-friendly and rule of law-compliant force,” Adenola said.

Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has donated a 300kV transformer and ancillary electrification facilities to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State.

At the presentation ceremony, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who was represented by the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, said following a request to assist in strengthening security infrastructure in the region, the NDDC decided to carry out the project given its significance.

He explained: “NDDC being an interventionist agency received a request from the 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army established here in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State to assist in strengthening the security of infrastructure of oil producing areas in the Niger Delta region and under the leadership of the Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, we decided that critical electrical interventions should be provided to the 16 Army Brigade”

The Executive Director stated that other interventions made to the 16 Brigade included the installation and stringing of 156 High Tension Prestressed concrete poles, the installation and stringing of 90 Low Tension Prestressed concrete poles, with poles mounted, and the completion of 500 Watts street lights.

He added that the Commission’s contributions to the 16 brigade would improve general efficiency and the fight against insecurity in the region.

On his part, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, eulogised the NDDC for consistently supporting the Nigerian army.

He noted: “As you can see, the Niger Delta Development Commission executed most of the projects being commissioned. I want to applaud the NDDC for what it has been doing for the Nigerian Army and the region.”

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has emphasised the importance of functional training workshops for Directors of the Commission to strengthen their leadership capacity and enhance institutional performance.

Speaking at a two-day training Workshop for NDDC Directors in Port Harcourt, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, stated that the training aligns with the vision of the Managing Director and the Board of the Commission, who have consistently championed human capital development within the organisation.

He said the training was part of ongoing efforts by the Commission to reposition its directorates for effective service delivery, noting: “The Managing Director, being a man of vision, saw the need to build the capacity of staff for improved professional delivery. This training is a major step in that direction.”

The workshop, with the theme: “Transformational Leadership, Strategic Governance, and Institutional Effectiveness for Public Sector Development,” featured two main sessions in transformational leadership and building institutional effectiveness, performance management and continuous Improvement.

Ekade noted that the training would equip the Directors to align their departments with the Commission’s strategic goals. “I am confident that this will enhance our collective output and ensure we deliver efficiently on our mandate,” he added. He also appreciated the NDDC Board and Management for their continuous commitment to staff development.

A Director in the Procurement Department, Dr Chuks Osuji, described the workshop as a timely opportunity to sharpen leadership focus. “It has given us clarity on our roles and how to strategically position our directorates to deliver on the Commission’s mandate,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director, Youths, Women and Culture, Mrs. Imoni Ahunna, noted that the training enhanced her emotional intelligence, not only for effective leadership but also in managing team dynamics. “It has given me better tools to lead both with empathy and professionalism,” she remarked.

The Lead Facilitator, Adebayo Akintoye, noted that the capacity-building initiative by the NDDC Management showed a commitment to fostering a performance-driven culture and ensuring that the Commission continues to deliver sustainable development to the Niger Delta region.

Earlier, the Commission had conducted a similar functional training for staff across various cadres.

The saddle of leadership in the statutory agencies within the Niger Delta has been rotational since inception, particularly the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB. Yesterday was Simbi Wabote. Today is Felix Ogbe, who is at the saddle to give direction to the local content development for the oil and gas industry.

Chief Frank Akiefa in a media pally admonished that the Niger Delta belonged to all of us, and we are, therefore, stakeholders for the wholistic development of the region. It is totally disturbing to see that some elements in the region are bent on projecting those in the saddle of leadership in the bad light.

According to Chief Frank, the recent attack on the executive secretary of the NCDMB is not acceptable and totally disdainful to the landmark contributions of Dr. Felix Ogbe since is assumption into office. Frank noted that any disgruntle individuals who are only self-serving think that they can serve the ethic card to gain popularity with their mischief should rethink again. We must not always strengthen ethnic bigotry to disrupt the free flow of progress in the region.

According to Frank Akiefa, it is worthy of note, however, that all the statutory agencies responsible for the region’s development and the oil and gas productivity are all doing well respectfully from Dr. Dennis Otuaro to Dr. Felix Ogbe has done tremendously and is worthy of accolades other than condemnation by attention seekers.

Chief Frank further appreciates the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for choosing cerebral figures who are passionate about the progressive ideology of the renewed hope agenda he emphasised that this duo are square pegs on square holes.

He advised all bitter hearts to sheath their swords of ethnic sentiments and embrase regional petrotism as other regions are doing for progress.

Nobody should use ethnic sentiments to judge any office occupant because it can insight violence and destroy the fabrics of peace and tranquillity we have enjoyed in the last few decades. Don’t allow your greed to throw this fragile region into another round of chaos Chief Frank Akiefa warns.

Finally, he encouraged the executive secretary to focus on his mandate to groom local content for the progress of the region.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the advancement of education in the Niger Delta region.

He made this known while receiving the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, and his team during a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku, while welcoming the delegation, emphasised that NDDC has a long-standing tradition of supporting educational institutions across the region through infrastructure development and scholarship programmes.

“It is not new for NDDC to support universities; it is something we have been doing consistently. We have built hostels, classrooms, provided furniture, computers, and more. We believe in supporting the best within the region,” he stated.

He acknowledged the establishment of Wigwe University as a significant addition to the region’s educational landscape, describing it as a top-tier institution with world-class facilities. According to him, this aligns with NDDC’s mission to uplift the Niger Delta through strategic educational investments.

Ogbuku stated: “For us in NDDC, partnering with Wigwe University is something we can do with joy because the people who will benefit from the university are largely from the region. We welcome you and thank you for trusting us.

He further announced that NDDC was set to launch a local postgraduate scholarship scheme and assured that Wigwe University will be considered as one of the beneficiary institutions.

“We believe that if our students cannot go abroad, at the very least, they should receive the best education within Nigeria, and Wigwe University stands out in that regard,” he added.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, expressed appreciation to the Commission for its continuous support to education. He stated that the visit was aimed at initiating a long-term partnership with the NDDC built on mutual growth and regional development.

He remarked: “Our vision is to build an institution that is not only the best in Nigeria but also competitive across Africa and globally. To do this, we are seeking support in key infrastructure areas such as solar street lighting and water supply, and we hope Wigwe University can also be a destination for students under your scholarship scheme.”

Professor Al-Akaidi underscored the importance of the University’s location in the Niger Delta, and how NDDC’s intervention would not only enhance learning but also improve the quality of life in the host community.

“We are confident that the NDDC, as a champion of educational advancement, will support us not only in manpower development but in infrastructure that enables world-class learning,” he said.

The Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Alabo Boma Iyaye, has received the Heart of Gold Award from a Non-Governmental Organisation, the Eve Afrique Empowerment Initiative.

Receiving the Eve Afrique Redball Award, meant to celebrate outstanding Niger-Delta indigenes who have contributed to the development of the Niger Delta region, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, Hon. Iyaye expressed delight at being among the distinguished individuals who were found worthy of the honour.

He said: “I am deeply honoured to be one of the recipients of the Heart of Gold Award. I am humbled to have been found worthy of this prestigious recognition. This acknowledgement will encourage me to continue contributing to the development of our region and the nation.”

Iyaye urged the people of the Niger Delta region to take charge of their destiny and develop a blueprint for community development.

He highlighted the Niger Delta’s untapped potential and investment opportunities in various sectors, emphasising the need to attract local and foreign investors to stimulate economic growth and create a brighter future for the region.

The Executive Director thanked Eve Afrique for bringing together stakeholders to discuss the region’s progress. He pledged continued support and partnership with Eve Afrique empowerment initiatives, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to the region’s development.

The President of the Eve Afrique Empowerment Initiative, Mrs. Ivy Etokakpan, emphasised the importance of celebrating outstanding Niger Deltans and encouraging shared responsibility for regional development. She expressed gratitude to the awardees and guests, acknowledging the power of collective effort in driving progress.

She stated: “The 2025 Red Ball is not merely an event; it is a rallying call for collective action and change. This year, our theme, “Restoring the Pride of the Niger Delta”, calls us to remember and to reclaim. It is a call to return to the values, identity, and collective strength that define us as a people.”

In a related development, the NDDC Executive Director Finance and Administration decorated his police orderly, ASP Atayi Otache, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police.

..says claims by Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC) and other pseudo groups, divisive

The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum for Peace and Development has expressed strong support for the call to include the Itsekiri Nation, alongside other ethnic nationalities, in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The call, originally made by Dr. (Amb.) Shola Mese, urged that the Itsekiri and other groups be given fair recognition in the initiative, which was established to address long-standing grievances in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

However, Dr. Mese’s position has recently faced pushback from the Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC) and other allied groups, which have sought to dismiss his intervention as self-serving and politically motivated.

In response, the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum reaffirmed that Mese’s call reflects genuine concerns over equity and inclusivity, stressing that all ethnic nationalities in the region deserve to benefit from programmes designed to foster peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development.

The Forum, in a statement issued after an emergency meeting convened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and signed by the its National President, Snr. Comr. Amb. Tamuno James (Rivers State), alongside representatives from all major ethnic groups in the region, reaffirmed its firm stand in support of Dr. (Amb.) Shola Mese’s position on the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), stressing the need for fairness and equitable inclusion of the Itsekiri Nation alongside other ethnic nationalities.

Other signatories on the statement include Oritsemeyuwa (Itsekiri – Delta State),
Comr. Udoh Akpan Bassey (Ibibio – Akwa Ibom State), Comr. Paul Oromosele (Edo State), Comr. Aruwotonye (Ogoni – Rivers State), Comr. Fred Tijala (Ilaje – Ondo State),
Snr. Comr. Asuquo Akpan (Efik – Cross River State), Comr. Hope Agadaba (Bayelsa State),
Comr. Amos Keledichuwu (Igbo – Imo State), Snr. Comr. Ejiro Oghenerume a.k.a. Last Don (Urhobo – Delta State), Comr. Ufuoma Oterioghene (Isoko – Delta State) and Snr. Comr. Ifeanyi Ebele (Ndokwa – Delta State emphasizes that Dr. Mese, a United Nations–recognized International Peace Ambassador and respected security consultant, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to peace, equity, and inclusion in the Niger Delta region.

The Forum stated that “As the sole Itsekiri representative in the Presidential Amnesty Office, appointed on the recommendation of the Olu of Warri in 2024, Dr. Mese has worked to ensure that the Itsekiri Nation is not sidelined in the distribution of benefits from the PAP. His track record in conflict resolution and his role in the original disarmament process of ex-militants in Delta State have positioned him as a credible voice on matters relating to the programme.”

“Therefore, the Forum has made it clear that it will resist any attempt by individuals or groups to distort the purpose of the PAP or to present it as a programme meant for the exclusive benefit of one ethnic group.”

“The Forum describes as unacceptable, the recent statements from the Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC) and other pseudo groups, which seek to undermine Dr. Mese’s interventions and portray his position as self-serving.”

“Such divisive rhetoric undermines the unity of the region and threatens the peace that was achieved through years of painstaking dialogue and disarmament.”

“The Forum recalls that the PAP was established as a federal intervention to address the needs of documented beneficiaries drawn from across the Niger Delta, without ethnic bias.

“While acknowledging that the programme has moved from the disarmament stage to the reintegration phase, the Forum stresses that every ethnic nationality, including the Itsekiri, must receive fair treatment in the allocation of scholarships, vocational training, and other empowerment opportunities.”

“Given recent developments under the transformative leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Forum notes that although progress has been recorded in the PAP, there remain grievances among Itsekiri ex-agitators who have alleged continued marginalization in key programme benefits.

“These concerns should be addressed urgently to prevent the re-emergence of tensions and distrust.

“We also want to highlight that certain credible voices within the region have acknowledged improved relations between the PAP Office and the Itsekiri Nation in recent months, including an increase in the number of Itsekiri beneficiaries of educational and vocational programmes.

“The Forum urges that this momentum be sustained and expanded, ensuring that Itsekiri communities enjoy proportional benefits in line with their contributions and sacrifices during the height of militant activities in the region.

The Forum also wishes to reiterate its position that the PAP is a Niger Delta-wide peace instrument, and not an ethnic bargaining chip,” To this end, we call on the Administrator of the PAP and all stakeholders to uphold the founding principles of the programme that prioritizes inclusivity, empowerment, and regional stability over political manipulation or ethnic favoritism.

“The Forum further cautions those attempting to politicize the programme to desist from actions capable of causing division, intimidation, or the domination of one ethnic nationality over others.

” The Forum strongly affirms that the era of one group monopolizing benefits at the expense of others is over, and that all Niger Deltans must be treated as equal stakeholders in the region’s peace and development framework.

“In conclusion, the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum for Peace and Development pledges its unalloyed solidarity with Dr. Shola Mese, commending his integrity, his deep-rooted commitment to justice, and his consistent advocacy for the equitable inclusion of the Itsekiri Nation in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.”