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.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to lead an array of dignitaries to the forthcoming Niger Delta Investment and Economic Summit, an initiative designed to unlock investment opportunities and accelerate sustainable development across the region.

Scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, the summit is positioned as a high-impact platform that will convene investors, policymakers, development partners and industry leaders to explore scalable and bankable ventures within the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Chairman of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, Ideare Gogo-Ogan, who spoke during the inauguration of consultants for the event, described the summit as a strategic intervention aimed at unlocking the region’s vast economic potential.

He expressed optimism that the team assembled to organise the summit would deliver a world-class investment forum capable of reshaping the economic trajectory of the Niger Delta. While noting the abundance of natural resources in the region, Ogan emphasised the need for coordinated policies and targeted investments to fully harness these opportunities.

The summit’s coordinating consultant, Tony Epelle, will work alongside key partners including Neo Media and Marketing, founded by Ehi Braimah, and Ono K. Akpe, a public relations and events management specialist.

Among the highlights of the summit will be keynote addresses, including one by Mia Mottley, as well as goodwill messages, technical sessions and plenary discussions. The programme will also feature sector-focused investment forums, policy roundtables and deal-making platforms aimed at addressing critical economic challenges in the region.

Organisers disclosed that the Niger Delta Development Commission will play a pivotal role as a major supporter, alongside other development partners expected to participate.

With the theme, “Driving Investment, Innovation, and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta,” the summit is expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including policy commitments, investment deals and strategic partnerships.

Key sectors slated for discussion include energy transition, optimisation of the oil and gas value chain, agriculture, the blue economy, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and digital innovation, environmental sustainability and human capital development.

Organisers also underscored plans to prioritise inclusive growth, peace-building, climate resilience and economic diversification, while promoting stronger support for micro, small and medium-scale enterprises and youth-driven innovation across the Niger Delta.