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Nigerian Rivers Heavily polluted, Says Environmentalist … Proposes Organised Community Clean-ups To Remove Plastics, Wastes From Rivers

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Nigerian Rivers Heavily polluted, Says Environmentalist … Proposes Organised Community Clean-ups To Remove Plastics, Wastes From Rivers

An environmentalist with the Lower Niger River Basin Authority (LNRBA), Dr Olabisi Awoniyi, has warned that Nigerian rivers continue to face serious pollution challenges.

In an on Friday in Ilorin, Awoniyi described rivers as synonymous with life, noting that they remained vital sources of sustenance for humans, animals, and plants.

He observed that Nigerian rivers suffered from significant pollution, mainly caused by industrial waste, poor sewage management, and agricultural runoff, among other factors.

Awoniyi, who is an instructor and environmental scientist at the LNRBA, said rivers provide water, food, transportation, and energy, and in some areas have become cultural symbols — such as in the Argungu Fishing Festival.

“Through the rivers, we have our drinking water, it supports agriculture through irrigation, and fisheries,” he said.

According to him, rivers provide transport, generate energy through hydropower and support biodiversity; aquatic plants and animals.

He, however, lamented that there were many challenges facing our rivers and that all livelihoods that rally round them were under serious threats, saying this was detrimental to the existence of man.

He described pollution as the introduction of harmful or contaminating substances, or even excess natural materials into the environment at a rate faster than it could disperse, dilute, or decompose.

According to Awoniyi, the result is a negative effects on ecosystems and human health.

“So when harmful substances such as industrial waste, human waste in form of sewage, chemicals and plastics are introduced into our rivers, they become polluted and the effects are better imagined,” he said.

The environmental scientist explained that the Asa River in Ilorin serves as a confluence where other rivers and streams emptied their waters, adding that Asa is a tributary of the River Niger.

“Research findings have shown bacteriological contamination, high faecal coliform counts, and elevated physicochemical parameters downstream of urban and industrial discharges recorded in the river,” he said.

He noted that a healthy community thrived when its rivers were protected and appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in gutters and channeling sewage into rivers.

“Whatever you do to the rivers have a way of coming back to you. Let us organise community clean-ups to remove plastics and waste from the rivers.

“Plant trees along riverbanks to reduce erosion and organise community education and advocacy programmes to raise awareness in rural and urban areas on the need to protect our rivers,” he advised.

How New Tax System Will Affect Youths, Small Businesses – Presidential Aide

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How New Tax System Will Affect Youths, Small Businesses – Presidential Aide

Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Tope Fasua, says Nigeria’s new tax regime is designed to significantly reduce tax burden on majority of Nigerians, particularly the youth and small business owners.

The Atlantic Bell reports that the new tax regime being introduced by the present administration led by President Bola Tinubu will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Fasua spoke during a panellists session on “Nigeria New Tax System: What every youth should know,” at the Youth National Discourse Abuja 2025, organised by the Eleniyancares Leadership Foundation in Abuja.

He said that the primary aim of the new system was to ensure that those who should not be paying taxes in the country were exempted.

“For most youths, the President does not want you to pay any tax. That is the aim of the new tax regime for our youths,’’Fasua said.

He highlighted specific tax reliefs under the new system for low-income earners and small businesses.

“The law says that anybody earning one million naira and below per annum should go tax-free.

“That is N800,000, being the allowance you’re given for zero taxes plus N200,000 allowance for your rent.

“So, that is one million and below. So, that means you’re earning about N83,000 or so naira per month for a whole year you’re not supposed to pay taxes.

“It’s only when you have earned more than one million that you now begin to pay a minimum amount of taxation,” he said.

He added that under the new law, entrepreneurial businesses and small business owners with an annual turnover of N50 million or below would also be exempted from all taxes, including the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Fasua said that the government was only interested to collect tax on profits and not turnover and businesses falling within that turnover bracket would not pay any tax whatsoever.

He explained that the government’s tax focus was being redirected toward high earners, particularly those in the informal sector with high turnover who have historically evaded adequate taxation.

“What we’ve tried to do on the upper end for people earning N50 million and above is to take their taxes to about 24 per cent,” from a previous rate of around 18 per cent,’’ he said.

Fausa said that beyond tax reforms, the broader goal of the new regime was to create a new Nigerian economy that leverages innovation, skips outdated developmental stages and focus on adding value.

He appealed to the youths to move away from business models focused solely on buying and selling, imported goods, encouraging them to embrace innovative entrepreneurship by adding value to products and services.

On the various economic reforms under President Tinubu, the special adviser said that the positive economic indicators were evident that the President’s recent, difficult reforms were working.

Fausa noted that the national growth rate was increasing by 4.23 per cent, with a projection to hit 5 per cent by the end of the year.

“Our inflation rate is dropping month by month. In the past six months now, it’s dropping. Now we’re on 18.02 per cent.

“We’re likely to get to 13 per cent by the end of this year. By 2026 we’ll get to what they call single-digit inflation,” he said.

Fausa said that a leader is actually distinguished from followers by his ability on calculated risk-taking and power of visioning.

He described Tinubu as a bold risk-taker, citing his decisions on petroleum subsidy and on the foreign exchange rate.

“He took the risk on petroleum subsidy to say subsidy is gone right from May 29, 2023. Nigeria is beginning to reap those gains now.

“Even the Naira is getting stronger. Our reserves have gone up to 43 billion dollars, going to 50 billion dollars. Our manufacturing exports have gone up 67 per cent year on year. We’re just seeing positives everywhere.

“In fact, it’s unbelievable that in two years, less than three years, we’re seeing the kind of results that we’re seeing,” he said.

Fasua encouraged young Nigerians to engage positively with the economy and avoid “doom-scrolling” for negative news.

“This is the best country to be in the world and the place where the youths can be most prosperous,” he said.

$32.8m Data Privacy Sanction: Meta, NDPC to Adopt Settlement Terms, Monday

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$32.8m Data Privacy Sanction: Meta, NDPC to Adopt Settlement Terms, Monday

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Meta Platforms, Inc. will, on November 3, adopt the terms of settlement in the dispute on the 32.8 million dollars fine imposed against the latter by the regulatory agency.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja fixed the date following the inability of Meta’s lawyer, Fred Onuobia, SAN, to file the processes on time.

Onuobia, on October 3, had informed the court of Meta’s plan to reconcile with NDPC in the suit the American multinational technology company filed seeking to quash the regulatory agency’s sanction.

The lawyer had told the court after Justice Omotosho had prepared to deliver a ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection against the suit filed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

Onuobia begged the court to defer the ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection and the ruling on the motion on notice to amend their suit.

He told the court that the parties had reached an advanced stage on settlement in the case.

He said the parties “are afraid” that the ruling might affect discussions on settlement.

And after NDPC’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, confirmed Onuobia’s submission, the judge fixed today (Oct. 31) for either adoption of terms of settlement or ruling.

When the case was on Friday, Onuobia, who also appeared for Meta Platforms, Inc., told the court that parties had reached a settlement.

“We are happy to announce to my lord that the parties have reached a settlement,” he said

He, however, apologised to court that though Meta had prepared to settle with NDPC, he was only able to file their documents this morning.

He acknowledged breaching the court protocol for filing processes earlier before proceedings.

He said the development was due to circumstances beyond their control.

“We may ask for a standdown so that the copy for the court can be filed my lord,” Onuobia prayed.

But the judge, who declined to grant application for standdown, said he must perused the terms of settlement thoroughly before delivering his ruling on it.

The judge told the lawyer that it had always been his practice to go through processes filed before his court.

“There are instances that what is not in the claims will be included in the terms of the settlement.

“So I will have to read it,” he said.

Besides, Justice Omotosho said he also had afternoon session where other matters would be heard.

Adedipe, in his response, thanked the judge for accommodating them.

The lawyer observed that earlier, the matter was scheduled for ruling on their objection but the judge reconsidered this to give them the opportunity to explore reconciliation.

Justice Omotosho consequently adjourned the matter until Nov. 3 at 12noon for adoption of the terms of settlement.

The NDPC had, on Feb. 18, imposed both a remedial fee of 32,800,000 million US dollars and eight corrective orders against Meta Inc.

The company was alleged to have violated the fundamental privacy rights of its Nigerian users with respect to behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram.

Dissatisfied with the action, Meta Platforms Inc., in a motion ex-parte dated and filed on Feb. 26, dragged the regulatory agency to court as sole respondent.

In the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025 and moved by Fred Onuofia, SAN, on March 4, Justice Omotosho granted one of the two orders sought.

The judge had granted leave to Meta to commence proceedings by way of judicial-review seeking, inter alia, an order of certiorari quashing the compliance and enforcement orders dated Feb. 18 issued by NDPC against the company.

It urged the court to nullify “all other investigations, proceedings and actions taken by respondent against the applicant leading to the ‘Final Orders.’”

The judge, however, refused to grant Meta’s relief seeking a stay of the proceedings of all matters relating to the “Final Orders” issued by NDPC against it, pending the hearing and determination of the judicial review proceedings.

Instead, the judge made an order of accelerated hearing of the suit.

But NDPC, in a preliminary objection filed by its lawyer and the head, ALPHA & ROHI Law Firm, Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the suit was incompetent and the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain same.

The regulatory agency, in its objection dated April 10 and filed April 11, urged the court to either strike out or dismiss the case.

Adedipe, in two grounds of argument, submitted that the originating summons filed by the company is incompetent for non-compliance with the mandatory provision of Order 34 Rule 6(1) of the FHC (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

Quoting the provision, the lawyer said: “No ground shall be relied upon or any relief sought at the hearing, except the grounds and reliefs sought in the statement.”

He also argued that the suit, as presently constituted, is grossly incompetent and academic, the reliefs sought therein, not being capable of activating the jurisdiction of the court.

“The suit is liable to be struck out/dismissed, in limine,” Adedipe had argued.

The fine against Meta came as one of the measures by the NDPC to protect Nigerians’ data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

Tinubu’s Aide Reveals When Nigerians Will Start Paying Fuel Tax

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Tinubu’s Aide Reveals When Nigerians Will Start Paying Fuel Tax

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has said that the proposed 5 per cent fuel surcharge will not be implemented until the economy shows clear signs of improvement.

Speaking at the Haulage and Logistics Magazine Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, Oyedele said the measure, aimed at funding road maintenance, would only take effect when the naira strengthens or global crude oil prices fall.

He explained that the surcharge, first introduced under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was designed to dedicate part of fuel revenues to road repairs — 40 per cent for federal roads and 60 per cent for states and local governments.

“The idea is brilliant and already in practice in more than 150 countries,” he said, adding that most of Nigeria’s 200,000 kilometres of roads remain in poor condition.

Oyedele disclosed that although the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had sought to collect the levy after the removal of fuel subsidy, the committee opposed the move, describing it as “insensitive” at this time.

He said the draft tax law includes the surcharge but provides safeguards, requiring the Minister of Finance to issue a formal order before implementation.

Oyedele also assured that ongoing tax reforms will ease the burden on transport operators by eliminating multiple levies, reducing costs, and improving efficiency.

“We are not introducing new taxes; we are removing the many duplicated ones that frustrate businesses,” he said.

He added that under the reforms, small transport and logistics firms with annual turnover below ₦100 million will be exempt from company income tax and eligible for VAT refunds.

Monday Sinclair Was An Icon, We Will Immortalise Him In Rivers- Fubara

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Monday Sinclair Was An Icon, We Will Immortalise Him In Rivers- Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the state government will take concrete steps to immortalise the memory of late Pa Monday Perekeme Sinclair, the revered former Super Eagles coach who passed away at the age of 89.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance on Thursday during the Service of Songs held in honour of the late football icon at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road in Port Harcourt.

Speaking to a crowd of family members, sports enthusiasts, and dignitaries, the Governor described late Pa Sinclair as a man of great wisdom and dedication, who made indelible contributions to football development in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

Governor Fubara commended the late coach’s legacy of service, discipline, humility, and mentorship, which, according to him, inspired generations of footballers across Nigeria.

“It will be improper and not complete if the state does not feature in this kind of programme, knowing the role late Monday Sinclair played in Rivers State when it comes to football. He was one-time our coach,” Governor Fubara said.

The Governor further assured that the Rivers State Government would take deliberate steps to ensure the late coach’s legacy endures.

“On behalf of the state and also as a friend to the family, I assure you that wherever we need to come in to immortalise the memory of this great man in the state, we will do that,” he declared.

The Governor noted that his presence at the event was motivated by both friendship and duty. He took a moment to console the bereaved family, urging them to find comfort in faith while embracing unity.

“The number of persons here to console you cannot fill the gap. The only person that can fill this gap is God. While we feel sad that he’s gone, we should also be happy that he has gone to be with the Lord. It’s a place of rest, where there is no insecurity, no need for a bulletproof car or a gate to your flat.”

Governor Fubara also used the occasion to preach unity and peace, emphasising that only peace has made it possible for his administration to continue its transformative work for the people of Rivers State.

With Mmom’s Appointment, FUET Ogoni on Firm Ground -Association

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With Mmom’s Appointment, FUET Ogoni on Firm Ground -Association

Old Boys hail Vice Chancellor’s vision, say new university is on firm foundation

Members of the County Grammar School, Ikwerre-Etche, Old Boys Association have expressed confidence that the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State, is on a strong footing with the appointment of Professor Chinedu Mmom as its pioneer Vice Chancellor.

During a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor at the university’s liaison office in Port Harcourt last Tuesday, the association described the appointment as a masterstroke, noting that the professor’s proven academic pedigree and administrative acumen provide assurance that the young university will thrive.

‘A Befitting Appointment’

Led by its National President, Venerable Bekwele Wabara (Rtd), the association lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing “an erudite scholar with a distinguished record in environmental studies and public service.”

Wabara described Mmom’s appointment as “befitting, spectacular, and a deserving recognition of his professional excellence and global academic standing.”

He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his role in supporting the appointment, saying the choice of Mmom — an alumnus of County Grammar School, Ikwerre-Etche — has inspired pride among the school’s Old Boys.

“Professor Mmom is one of our brightest products, a distinguished Old Boy who has continued to make us proud,” Wabara said. “From his deliberate planning to his firm administrative approach, we can already see that FUET Ogoni is taking off on a firm foundation.”

Confidence in a Bright Start

The alumni president said the association was particularly proud of the Vice Chancellor’s efforts to ensure that the university commences academic activities in the 2025/2026 academic session.

Also speaking during the visit, a former president of the association, Professor Emenike Wami, said Mmom’s leadership style, built over decades of academic and administrative experience, would guarantee a successful take-off.

“Knowing your track record, there’s no doubt that this new university will be well-grounded and future-ready,” Wami said.

Also seaking, the National Vice President, Chief Vincent Erinwo, said optimism had remained high since Mmom’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver on his mandate.

“He has hit the ground running, and his leadership gives us hope that FUET Ogoni will soon become a model of academic excellence,” Erinwo added.

Tribute and Condolence:

The association also used the visit to condole with the Vice Chancellor over the death of his father, Elder Godfrey O. C. Mmom, who passed on at the age of 79.

Members prayed for the repose of his soul and praised the late elder for laying a moral and spiritual foundation that shaped his children’s achievements.

‘In Two Years, the World Will Hear About This University’

In his response, Professor Mmom thanked the alumni body for their solidarity visit and described their show of support as deeply motivating. He assured them that the management of the university was working in harmony to build a credible institution that will soon become a national reference point.

“We are building an institution that will stand out for innovation, integrity, and impact,” Mmom said. “In two years, the world will hear about this university.”

He pledged to uphold the values of hard work, discipline, and vision that County Grammar School instilled in him and others, and urged the association to continue supporting educational development.

Mmom also thanked members for their condolences over his father’s passing and invited them to participate in giving him a befitting farewell.

The visit ended with prayers for divine guidance, wisdom, and strength for the Vice Chancellor and his management team as they steer the new institution toward excellence.

About FUET Ogoni

The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State, is one of Nigeria’s newest specialized universities established by the Federal Government to advance research and innovation in environmental sciences, technology, and sustainable development. The institution aims to serve as a centre of excellence for ecological research and technical education, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

Profile: Professor Chinedu Mmom

Professor Chinedu Mmom, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of FUET Ogoni, is an accomplished environmental scholar and administrator with over three decades of experience in academia and public service.
A former Dean and Head of Department at the Rivers State University, Mmom has published extensively on environmental management, sustainability, and policy development. He is also a proud alumnus of County Grammar School, Ikwerre-Etche, where he has remained an active mentor and benefactor.

Why Flooding Persists In Rivers State – Dep Gov … Commends Navy For Partnership in Flood Management

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Why Flooding Persists In Rivers State – Dep Gov … Commends Navy For Partnership in Flood Management

The Rivers State Government has frowned at the indiscriminate blockage of waterways by residents, which has led to the persistent challenge of flooding in the state.

Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu expressed this displeasure during a Media Chat at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, 30th October, 2025.

According to the deputy governor, “the problem we have is that the canals have been blocked totally, people have built on the canals and blocked the waterways. The flood committee cannot go and uproot the houses.. The least we can do is to see how we can open the drains”. The Deputy Governor quipped.

Rivers State Deputy Governor and Chairman, Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu (Right), during the Press Briefing with the Flood Committee at the Government House, Port Harcourt on the 30th Oct. 2025.

She insisted that the attitude of dumping refuse into drains during rainfall also contributes to flash flooding and called on the people to support Government’s efforts to tackle flooding, which, according to her is everybody’s business.

Prof Odu, while insisting that the Rivers State Government remains fully committed to reducing the impact of flooding on our communities, debunked insinuations that flood has ravaged communities in the state.

The Deputy Governor, who highlighted the efforts of the Governor Fubara led administration at mitigating the flood scourge, said the committee would commence the distribution of relief materials to the flood prone Local Government Areas next week.

“From next week we will be sending things to the flood prone Local Government Areas to mitigate their pains, we are doing this because sometimes people go to the media and say flood is ravaging the State, that word is too hard, they will take one or two pictures of flooded areas and say what is the Committee doing? We are taking mitigating actions, flood prevention, and control is a tripartite approach, which involves the Federal Government, the State Government, and the Local Government,” the deputy governor further stressed.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has commended the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder for partnering with the State Government in the quest to mitigate the Flood scourge.

Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Nma Odu made this commendation during a visit to the Commander of NNS Pathfinder Commodore Cajethan Aniaku at the Naval Base in Rumuolumeni in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, 30th October, 2025.

Prof. Odu expressed gratitude to the Officers and Men of NNS Pathfinder for partnering with the State Government and the Flood Committee in terms of ensuring the security of the relief items and for ensuring that they are preserved in a way that it would not be ruined or destroyed.

“If you did not provide a warehouse at that time, it could have been very difficult for us to find where to put the volume of these items that were procured”. Prof Odu stressed.

She thanked the Commander for the warm reception accorded to her.

The Commander NNS Pathfinder Commodore Cajethan Aniaku had earlier conducted the Deputy Governor around the warehouse, where she inspected the relief items.

NDDC Demands Retraction, Apology From Media Organisations Over Coup Story

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NDDC Demands Retraction, Apology From Media Organisations Over Coup Story

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has demanded a retraction and apology from the Punch and Daily Times newspapers over an alleged coup rumour against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC,

indicated that the Commission’s Legal Counsel, Adedipe and Adedipe Legal Practitioners, in a strongly worded letter signed by Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, demanded that The Punch, the Daily Times and others retract the offensive and false publication and tender an unreserved public apology.

Adedipe said the report, “falsely alleged that Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was arrested by military intelligence for allegedly co-sponsoring a failed coup plot against President Tinubu.

“The publication further claimed, without any factual or evidential basis, that Dr Ogbuku transferred funds from NDDC contracts to finance an alleged coup plot. These allegations are entirely false, malicious, and defamatory.”

According to the letter, “Dr Ogbuku categorically denies these baseless claims. He has not been arrested, invited, or interrogated by any authority in connection with any alleged coup plot or financial misconduct. The publication represents a gross violation of journalistic ethics, as no attempt was made to contact or verify the story with him or the NDDC before its release.

“This reckless and damaging report has caused Dr. Ogbuku and his family severe emotional distress, embarrassment, and reputational harm. Friends, associates, and colleagues have inundated him with calls expressing shock and concern over the false claims.

“Accordingly, through his legal representatives, Dr Ogbuku has demanded the following from The Punch Newspaper and its editor, Awwal Owolabi:

Immediate retraction of the defamatory publication from all their news platforms; and

Publication of a written apology in at least four (4) national newspapers and five (5) consecutive editions of The Punch Newspaper, including all associated online and social media platforms.

“Failure to comply with these demands within seven (7) days from the receipt of the legal notice will compel Dr. Ogbuku to institute both civil and criminal proceedings against the publication and its editors, pursuant to the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024) and other applicable laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The NDDC reiterates its commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region, the peace and stability of Nigeria, and to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in public service.

The NDDC Legal Counsel stated: “We therefore urge members of the public to disregard the said false report in its entirety and rely only on verified information from the Commission’s official communication channels.”

Fubara Pledges Support To NDE Job Creation For Rivers Women, Youths

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Fubara Pledges Support To NDE Job Creation For Rivers Women, Youths

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pledged the Rivers State Government’s supports to boost the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) programmes aimed at creating empowerment and jobs for women and youths in the state.

The governor made the pledge on Thursday, October 30, 2025 in Government House, Port Harcourt while addressing the delegation of the NDE led by the Director-General (DG), Mallam Silas Ali Agara.

Gov. Fubara noted that the NDE he knew decades ago used to be a critical factor in employment generation based on merit for the unemployed who didn’t have to have any connection to benefit, wondering if the NDE of today still operates with the same integrity.

The governor applauded President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in promoting job creation and employment for the teeming youths of the country, stressing that such interventions deserve appreciation and partnership from the States.

On the challenging Rivers State employment market, Gov. Fubara told the NDE DG, “Rivers State, like you mentioned, is a unique one because of the economic activities in the State. The oil exploration and other commercial activities here, with three sea ports and an international airport.

“So you can imagine the kind of economic activities. And there is this surge in the City, with everybody leaving the rural areas to the urban area in search of jobs.

“There is also migration from the neighbouring States with people coming into Rivers to look for a better life. So, the only way we can help, not just the people of Rivers State, but also strangers, is to create opportunities and make it easy for them to get something doing.”

He pointed out that doing so will create a win-win situation as most issues of insecurity will also be resolved as the people are gainfully engaged in meaningful economic activities.

On current value the NDE is adding in creating job opportunities in Rivers, the governor said, “I am happy the State is benefitting from the NDE, especially as we have our youths that are also benefitting from your programmes.”

He expressed excitement that the agency has three farm centers in the State, which though he was not initially aware of their existence, he promised to mandate the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment to furnish him with information about the farms and how his administration can assist in making it viable.

The governor harped on empowering the women in the rural areas as the effect of rural-urban migration by the youths has left them to bear greater burdens in the rural areas and assured of his support to ensure they are properly engaged especially with such agricultural programmes of the NDE.

Gov. Fubara emphasised that his government is committed to expanding economic opportunities which was the reason behind his building a new road to the Atlantic Ocean shoreline in Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area for the nation to tap into the blue economy.

He explained that the government took the initiative to build the road because of a beach located in Oyorokoto, a fishing settlement and tourist center, which attracts yearly visitation of people for picnics and beach parties during the Yuletide season.

“So, we wanted to give easy access to that beach, in order to boost the economic lives of the people around there. But while doing that, we discovered a new shoreline at Ngo that is more economically viable than the Oyorokoto beach.”

He noted that the shoreline which is facing the Atlantic Ocean will attract enormous marine investment for the nation with lots of potentials for tourist activities as the government intends to bring in the right investors.

“This will create jobs, grow the economy and improve development. I may not know what that place will be in the next 20 to 30 years. We might not be there again, but I know we have created something that will benefit not just Rivers State but Nigeria as a whole.

The governor assured that his government will support every move to make sure that the collaboration with NDE will yield a better result, not just for Rivers State but also promote the government at the center.

On his part the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, (NDE), Mallam Silas Ali Agara commended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for his landmark infrastructural development and his disposition towards Strengthening the economy of the State.

He noted that they were in the State to seek partnership with the government in enhancing job creation and employment generation for the youths and women in the State.

Mallam Agara enumerated various programmes of the NDE in Rivers State that are geared towards the empowerment of youths and reiterated that securing a place in the programme is through the agency’s online portal without having to know any person within the agency.

According to him, “Rivers is one of the major belts when it comes to blue economy and your footprints are everywhere. This is the first time NDE is coming with a high powered delegation to any State of the federation assembling our crack team from the national level, including the state officers.

He stated that NDE is the major outlet when it comes to job creation and employment in the country, and last year, through the Renewed Hope Employment Programme, it empowered lots of youths, including Rivers State.

How We Will Make Niger Delta Food Hub of Nigeria — NDDC Boss

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How We Will Make Niger Delta Food Hub of Nigeria — NDDC Boss

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has restated the Commission’s commitment to transforming the Niger Delta region into Nigeria’s food production hub through sustainable agricultural development and regional collaboration.

Ogbuku spoke during a two-day strategic retreat tagged “Niger Delta Critical Stakeholders’ Agenda Setting on Unlocking Agricultural Potential of the Niger Delta Region,” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He noted that agriculture remained the most sustainable pathway to economic growth, peace, and food security in the region.

According to him, “This retreat is aimed at rubbing minds as a people to ensure that there is food security in the Niger Delta so that we can build an agricultural hub that can feed this nation. We have the potential and comparative advantage in terms of aquaculture. This is the time to make agriculture a cardinal focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We must leave a lasting legacy for generations.”

Ogbuku noted that before the advent of crude oil exploration, the people of the Niger Delta were predominantly farmers, stressing that a return to agriculture offers a more sustainable and inclusive economic future.

He added: “It is only through agriculture that we can create employment. With agriculture, we can guarantee food export. The NDDC and other partners should come together and see how we can invest in agriculture. We have to take advantage of our blue economy. Let us grow back our staples that have disappeared, such as bananas and cocoyam. Let us, in this retreat, develop a workable framework. For us in the NDDC, we are committed to making history.”

The NDDC Chief Executive also disclosed that the Commission is in discussions with the Origin Group to explore a partnership that would establish a regional food hub in the Niger Delta. The initiative aims to integrate agricultural value chains and promote large-scale food processing and export.

Also speaking, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, described the gathering as a “call to action,” urging stakeholders to take bold and deliberate steps to drive agricultural transformation across the Niger Delta.

He stated: “Today’s gathering is not just another meeting; it is a call to action. Agriculture remains our surest path to inclusive growth, job creation, and food security in the Niger Delta. With vast arable land, rich waterways, and a resilient population, our region has the resources to become Nigeria’s next powerhouse in agricultural productivity.”

Antai further emphasised that the retreat provided a unique opportunity to harmonise efforts among state governments, private investors, research institutions, and youth groups toward a coordinated agricultural transformation plan for the region.

In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, stated that the state had a comparative advantage in palm crops and oil production. She added that the state government was actively encouraging young people to venture into agriculture through various training and empowerment programmes.

Similarly, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Tubokiye Sese, reaffirmed his state government’s commitment to ensuring food security. He explained that the state supports farmers with seedlings, farming equipment, and free land-clearing to enhance productivity and provide its citizens with safe, sufficient food.

In her remarks, the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Winifred Madume, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to conceptualising, planning, and implementing sustainable agricultural and fisheries development projects and programmes across the Niger Delta region.

She noted that these initiatives aimed to enhance job creation, food security, and income generation among farmers and fisherfolk. She further stressed the need for collaboration and partnership with agricultural stakeholders to build farmers’ capacity, promote food sufficiency, and reduce youth restiveness in the region.

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