The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has urged youths of the region to explore opportunities in advanced technology, emphasising the role of technology in human capital development.

Speaking during the 2025 International Youth Day in Akure, Ondo State, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, noted that the event, with the theme: “Youth Advancing Multilateral Corporation through Technology and Partnership.”, was timely and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, he stated: “Advancements in Information Technology, particularly in novel areas like Artificial Intelligence, have paved the way for multiple career paths and cross-sector collaborations. The importance of unity in achieving human capital development cannot be overemphasised. An engaged youth becomes productive, not only for himself, but for his family and the community at large.

In his remarks, one of the panellists, Barrister Rotimi Olorunfemi, highlighted the potential of technology to provide solutions to address global challenges and emphasised the need for partnership between the government and private sector to harness meaningful gains.

The Former Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Dayo Awude explained the critical role of information technology in driving sustainable development and fostering youth-led initiatives across the region. He noted: “Both technology and partnerships can unlock opportunities for the Niger Delta youths. While technology gives us speed, partnerships and collaborative efforts would give us reach”.

The programme featured over 300 youth participants.

In a related development, the NDDC collaborated with the Instinctively Her’s Foundation in Port Harcourt to celebrate youth empowerment and innovation, to mark International Youth Day 2025.

The Director of Youth, Sports, Culture, and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, emphasised the importance of unlocking youth potential for societal growth and mentioned plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for the youth of the Niger Delta region’s youth. She further highlighted projects like talent hunts, the Niger Delta Sports Festival, skills acquisition programs, and scholarships as key youth-focused efforts by the NDDC.

A keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Mrs. Edughom Hanson, underscored the pivotal role of youth as key stakeholders and catalysts for positive transformation in the Niger Delta’s journey toward sustainable development. She noted: “Young people constitute approximately 60% of the region’s population, positioning them as powerful agents of change. Niger Delta is one of Africa’s most resource-rich areas, boasting abundant oil and gas reserves, vibrant biodiversity, and a rich cultural heritage. Stakeholders must fulfil their unique responsibilities in turning the region’s youth potential into tangible progress.”

Consultant Paediatrician at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and Director of Maternal and Child Health at the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Gracia Eze, addressed the pressing issues of substance abuse and mental health. She warned participants about the growing threat of drug misuse among Nigerian youth and emphasised their critical role in confronting this national crisis.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has charged youths in the Niger Delta region to leverage modern technology to foster collaborations and partnerships that will boost their human capacity development.

Ogbuku stated this at the 2025 International Youth Day celebration organised by the NDDC in collaboration with Ganvic Empowerment Initiative in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

He explained that the programme was focused on collaboration and partnership for youth development.

“We are in the age of technology and AI is taking over the place and therefore, we are using this platform to encourage the youth to leverage on the current trend to advance their course of being partners in development, where they can benefit from current innovative ideas, latest technology, so that they are not left behind, as part of the commission’s quota in promoting the capacities of youths in the Niger delta region ”

Ogbuku noted that the ongoing all-encompassing youth empowerment programme in the region was further achieved with meaningful support from the state governments, as the NDDC, as an interventionist agency, could not do it alone.

He stated: “We have always liaised with state governments in carrying out such programmes, by also requesting them to nominate and furnish us with the categories of people in their areas of interest, such as people living with disabilities as beneficiaries”

Ogbuku enjoined youths to be hardworking and proactive in their various endeavours.
The NDDC Director, Women and Culture Unit of the Youths Directorate, Mrs Ahunna Imoni, said the International Youth Day, which is being organised globally to celebrate youth creativity and potentials, was a further attestation of a renewed commitment by the current board of NDDC towards youth advancement.

She urged the youths to develop their skills in various ways to meet the present-day reality.

A Resource Person for the programme, Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, eulogised the NDDC for its initiative in sponsoring the programme, which served as an eye opener, adding that the event would assist in transforming youths in the region.

In a significant milestone for the Prosperity Cup, two talented products of the tournament, Abidei Precious and Jacob Prince from Advanced Team Football Academy, have been invited for trials with the Aliyu Zubairu led U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, in Abuja. This development is a testament to the tournament’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing young football talent.

According to a statement signed by Mr. Ono Akpe, Director General of the Prosperity Cup, on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee (COC), the duo’s outstanding performance in the tournament caught the attention of key football officials, including the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, and NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen. Their impressive display earned them a call-up to the national team trial, a remarkable achievement for the young players.

The Prosperity Cup organizers have generously provided resources to facilitate the players’ trip to Abuja for the trial, underscoring their commitment to supporting emerging talent. Moreover, Mr. Akpe revealed that five female players from the Prosperity Cup have also been selected for the trial, with their names to be announced upon arrival in Abuja.

The Director General expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, coaches, and national team coaches for their support, highlighting the tournament’s potential to expose more Bayelsa youths to the world. He also welcomed teams participating in the Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament in Yenagoa, commending the Ministry of Sports Development for sustaining the initiative.

Appreciation was extended to Governor Senator Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, for their invaluable contributions to sports development in the state. Mr. Akpe emphasized the Prosperity Cup’s dream to see more players excel globally, thanking the NFF President and Technical Director for their immense support.

This achievement marks a significant step forward for the Prosperity Cup, solidifying its reputation as a platform for discovering and nurturing young football talent. As the tournament continues to produce talented players, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Nigerian football.

In related news, a high-powered team of international scouts is set to visit Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for a 3-day international scouting program in September, further highlighting the state’s growing importance in Nigerian football. This program, part of the Governor Douye Diri International Scouting Tournament, aims to identify and develop young talents in the state, with potential opportunities for players to trial in Europe and other international destinations ¹.

Spokesman of The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Comrade Bedford Berefa, has called on Ijaw youths to use their innate potentials for more creativity and productivity.

Comrade Bedford Berefa made the call in a press statement made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, as the world celebrates the 2025 International Youth Day.

Comrade Berefa noted that Ijaw youths are hardworking and talented. Hence, they should look inward and utilize their many untapped potentials and imaginative abilities to enable them to excel in all fields of endeavour.

“Productivity is not in serving only the government. Productivity lies within us acknowledging our individuality. We can be the best in technology, oil an gas, marine economy and other areas.”

He emphasized that many Ijaw youths in various communities have unique talents and skills that would make them undeniably relevant in the society if they can continue to build themselves through entrepreneurship.

The IYC spokesman reiterated the need for youths to believe in themselves and harness their abilities by engaging in personal development through education, vocational training, and capacity building workshops.

As youths, we are strategic partners of any economy world over. However, he also urged Ijaw youths to desist from unhealthy rivalry and competition, saying it breeds conflicts rather than Ijaw youths should complement each other.

“We should not compete. We should complement each other. It is together that we can build the future that we desire,” he added.

The International Youth Day celebrated on the 12th of August with the theme, IYD: Local Youths Action for Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs and Beyond is focused on highlighting the role of youths in the society and the use of their unique abilities in shaping the future.

By Our Correspondent

In a decisive move to address the escalating impacts of climate change across the continent, policymakers, industry leaders, environmental experts, and development partners have gathered in Abuja for the maiden edition of the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Summit (AICIS).

The high-profile event aims to develop actionable strategies and innovative solutions to strengthen Africa’s resilience, bridge infrastructure gaps, and promote sustainable development in the face of worsening climate threats.

Delivering a keynote address at the summit, President Bola Tinubu underscored that climate change is not merely an environmental issue but a pressing security challenge with far-reaching implications for Africa’s stability, food systems, and economic growth.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Sen. George Akume, the President noted that that rising temperatures effect of climate change was already displacing communities, and threatening livelihoods across the continent.

He called for a bold, coordinated, and continent-wide response that combines political will, innovative technologies, and substantial investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.

‘‘Nigeria is implementing a robust climate action framework aligned with the Paris agreement and African agenda 2063. We are investing in renewable energy and advancing clean technology, our goal is to build resilience for our people, empower our youths and create green jobs that fuel prosperity ’’ he said

The convener, Mr. Moses Owharo, explained that the summit’s core objective will develop lasting, practical solutions to the escalating impacts of climate change across Africa. He emphasized that the gathering seeks to inspire actionable commitments, stating, “Our collective vision is to leave a legacy of sustainability and prosperity for both present and future generations.”

Meanwhile, speaking on the sidelines with our correspondent, Engr. Ebi Ogionwo, Deputy Director of Health, Safety, Environment, and Community for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), underscored the importance of the Host Community Development Trust introduced by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021.

He explained that the Trust was designed to make host communities active partners in oil exploration, production, transportation, and distribution. According to him, a percentage of revenue from crude oil production is allocated to these communities for development projects, provided they safeguard oil and gas assets.

Engr. Ogionwo noted that this initiative creates a direct incentive for communities to protect infrastructure and curb pipeline vandalism, as any disruption would affect their share of revenue.

“The more they are able to produce in a sustainable manner, the more they benefit,” he said, adding that this approach encourages cooperation between host communities and operators while reducing third-party interference.

He further explained that most Host Community Development Trusts have already been formed and are operational, following extensive sensitization campaigns. This, he said, would not only channel more resources into community development but also sustain vital oil and gas infrastructure.

Engr Ogionwo emphasized that this model aligns with broader climate and sustainability goals by fostering stability in oil-producing areas and enabling long-term investments in cleaner energy, including gas-to-power projects. “If communities know they benefit directly, they will protect the assets,” he concluded.

On the summit, he added that Nigeria has over 3,000 trillion cubic feet of gas that is stored underneath the ground which must be harnessed to the benefit of all Nigerians and to Africa at large.

‘‘So we are here to tell the world that we are ready, as Nigeria, to play a very important role and pivotal role in that direction’’

The two days summit brought together diverse stakeholders from government, private sector, and the diplomatic community.

‎‎… As Prosperity Cup champions, EGM FC Battle Warri Wolves
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‎The Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament has kicked-off in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, ahead of the new Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL season scheduled to commence on 22nd of August, 2025.
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‎Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament is a tournament organized by the Bayelsa Government to put Bayelsa United in shape for the new season as well as expose local players to NPFL teams.
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‎Warri Wolves in the first match of the tournament humbled Bayelsa United U-20 side three nil to move top of group A with three points. Goals from Kudus Olayinola, Ademola Adebambo and Israel Oladeji on 15, 62 and 88 minutes was all Warri Wolves needed to beat the Bayelsa United U-20 side.
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‎Host, Bayelsa United in the second match of the day lost two nil to neighbours, Bendel Insurance of Benin, a goal in each half from Isaac Omijie and Victor Peter on 47 and 88 minutes gave the Benin Arsenals the deserved victory with ‎Bayelsa United Jawad Mustapha missing a spot kick on 77 minutes.
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‎Action will resume on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 as Warri Wolves battle Eternal Grace Ministry, EGM FC by 1.00p.m. while Bendel Insurance will take on Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri at 3.00p.m. at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
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‎Despite the defeat, Bayelsa United Chief Coach, Meremu Okara believes that there are positives to take home from the game, attributing the loss to his team’s inability to convert their chances in the first half.
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‎Also, Bendel Insurance Technical Adviser, Greg Ikhenoba in his post-match reaction, noted that the tournament has provided an opportunity for him to select his preferred starting eleven, saying that his team is gradually finding its rhythm.
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‎Earlier, Warri Wolves technical adviser, Napoleon Alumua in his post-match reaction, said the reason behind their smooth quality of play was the blend between the old and new players in the team.
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‎He appreciated the organizers of the Bayelsa Pre-season Football Tournament for the laudable initiative, stating that the competition has introduced what they intend to face when the season commences.

The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for partnering with the State and citing key projects such as the ongoing Kaa-Ataba Bridge, linking Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas, and the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge in Okrika Local Government Area.

The Administrator gave the commendation while receiving the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt. The Minister was accompanied by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, as well as Directors from the ministry and NDDC.
Vice Admiral Ibas described the NDDC projects in Rivers State as “economic arteries” that connect communities and transform lives.

He described the Minister’s visit as a positive step toward aligning federal and state development goals. He called for deeper collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, the NDDC, the newly established South-South Commission and the Rivers State Government.

He stressed: “We must remove bottlenecks, identify real needs, and ensure impact is felt where it matters most.”
The Administrator called on development partners to expand their interventions in the Niger Delta by prioritising innovation hubs, industrial clusters, digital centres, and skills acquisition programs alongside physical infrastructure.

Vice Admiral Ibas emphasised the need for a holistic approach to development in the Niger Delta, stating that meaningful progress must go beyond roads and bridges to include economic empowerment and human capital development.

He noted: “Infrastructure remains a major need, and so is social investment, human capital development, and economic inclusion. A bridge that doesn’t lead to opportunities is a bridge half built,” the Administrator declared.

Ibas observed that the Niger Delta was endowed with vast natural and human resources and should adopt development models that stimulate regional and national economic growth.

“We must focus on innovation hubs, industrial clusters, agro-processing zones, digital infrastructure, skill acquisition centres, and youth enterprise development programs,” Vice Admiral Ibas urged.

In his remarks, Engr. Abubakar Momoh explained that his visit was part of a nationwide assessment tour to evaluate ongoing and abandoned NDDC projects, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to complete all such initiatives in the region.

The Minister lauded Vice Admiral Ibas for fostering peace and stability in Rivers State, which he noted had attracted investments and revitalised commercial activities.

The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh has urged the Management and staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to consolidate on the successes recorded by the Commission in the past two years.

Speaking during an interactive meeting between the ministry, executive management and staff of the Commission at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt, Engr Momoh observed that the “success of NDDC is the success of the Ministry of Regional Development.”

In a statement by NDDCs Director Cooperate Affairs Seledi Thompson- Wakama, he stated: “In the past two years, significant developments have taken place in the Niger Delta region, and this is because of the hard work of the management and staff of the NDDC. We have come to give you hope and encouragement to do more.”

Momoh noted that his working visit along with the Permanent Secretary and Directors of the Ministry was to inspect the ongoing construction of the Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking the Khana Local Government Area to the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said that the inspection also took him to the construction work at the 3.65-kilometre Borokiri-Okrika Road and three bridges at the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State and the Niger Delta Regional Hospital, with cardiovascular and orthopaedic sections, in Port Harcourt.

The Minister commended the NDDC for a successful celebration of its 25th anniversary and urged the staff to continue to work with the management to ensure improvement in project and service delivery.

The Minister emphasised the importance of cooperation and said, “For an organisation to excel, its leadership must show the way, and the people behind them must be ready to cooperate.”

Earlier in his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, restated the commitment of the Commission to the presidential mandate to change the narrative in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku pledged that the NDDC would adhere strictly to the President’s directive to complete all ongoing regional projects, noting that the performance of the Commission was now a reference point in the country.

The Managing Director recalled that in the past, some NDDC staff wished they were transferred to other Federal Government agencies because of poor working conditions. He said that the tide had since changed as many people now want to identify with the Commission.

He noted: “Today, we have a new identity, which is one of the key indicators of success and performance. Today, NDDC is one of the best-performing agencies in the country. The difference is good leadership combined with loyal and dedicated staff.”
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Regional Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, also commended the NDDC staff, describing them as the “engine room of the Commission’s successes.” She urged the staff to continue to give their best for the good of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking on behalf of the Staff, the Chairman of the NDDC Staff Union, Comrade John Achoreturi, appealed to the Minister to assist the leadership of the Commission in the area of securing adequate funding for development projects in the region.