The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has received an award from Vanguard Newspapers for his contributions to making the Commission an “Interventionist agency of the year.”

The award was conferred on Ogbuku at the 2025 Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, in recognition of his transformational leadership and NDDC’s impactful interventions across the Niger Delta region.

In his opening remarks at the ceremony, the former Minister of State Petroleum Resources, and Chairman of the occasion, Mr Odein Ajomugobia, said: “Tonight, we gather to recognise individuals and organisations whose contributions have, in different ways, shaped our society and influenced the course of our national life.

In a citation for Ogbuku and the NDDC, the Vanguard Award Committee described the NDDC as an institution that is driving the transformation of Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta.

According to the committee, “For many years, however, it faced widespread criticism over delays, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and projects that failed to deliver meaningful impact. Today, under the leadership of Samuel Ogbuku, a notable transformation is underway, earning the Commission recognition as the Interventionist Agency of the Year at the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards.

“Since assuming office, Dr Ogbuku has repositioned the NDDC into a more focused, efficient, and impact-driven agency. A major priority has been delivering critical infrastructure that directly improves everyday life. Across several states, previously stalled road and bridge projects have been completed, restoring connectivity and boosting economic activity.

“Electricity, once a persistent challenge in the region, is also receiving renewed attention. Strategic projects, including power lines and substations in Ondo and Edo States, have restored electricity to communities that endured years without a reliable supply. These interventions are not only infrastructural achievements but also vital drivers of economic productivity and improved living conditions.

“The Commission’s ‘Light Up the Niger Delta’ initiative further demonstrates its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Thousands of solar-powered streetlights have been installed along roads, in markets, and in public spaces, enhancing security, extending business hours, and providing energy solutions. supporting local economies through renewable

“Beyond physical infrastructure, the NDDC has intensified its investment in human capital. The revitalised Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme has enabled thousands of students to access improved schools and libraries, and to study abroad, while local educational initiatives have provided digital learning resources.

The committee stated further: “Central to this transformation is strengthened governance. Improved transparency, digital procurement systems, and inclusive stakeholder engagement have rebuilt public trust and ensured that projects meet real community needs.

“This recognition by Vanguard reflects a reformed and responsive NDDC, an institution now defined by delivery, accountability, and a clear commitment to sustainable development in the Niger Delta.”

Welcoming guests to the event, the Editor of Vanguard, Mr Eze Anaba, said the ceremony was to honour men and women who have defied the odds. Recalling the rigorous process of nominating and selecting the awardees, Eze, who is also the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, urged the audience to draw inspiration from the achievements of the awardees.

He stated: “Tonight, we are not merely conferring awards; we are celebrating individuals whose vision, resilience, and hard work have built industries, driven economic growth and continued to inspire despite the numerous challenges facing the nation.”

Ogbuku described the honour as a call to greater service, reaffirming the NDDC’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth in the region.

He described the recognition as a reflection of the collective efforts of the NDDC Board, Management, and stakeholders in repositioning the Commission for more effective service delivery.

The leader of Rivers Women Unite for Tinubu, Chief Ashley Igbara, has unveiled a six-month skills acquisition programme aimed at empowering 6,000 women drawn from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

Chief Igbara said the initiative is designed to equip women with practical skills that will promote financial independence, strengthen family support systems, and encourage self-reliance.

According to her, the empowerment programme is being implemented in partnership with the City Boy Movement, the Renewed Hope Initiative, the University of Port Harcourt, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.

She explained that participation in the programme is tied to civic responsibility, noting that all beneficiaries are required to possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a condition she described as part of efforts to align empowerment with political participation.

Chief Igbara further revealed that beneficiaries will receive professional certification from the University of Port Harcourt upon completion of the training, while support will also be provided for business registration, including Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documentation, free of charge through SMEDAN.

She added that beyond training, the initiative will provide accommodation and uniforms for participants, with expectations that the programme will expand to reach the targeted 6,000 women.

Also speaking, the Abua/Odual Local Government leader of the group, Umore Victoria Mugbolo, described the programme as a major platform for women’s transformation, stressing that empowering women through skills development would enhance financial stability and promote broader societal growth.

She called on women across Rivers State, both indigenous and non-indigenous, to take advantage of the opportunity, saying the initiative is aimed at building stronger women, stronger families and a stronger society.

In her remarks, Dr. Patience Nwangulu from Ahoada West commended the programme as a timely intervention for women who lack sustainable means of livelihood.

She noted that training in areas such as shoemaking, hairdressing and catering would create income opportunities for beneficiaries and improve household welfare.

She said the initiative would not only provide women with practical means of survival but also help many become productive contributors to the economy.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Okrika, Enoch Atuboyedia, has said the forthcoming 8th Synod of the diocese will serve as a platform for spiritual renewal, strategic planning and renewed commitment to evangelism, with expectations of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Addressing journalists ahead of the synod, Atuboyedia described the gathering as a critical moment in the life of the church, noting that it would focus on consultation, evaluation and charting a forward-looking course for the diocese.

“Synod is a time of consultation, evaluation and re-strategising. It is also a time when the church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, takes decisions to advance God’s kingdom,” he said.

The synod, themed “The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit,” is expected to climax with a thanksgiving service on May 3, with the bishop expressing hope that participants would experience a spiritual revival akin to the events of Acts of the Apostles chapter two, which marks the birth of the early church.

He called on delegates and participants, both physical and virtual, to prepare spiritually for what he described as a “Pentecost experience” that would empower the faithful for greater kingdom service.

The four-day event, scheduled to hold at Bethel Church Amadi-Ama from April 30 to May 3, will feature scriptural meditations, Bible study sessions, seminars, and the Bishop’s Charge, alongside the launch of a N2.5 billion Diocesan Secretariat Fund.

Reviewing developments since his enthronement on September 28 as the second bishop of the diocese, Atuboyedia said evangelism has remained the central focus of his episcopal ministry.

He noted that the establishment of youth-oriented and non-liturgical worship centres has helped reverse the drift of young people from the Anglican fold, with many returning and others joining from different denominations.

According to him, the non-liturgical centres retain Anglican identity but adopt flexible worship styles to meet contemporary needs, while still incorporating traditional liturgical practices, particularly during Eucharistic services.

The bishop also highlighted progress across key ministries of the church. He said the women’s ministry has gained renewed momentum, citing the maiden “Wakrike Willing Women” prayer and fasting gathering, which drew participation across denominational lines.

In the area of welfare and empowerment, he disclosed that over 100 persons have benefited from church support initiatives, including financial assistance for small businesses. He added that the diocese had sponsored 15 students in tertiary institutions and plans to increase scholarships to 20 beneficiaries this year.

On infrastructure, Atuboyedia said work on the diocesan secretariat has advanced, with the printing press and chapel wings already completed, while efforts are ongoing to develop the main complex and conference hall.

He appealed to government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry and the general public to support the fundraising drive during the synod to ensure timely completion of the project.

Speaking on the role of the church ahead of the 2027 general elections, the bishop maintained that the church must remain non-partisan, even as it continues to promote ethical conduct in politics.

“The church is not a political party and should not be used as a political platform,” he said, urging politicians to adhere strictly to guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission and to conduct their affairs with the fear of God.

He stressed that political office should be seen as a call to service rather than an avenue for personal gain, adding that good governance remains the ultimate expectation of citizens.

While acknowledging calls for the church to endorse candidates, Atuboyedia said such actions could expose the church to undue criticism and politicisation, noting that personal interests often override truth in Nigeria’s political space.

He, however, insisted that the church would continue to speak on issues of accountability and leadership, revealing that attempts to engage local political office holders in dialogue had been met with limited participation.

Despite the challenges, the bishop expressed optimism that sustained engagement and moral guidance from the church would eventually yield positive outcomes in governance.

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its growing contribution to grassroots healthcare, describing its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) as a critical intervention transforming community health outcomes across Nigeria.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area, the governor said the scheme continues to positively impact ordinary Nigerians, particularly in underserved rural communities.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Dagogo Wokoma, Fubara expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state. He attributed the trend to growing public confidence in the administration’s commitment to peace, progress and good governance.

He assured the corps members of sustained government support, noting that his administration remains committed to policies that uplift young graduates and prepare them for leadership roles.

Fubara urged the new entrants to maximise the opportunities provided during the orientation course and contribute meaningfully to national development.

In his welcome address, the NYSC State Coordinator, Moses Oleghe, described the corps members as motivated and ready to leave lasting impressions in their service year. He noted that the NYSC management has consistently prioritised programmes that equip participants with practical, life-enhancing skills necessary for self-reliance.

Oleghe also commended the state government for its continued support of the scheme but appealed for urgent intervention in addressing accommodation challenges at the camp. He specifically called for the construction of a 1,000-bed hostel facility to cater to the growing population of corps members posted to the state.

A total of 3,665 corps members—comprising 1,328 males and 2,337 females—were administered the oath of allegiance by Florence Fiberesima, who represented the Chief Judge of Rivers State.

The ceremony marked the formal commencement of the orientation exercise for the new batch, setting the tone for their service year in Rivers State.

The Steering Committee on the Establishment of State Police has proposed a four-phase transition roadmap for the creation of state policing structures, outlining a comprehensive reform plan estimated to cost up to N813 billion over five years.

The recommendation is contained in a report by the committee, constituted by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and obtained by The Atlantic Bell on Friday.

Chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, the eight-member committee was inaugurated on March 4 and tasked with developing an operational framework for state policing within one month.

The panel is also mandated to guide the implementation of state-level policing to complement the federal system and address rising security challenges, including frameworks for recruitment, training and funding.

According to the report, the proposed transition will span 60 months and be executed in four phases.

Phase one (months one to 12) will focus on legal and constitutional procedures, including amendments to Sections 213 and 215 of the 1999 Constitution, enactment of a State Police Act by the National Assembly, and passage of enabling laws by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The phase will also involve the establishment of State Police Service Commissions and ombudsman offices across the states.
Phase two (months 13 to 24) will cover personnel transfer, with the introduction of Voluntary Transfer Programmes (VTP) to allow officers of the federal police to move to state commands.

In phase three (months 25 to 42), state police operations will commence fully, with responsibility for local policing shifting to state authorities, while the federal force refocuses on national duties.

Phase four (months 43 to 60) will consolidate the reform, including full reorganisation of the Federal Police Service.

The committee emphasised that constitutional and legal frameworks must precede implementation, warning that institutional structures must be built from the ground up in all states.

It recommended the establishment of fully functional state police services, including service commissions, ombudsman offices, community policing forums at the local government level, as well as ICT systems, custody facilities and forensic capabilities.

The report also called for the creation of a National Police Standard Board to oversee compliance and operations across six zonal offices.

It projected an establishment cost ranging from N589 billion to N813 billion, noting that the financial burden necessitates phased implementation.

On manpower, the committee said each state police service would recruit and train a new cadre of officers alongside personnel transferred from the federal force.

It added that the first batch of recruits would be enrolled in phase two, with deployment commencing in phase three, while a mandatory 40-hour Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme would be instituted for all officers.
The report further highlighted the need for a National Police Intelligence Portal, a national criminal records system, and an upgraded Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), alongside full ICT integration across all state and federal police formations.

It estimated that national ICT infrastructure alone would cost between N65 billion and N95 billion, with full integration expected by the final phase.

The committee stressed the importance of safeguarding officers’ rights, noting that no personnel should be involuntarily dismissed and that pension and welfare entitlements must be protected.

It concluded that the 60-month transition period represents the minimum timeframe required to restructure the country’s policing architecture, citing the need to redeploy over 273,000 officers, establish 37 police services, enact legal frameworks, and build critical infrastructure without disrupting public security.