The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Ngozi Nma Odu, has called for greater inclusion of women and girls in decision-making processes across all sectors, stressing that amplifying their voices is critical to national development.

She made the call during the launch of the “Voices of Experience” mentorship programme and the joint commemoration of the International Women’s Day and World Water Day at Rivers State University on Tuesday.

Odu underscored the burdens borne by women, particularly in rural communities, where they play central roles in water sourcing and food production. She reaffirmed support for initiatives that promote gender advocacy, noting that women’s lived realities must inform policies.

She also stressed the need to sustain the 30 per cent affirmative action for women’s inclusion, urging women to emulate pioneers such as Margaret Ekpo and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who championed women’s rights in Nigeria’s past.

Drawing from local experience, Odu recounted how women in Egi community mobilised to demand change by peacefully protesting at an oil facility, demonstrating the power of collective action.

She further advocated partnerships with CIFAL Nigeria and UNITAR to deepen mentorship for young people, noting that such collaborations are essential for building inclusive governance and transferring values to future generations.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, emphasised the need to recognise women’s contributions globally, particularly in water management. He called for increased investment in women’s education and empowerment to ensure access to clean water.

Zeb-Obipi also pledged to align the institution’s academic and research activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while commending CIFAL Nigeria for its innovative programmes.

In her keynote address titled Inclusive Leadership: Building Institutions that Reflect All Voices, former Commissioner for Information, Ibim Semenitari, lamented declining female political representation. She noted that women’s participation, which rose from 1.8 per cent in 1999 to about 8 per cent in 2007, has dropped to roughly 4 per cent.

According to her, the issue is not participation but systemic exclusion, describing it as “a justice problem.” She also decried barriers facing youths and persons with disabilities, including limited access to leadership opportunities and inclusive education systems.

Director of CIFAL Nigeria, Ihuoma Njemanze, said the centre aims to bridge generational gaps by engaging young people—particularly digital natives—in conversations on women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

She disclosed plans to create platforms for dialogue, global exchanges and capacity-building initiatives aligned with UN goals.

Also speaking, Herritta Ogan identified cultural and institutional barriers as persistent obstacles to women’s advancement, while highlighting weak mentorship among women as a critical gap.

The event featured mentorship sessions, panel discussions and award presentations, reinforcing calls for inclusive leadership and sustained advocacy for gender equality.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting the region’s cultural heritage, describing culture as a vital force for unity among the diverse ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the Niger Delta Arts and Culture Expo held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the event underscored Nigeria’s enduring strength in diversity and shared identity.

Represented by the Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, Ogbuku described the Expo—tagged “Rhythm of the Niger Delta: Music, Dance and the Heartbeat of Our People”—as a vibrant platform for showcasing the region’s rich traditions through music, dance and indigenous expressions.

“What we have witnessed is a powerful demonstration that culture remains the soul of our people. It cannot be diminished by technology. The Niger Delta has once again projected its rich and vibrant heritage,” he said.

He noted that the gathering reinforced bonds of unity, love and shared identity across the region, while also highlighting growing recognition of the Commission’s developmental efforts.

According to him, the NDDC has continued to attract commendation at the highest levels, including from President Bola Tinubu, citing milestones such as the successful hosting of the second Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo State, alongside ongoing infrastructure projects.

“Our story has changed. With sustained support, we can confidently say that the best is yet to come,” Ogbuku added.

In her remarks, Special Guest of Honour, Ambassador Amaba Ogbuku, described the Expo as a profound expression of identity and cultural pride.

“Without culture, we are nothing. It defines who we are and connects us to our roots wherever we may be,” she said, urging participants to uphold the values that unite the people of the Niger Delta.

Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Culture and Women Affairs, Mrs Ahunna Imoni, said the Expo reflects the region’s diversity and shared heritage.

“Culture tells our story, reflects our values and connects generations. This is more than a celebration—it is a reaffirmation of unity and identity,” she said.

Security operatives have launched a coordinated manhunt for the abductors of a businessman in Aganya Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, shutting down all known exit routes in a bid to rescue the victim and apprehend the culprits.

A senior security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Department of State Services is currently underway to rescue the businessman, whose name is withheld.

According to the source, all access and exit points within Bonny Local Government Area have been effectively cordoned off, with intensified patrols across major routes and waterways.

“All exit points have been closed with active patrols ongoing. They have nowhere to go with their captive,” the source said, adding that residents are being urged to provide timely information that could aid the rescue effort.

Findings indicate that key routes, including the Bodo-Bonny Road, surrounding waterways, and Macaulay Street, have been placed under tight security surveillance.

The victim was reportedly abducted at about 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, when three armed men stormed his residence. Eyewitnesses said the assailants, masked and wielding AK-47 rifles, fired gunshots into the air to disperse bystanders before fleeing the scene in the victim’s vehicle.

Residents disclosed that the attackers had trailed the businessman to his home, where they briefly escorted his young son out of the vehicle and into the house before taking him away.

Further accounts suggest the suspects drove towards Macaulay Street, near the Bonny Government Lodge, where they abandoned the vehicle and reportedly escaped via Admiralty Creek under the cover of darkness.

The incident has heightened tension across the community, with residents calling on authorities to expedite the rescue operation and strengthen security presence in the area.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has forwarded its position on the proposed state police framework to the Nuhu Ribadu, with the document set to be transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.

Chairman of the forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Sunday.

AbdulRazaq said deliberations on state policing remain ongoing among security stakeholders under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, noting that the governors had formally contributed to the evolving framework.

“The document will be taken to the National Assembly to establish a legislative structure for state police,” he said.

The NGF chairman reaffirmed the commitment of state governors to deepen collaboration with security agencies in tackling terrorism, while also advancing infrastructure development and improving citizens’ welfare.

He also congratulated President Tinubu on his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as both bold and historically significant, the first such visit in 37 years. According to him, the trip signals renewed leadership and is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and unlock economic opportunities for Nigeria.

AbdulRazaq expressed optimism that agreements reached during the visit would enhance cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.

He further commended the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, stating that it has fostered a sense of inclusion in nation-building and could translate into improved security outcomes nationwide.

Calling for collective responsibility, the governor urged leaders and citizens alike to embrace values such as unity, selflessness, and mutual understanding as critical to achieving lasting peace and prosperity.

He noted that about 25 governors attended the meeting at short notice, describing it as a demonstration of respect for the President’s leadership.

Also present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.

The push for state police has continued to generate debate across the country. Advocates argue that decentralised policing would enhance local security responsiveness, while critics warn of the risk of political misuse by state authorities.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had in February constituted a committee to develop operational modalities for the proposed system.

The traditional ruler of Oruma Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Pere John Tacha Abara, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission for distributing relief materials to victims of recent flooding in the area.

Speaking during the exercise, the monarch described the Commission’s intervention as timely and impactful, noting that it would help ease hardship and reduce hunger among affected residents.

He added that the gesture reflects recognition of Oruma as a flood-prone community and underscores the NDDC’s commitment to the welfare of the Niger Delta people.

Abara further lauded the Commission’s broader developmental strides across the region, stating that its efforts align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in addressing food insecurity.

The royal father also called on residents of the Niger Delta to support the President, citing what he described as notable progress in rural development.

He, however, assured that measures had been put in place to ensure equitable distribution of the relief materials, dismissing concerns over possible diversion.

Representing the NDDC Managing Director, a Director in the Commission’s Directorate of Education, Health and Social Services, Jeremiah Oritsejoloni, said the intervention was informed by the Commission’s concern for flood-affected communities.

He noted that the agency’s activities span multiple sectors of development and urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that sustainable development thrives in a stable environment.

Also speaking, the programme consultant, Egondu Esinwoke-Ogbalor, explained that the scale of destruction and population density of the community informed the intervention, aimed at mitigating hardship and preventing insecurity and youth restiveness.

She added that sensitisation efforts were ongoing to prepare residents for possible flooding later in the year, noting that the initiative—implemented under the Community Initiative for Enhanced Peace and Development—would be extended to other disaster-affected communities in the region.

The intervention forms part of broader efforts by the NDDC to provide humanitarian support and promote stability across the Niger Delta.