The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has distributed relief materials to residents of Ogu-Bolo in Rivers State, in response to the recent flood disaster that displaced families, destroyed farmlands and worsened economic hardship in the area.

Presenting the items on behalf of the Managing Director, the Director II, Education, Health and Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Onolejoloni, said the intervention underscores the commission’s commitment to alleviating the plight of vulnerable communities across the Niger Delta.

According to a statement by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, the gesture followed the devastating impact of flooding on livelihoods in the community.

The Managing Director noted that the commission, in collaboration with the Derek and Davia Foundation, provided financial support to facilitate the distribution of essential food items and household materials to affected residents.

He described the initiative as part of efforts to address pressing needs, adding that it also reflects government’s solidarity with citizens facing economic challenges.

“This intervention goes beyond palliatives. It is a demonstration of government’s presence, compassion and commitment to supporting families in distress, in line with the renewed hope agenda of the President,” he said.

He urged community leaders to ensure fair distribution of the items and encouraged residents to sustain peace and support development programmes.

The Paramount Ruler of Ogu-Bolo, Chief Joachim Amachiri, commended the commission for the timely intervention, noting that it would provide much-needed relief to victims of the flood.

He reaffirmed the community’s support for NDDC initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in the region.

Also speaking, a consultant on the programme, represented by Dr George Smile, praised the commission’s responsiveness to disaster-affected communities, disclosing that plans were underway, in partnership with development stakeholders, to extend similar support to neighbouring areas.

In another development, the NDDC, has donated broadcast equipment to the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to boost its capacity to communicate and enhance youth development in the country.

Speaking during the presentation of the communication equipment at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the intervention would galvanise the NYSC’s initiative in providing a strategic platform for national integration.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Director, NDDC Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs Mary Nwaeke, said that the NYSC plays a strategic role in bringing young people together.

According to the NDDC boss, “When you support the NYSC, you are empowering the nation because the scheme brings together youths from all parts of the country.

“Communication is very important, and we must ensure that it is done effectively. The NDDC recognises communication as a vital tool for national growth and development.

“That is why the Commission decided to make this presentation to boost the capacity of the NYSC radio station, so it can effectively engage corps members and inform the public about its activities and impact.”

He added that the NDDC was committed to identifying and addressing institutional gaps to support national development.

“NDDC steps in wherever there are gaps in society. After proper assessment, we provide the needed support to strengthen institutions and improve service delivery,” he said.

The NDDC boss explained that the intervention included a complete inverter system with a lithium battery for an uninterrupted power supply; a 2-kilowatt Italian-made, energy-efficient radio transmitter compliant with National Broadcasting Commission regulations; and the full renovation of the station’s wiring system in both recording and live studios to eliminate audio noise and enhance sound quality.

Also speaking, the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, commended the NDDC for the donation, describing it as timely and impactful.

Nafiu, who was represented by the Director, Media, Mr Emeka Mgbemena, said the equipment would enhance operations at the NYSC radio station and improve training for corps members in broadcasting.

He described the donation as a major boost to the Scheme’s broadcasting capacity, noting that the NYSC Radio Station, which has been in operation for over four years, serves as a critical training platform for corps members.

The Director-General stated that the station is largely operated by Corps Members who acquire practical broadcasting skills while contributing to its daily operations. He further disclosed that more than 12 Corps Members who trained at the station in the past three years have secured employment with media organisations.

He assured the NDDC that the equipment would be put to effective use to ensure uninterrupted transmission and improved service delivery.

The NYSC Director-General expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the intervention and assured that the equipment would be effectively utilised to strengthen the station’s mandate to educate, inform, and entertain.

Nigerians may begin to experience a gradual improvement in electricity supply as ongoing maintenance on a major gas pipeline nears completion, the Chief Technical Adviser to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Olowoniyi, has said.

Olowoniyi, who spoke on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television, disclosed that full restoration of gas supply to power plants is expected within the next two weeks.

His comments follow a recent apology by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, over persistent outages that have disrupted homes, businesses and industries nationwide.

Defending the minister’s stance, Olowoniyi said the apology reflected leadership and accountability rather than an admission of personal fault.

“I think, first of all, I’d like to start with the apology from the Honourable Minister, which we believe is all about taking leadership in the sector,” he said.

“Not necessarily directly his fault for the challenges that we have, but as the Minister of Power, it was the right leadership step to take ownership and ensure that solutions are provided in the shortest possible time.”

He attributed the recent drop in electricity generation to maintenance work on a critical gas pipeline supplying fuel to several power plants, stressing Nigeria’s heavy reliance on gas-fired power.

“One of the major gas pipelines in Nigeria was undergoing maintenance, and gradually that process is being completed,” he said.

According to him, restoration of gas pressure will enable power plants to return to their previous generation levels recorded in recent months.

“We’re sure that within the next two weeks, full gas pressure will be back on the pipelines, and power plants will be able to get enough gas to return to their levels of generation seen in the last two to three months,” Olowoniyi added.
He noted that early signs of recovery were already evident.

“From yesterday, we have started to see gradual improvement as pressure builds up, and this will continue over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

Earlier in the week in Abuja, Adelabu attributed the outages to factors beyond the government’s immediate control but assured Nigerians that supply would stabilise soon.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s target to boost electricity generation to 6,000 megawatts before the end of 2026, describing the current disruption as temporary.

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.