The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has commissioned four projects in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The projects include a Police station and a Health Centre, a recreation centre and a 4.5km Egbelebie Road network as contained in a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama
NDDCs Director, Corporate Affairs

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stated that the Commission’s mandate to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta was exemplified in Okirika.

According to Ebie, the NDDC Board and Management were facilitating the development of the region in collaboration with other stakeholders.

“We believe in support, collaboration and the prayers of everybody. We are an interventionist agency that collaborates with local, state, and federal governments,” he said.

He stated that the NDDC was not in competition with any other entity. He advised that people should discard the notion that the NDDC competes with different tiers of government, stating: “NDDC is not a tier of government. Our work is to complement what other tiers of government are doing and to ensure that the administration of President Bola Tinubu succeeds in delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

He charged the communities in the Okirika Local Government Area to join hands in owning and maintaining the NDDC projects in their areas.

In his speech, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the series of project commissioning was the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. He noted that the NDDC was spreading the good news of Renewed Hope through tangible results.

According to the NDDC boss, the project commissioning started last year in Ondo, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states.

This year, the exercise continued with notable projects in Delta, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bayelsa states. ”
Ogbuku said there was a need for peace in communities to pave the way for development.

He noted that President Tinubu had given the board a marching order to complete all ongoing projects in the Niger Delta region and assured them that Okrika-Borokiri Road and bridges would be completed in good time.

He acknowledged the support of the Senate and the House of Representatives in enhancing project delivery, noting that the security agencies had been of great help in providing security at the NDDC project sites.

In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, noted that the people of Okrika were full of joy over the projects and reassured them that the present board of the Commission would complete the Borokiri-Okrika bridge, linking the community to Port Harcourt.

In his project brief, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, explained that the network of roads was approximately four and a half kilometres long, while the Police Station was equipped with an armoury, male and female cells, and other facilities built to strengthen security.

Antai noted that the projects were undertaken to enhance community development and improve the well-being of residents in the communities.

He commended the corporation from the residents and youths, and described the Okrika residents as very peaceful people.
A representative of the Abam community, Chief Believe Abam, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for delivering the various projects for the people.

He commended the vision and leadership prowess of the NDDC Board and Management and appealed for more development projects in the area.

“Meet Captain Dominique Leonard-Curry: One of Only Nine Black Female Captains at American Airlines”

In a world where the skies should belong to everyone, representation still has a long way to go. That’s why it’s a big deal, a really big deal when someone like Captain Dominique Leonard-Curry steps into the cockpit.

She’s officially the 9th Black female Captain at American Airlines, a company with over 15,000 pilots on its roster. That number alone should make you pause. Out of thousands—only nine look like her.And she’s not just flying planes. She’s flying the flag for visibility, change, and possibility.

So, Who is Captain Curry?
She’s a proud daughter of Jeffersonville, Indiana, who first fell in love with aviation at church when she met a pilot from UPS. That moment sparked something powerful.

By age 14, she was attending aviation camps. At 16, she was flying planes. And somehow, she balanced it all with sports, music, and school leadership.

She Didn’t Stop There.
She earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Aviation Science from the prestigious Purdue University. Before flying commercial jets, she served as a flight instructor and college lecturer, helping guide future pilots—many of whom had never seen a Black woman in that space.

In May 2022, she joined American Airlines. Today, she commands an Airbus out of Washington D.C. (DCA).

But That’s Just One Part of Her Story.
Captain Curry is also a wife, a mother of three daughters (ages 14, 9, and 7), and an active mentor to young aviators. She helps run the Sisters of the Skies social media committee, and she works with AA’s recruitment team to bring more diversity into the flight deck.

She’s a real-life superhero—managing home, career, faith, and community without missing a beat. She travels, writes, cheers on her girls in gymnastics and sports, and keeps lifting others while she climbs.

Why This Matters?
Because Black women make up less than 1%—some say less than 0.1%—of the pilot population. Captain Curry’s journey is not just about her. It’s about every young Black girl who now knows this dream is possible because someone made it visible.

She’s not just flying planes. She’s changing flight paths. And that deserves to be celebrated.

✈️💫 #RepresentationMatters
#BlackWomenInAviation
#CaptainCurry
#WomenWhoFly
#SistersOfTheSkies
#AviationTrailblazer
#FlyLikeAGirl
#BreakingBarriers
#DiversityInTheCockpit
#AmericanAirlines
#AviationRoleModel
#SheDidThat
#InspiringNextGen
#BlackGirlMagic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-4gPxaUA_Q?si=3NWi5EVPjASkA6ed

Elon Musk has announced that Neuralink is set to begin its first human implants aimed at restoring vision within the next 6 to 12 months. Remarkably, the technology has already been successfully tested on monkeys—one of which has had the implant for three years.

Musk claims the device could enable even completely blind individuals to see again, marking a major milestone in brain-computer interface technology.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has awarded Foreign Post Graduate Scholarships to 200 successful candidates for its 2025 scholarship programme.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, observed that the 200 beneficiaries underwent a qualification process that was free from political interferences or external influences.

In a statement by NDDCs Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, he stated: “The panel, which was constituted to carry out this qualification process, worked hard to produce the best candidates. I want to commend the panellists for doing a great job. They raised the bar, leading to the best results”

Ogbuku announced that last year, one of the beneficiaries of the NDDC foreign scholarship programme produced the best results, which is an indication of quality in the selection process.

He added that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Commission would consider resuming the award of scholarships for doctoral studies given the brilliant performance of the past beneficiaries.

He further described the programme as one of the NDDC’s obligations aimed at improving the successes of the Commission and exposing the people of the region to the experience and development of other civilisations.

He admonished the beneficiaries to refrain from criminality and any other act that could tarnish the image of the Commission and the country as a whole.

The programme consultant, Chief Godson Idozo, in his remarks, hinted that 30,000 persons applied for the programme, and 6,000 were shortlisted for the aptitude test. At the same time, 200 applicants hit the foreign scholarship award merit lists.

The NDDC Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr George Uzonwanne, congratulated the beneficiaries for passing through the various stages of the examination process, while urging them to remain focused and determined in their academic pursuits.

The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the Managing Director took turns to present award letters to the successful candidates.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has emphasised the importance and impact of empowering women on the socio-economic growth and development of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the kick-off of a three-day capacity-building workshop in commemoration of International Women’s Day in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, noted that the Commission was undertaking deliberate initiatives to foster inclusion and progress for women in the region.

In a statement on Thursday by NDDCs Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama noted that Ogbuku, who was represented by the Director of Youth, Sports, Culture and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, praised the determination and industriousness of the region’s women.

He stated, “Women are crucial to the development of the region. The NDDC is keen about empowering women through enterprise development.

“Women are not just beneficiaries of development, they are also architects of sustainable development. This is why the NDDC celebrates their strength and leadership. A truly developed Niger Delta is one where women are seen, heard and given equal opportunities. We are committed to building that space.”

The Director of Rivers State Office, Engr. Ule Okezie, who was represented by Professor Continue Eketu, highlighted the Commission’s commitment to women’s affairs, stating: “NDDC has joined forces with the world to celebrate our women. When we develop women, we develop the region. This year’s theme is accelerated action as success comes from consistency and action.”

In her presentation entitled ‘Women Empowerment and Leadership’, one of the speakers, Dr Lynn Ujiagbe, noted that leadership is for everybody. “Leadership is not just for men, but for everybody. It runs differently. Empowerment goes beyond financial emoluments. It improves your capacity and maximises your potential. Always have a burning desire to be passionate and diligent about your business or whatever you find yourself doing. An empowered woman is a self-sufficient woman”, she said.

Addressing issues of gender inequality and discrimination, a development expert, Mr. Samuel Ekpuk emphasised the importance of providing women in the region with equal opportunities.

He stated, “Women are often deprived of attaining leadership positions. If women had equal rights and opportunities as men, it would enhance socio-economic development in the region.”

Admonishing the participants of the workshop, the Lead Consultant, Mrs. Monte Effiong, noted: “Any opportunity you have in life, use it to your advantage. The theme of this year’s event is a call to accelerated action, a call for improvement in all aspects of our lives. We thank the NDDC for this opportunity., I implore all participants to apply the knowledge garnered in their daily lives.”

The 36 state governors have agreed to work closely with the Federal Government to harmonise levies, eliminate illegal checkpoints, and enhance the free flow of goods across states as part of efforts to address food security issues.

Speaking under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors disclosed after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other key stakeholders on Thursday morning that widespread checkpoints, unlawful levies, and inadequate infrastructure are major factors driving food price inflation and disrupting the food supply chain.

In a communiqué read by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the NGF voiced concern over the World Bank’s failure to fulfill its funding commitments under the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus programme.

Sanwo-Olu reads from the NGF communique on Thursday May 19 2025
He stated, “The Forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, accompanied by the Honourable Ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation, on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation across the country.

“The presentation revealed that the proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure are key contributors to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply
chain.

“The NSA noted that a high-level inter-ministerial committee has been established to address these concerns and has submitted its recommendations for the endorsement of the Forum.

“Governors acknowledged the urgency of the matter and expressed commitment to collaborate with federal authorities to streamline levies, dismantle unauthorised checkpoints, and improve the movement of goods across states.”

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that states have collectively invested more than $2.2bn through the NG-CARES implementation platforms.

The communique read in part, “The Forum received a presentation from the World Bank on the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.

“The bank highlighted that states have made significant investments totaling over US$2.2 billion through the NG-CARES delivery platforms, with verified impacts reaching over 17 million direct beneficiaries.

“Governors expressed concern over the non-fulfilment of funding pledges by the bank under NG-CARES 1.0.

“The Forum emphasized the need for an amicable resolution between the World Bank and participating states to conclude the first phase of the programme before advancing to NG-CARES 2.0, which is designed to build long-term resilience for vulnerable households and enterprises.”

Nigeria’s oil regulator is set to bring in a new rule that requires oil producers to obtain an export permit, vessel clearance and a unique identification number to enable real-time tracking of cargoes, based on regulations seen by Reuters.

The government said the updated regulations are designed to enable real-time monitoring of oil cargo exports, aiming to combat theft and under-declaration at export terminals, and thereby significantly enhance government revenue.

The new rules mark a significant departure from the previous system which only required producers to declare cargoes to customs authorities for export permit issuance.

“The new guidelines represent a significant step toward a more transparent, accountable and efficient oil export regime in Nigeria,” the spokesperson for the regulator said.

Reinforcing the necessity of these changes, Ayodele Oni, an energy lawyer at Lagos-based Bloomfield law firm, said the previous system was not equipped for real-time tracking.

“This deficiency led to issues such as under-reporting, theft, revenue loss and mismatches in export data,” Oni said.

Under the revised framework, known as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, exporters must file comprehensive details of the vessel and cargo in advance, including the consignee, port destination, tonnage and estimated time of arrival.

Strict compliance with these new regulations is mandatory and non-compliance carries potential penalties of up to $20,000.

Theme: Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy

Date: June 19, 2025

“Until the pain of sickle cell is felt in the halls of policymaking, the cries of the sufferers will remain in the silence of hospital corridors.”

🇳🇬 Why This Day Matters Deeply in Nigeria

Today, June 19, marks World Sickle Cell Awareness Day 2025, a day globally recognized but painfully personal for millions of Nigerians.

As the country with the highest burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) in the world, Nigeria faces a public health crisis that is both genetic and systemic. An estimated 150,000 Nigerian children are born with SCD every year—yet many die before their fifth birthday due to lack of awareness, poor diagnosis, delayed care, and social stigma.

🧬 What Is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

SCD is an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and shaped like sickles, obstructing blood flow and causing severe pain, organ damage, infections, and strokes. While it is not contagious, it is passed genetically—when both parents carry the sickle gene (AS), there’s a 25% chance of having a child with SCD (SS).

🧠 The Nigerian Reality: Beyond the Biology

While medical textbooks define SCD in terms of cells and genes, in Nigeria, it’s defined by stigma, silence, and suffering:

Parents often hide their children’s condition due to fear of discrimination.

Schools lack support systems for students in constant pain or with frequent absences.

Many marriages still happen without genotype testing, increasing future risk.

Healthcare access is uneven—with rural communities especially underserved.

Patients endure the agony of ‘crises’ without morphine or expert care due to shortages and poor infrastructure.

📢 2025 Theme: Global Action, Local Impact

This year’s theme reminds us that global conversations must spark local change. In Nigeria, this means:

✅ Making genotype testing compulsory before marriage licenses or university admissions.
✅ Training more health professionals in pain management and crisis care.
✅ Providing free or subsidized hydroxyurea—a life-saving medication still unaffordable to many.
✅ Empowering warrior voices (people living with SCD) to tell their stories, advocate for policy, and break the stigma.

🧒🏽 Children Are Dying Silently. Why?

Despite progress in research and treatment, many Nigerian children with SCD still die young. Why?
Because too many are diagnosed late, treated at home with herbal remedies, or mourned in silence due to lack of access to basic care.

We must move beyond awareness to prevention, protection, and empowerment. Every child deserves to be more than a statistic.

👨‍👩‍👧 What Can You Do?

1. Know your genotype. It’s a small test with a life-changing impact.

2. Speak up. Challenge harmful myths and discrimination.

3. Support warriors. Emotionally, financially, socially—every gesture counts.

4. Advocate. Join voices pushing for stronger policies, subsidies, and awareness.

🕊️ In Honour of Our Warriors

To every Nigerian living with sickle cell—your strength is unmatched.
To every parent, sibling, caregiver—you are not alone.
To every child lost too soon—we carry your memory into action.

Let this day be more than a reminder. Let it be a movement. 💪🏾❤️

Tension is building up around the 12 Crescent of FHA estate in Apo/Guzape, in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, following the activities of land grabbers in the area.

The matter which is in court has taken a twist owing to the impunity and flagrant disregard of the court process by the encroachers believed to be backed a prominent politician from the eastern part of the country, fronting for a top government official.

According to documents at our disposal, the area in Guzape was duly acquired by Federal Housing Authority, FHA from the FCDA.

FHA from the available Letter of Allocation had allocated the plots of land to some allottess in 2022, and was in the process of opening up the road, when a developer fronting for top eastern politician in 2024, illegally encroached on the land.

Federal Housing Authority, FHA in suit no .FCT/8C/CD/290/2025 approached the Abuja High Court to challenge the impunity.

The matter is between FHA vs NIMAO Ventures Ltd to be determined by tue court .

Despite the fact that the matter has been mentioned for hearing, the defiant encroacher our source revealed has gone to sell the land to unsuspecting members of the public at N250 million per plot and mobilizes them with security to go on developing the plots.

An FHA allottee who spoke under anonymity revealed that attempts to get to their plots duly and genuinely allocated to them by FHA has been rebuffed by the developer, who claims to have a Certificate of Occupancy C of O on the land dated 2024.

The allotee who disclosed that all concerned FHA allotees are coming together to resist what he called “impunity and daylight robbery”.

Speaking under anonymity, an FHA official website spoke to said the Authority is still studying the situation and will take all necessary lawful steps to stop the recklessness.

The source revealed that search at AGIS shows that the land belongs to FHA.

According to him,” there is no records that the land given to FHA was revoked” .

FHA he said was allocated this additional piece of land under the previous administration.

He then wondered why the developer is claiming to have a Certificate of Occupancy, Cof O dated 2024, and believed that such a document is suspicious and questionable.

The FHA allottees in 12 Crescent Apo/Guzape are calling for justice and have vowed to join in resisting broad day light robbery of properties they genuinely acquired.

They called on the government to look into this case of criminality and disregard to court process by the current occupants and developer .