The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has stressed that sustainable development in the Niger Delta is impossible without a healthy population, describing the wellbeing of the people as central to the region’s growth and prosperity.

The Managing Director of the Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this at the Sickle Cell Health Promotion and Sensitisation Programme held at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt. He noted that Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with a particularly heavy burden in the Niger Delta.

Represented by the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, Ogbuku said the sensitisation programme was designed to deepen public awareness, promote prevention, and strengthen care for people living with sickle cell disease across the region.

“As a Commission mandated to enhance the wellbeing of our people, the NDDC recognises that sustainable development is impossible without a healthy population,” he said. “This programme reinforces our commitment to preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and community education.”

He urged young people to know their genotype early, patients to remain hopeful, and health professionals to sustain collaboration in research, counselling and community outreach.

According to him, the Commission’s goal is to ensure that every young person understands genotype compatibility, every family has access to screening, and every patient receives care without stigma.

“Prevention is achievable, and informed choices save lives,” Ogbuku added, reaffirming the NDDC’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, empowering communities and building a healthier Niger Delta.

Earlier, the Founder of the Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland–Nigeria (SCAIIN), Mrs Esther Pepple Onolememen, commended the NDDC for prioritising public health and recognising sickle cell disease as both a medical and socio-developmental challenge.

She explained that SCAIIN, a non-governmental organisation, is dedicated to breaking the cycle of pain, stigma and silence associated with sickle cell disorder through research, education and community mobilisation.

According to her, the sensitisation programme would improve health outcomes and strengthen public trust. “Together, we are rewriting the story of sickle cell in Nigeria—from silence to knowledge, from stigma to support, and from neglect to action,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Derefaka Yemiesibo, a parent of a child living with sickle cell disease, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for supporting awareness initiatives, noting that such efforts help families build resilience and hope.

The Rivers State Police Command has raised the alarm over a disturbing surge in criminal activities involving individuals impersonating police officers and extorting unsuspecting members of the public across the state.

According to the Command, the suspects reportedly dress in black attire, mount illegal and hostile checkpoints, and unlawfully harass citizens—often forcing them to submit their mobile phones or laptops for inspection and, in some cases, coercing victims to withdraw or transfer money through POS operators and other financial channels.

Describing the trend as deeply concerning, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, PSC, mnips, has ordered the immediate activation of a robust security mechanism aimed at monitoring, identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting all those involved to the full extent of the law.

The Police Command emphasized that no officer or individual, irrespective of any claimed affiliation, has the legal authority to search personal electronic devices on the road or at checkpoints, nor compel citizens to withdraw or transfer money under any circumstances.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities or hostile checkpoints to the Police through the following hotlines: the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 07057605256, 08120822987, and 09035774814; the Police Public Relations Officer on 09014273818; or the Control Room on 08032003514.

Reassuring the public, the Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and called on residents to continue supporting legitimate police operations to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the state.

The alert was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, ANIPR, on January 30, 2026.

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment by creating a business-friendly environment that attracts both local and foreign investment.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara gave the assurance at a one-day seminar on Ease of Doing Business, organised by the Rivers State Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum (REIF) in Port Harcourt. The governor was represented at the event by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.

According to Fubara, sustainable economic transformation can only be achieved through deliberate collaboration among government, the private sector, investors and civil society.

He said the role of government remains that of a facilitator—providing peace, security, transparent regulations, infrastructure and policies that encourage innovation and enterprise.

The governor described the theme of the seminar, “Ease of Doing Business: The Role of Government,” as timely, noting that economic growth and sustainable development thrive where policies are stable, institutions are responsive and governments consciously support private enterprise.
He stressed that a vibrant private sector is the engine of job creation, wealth generation and social stability, adding that forums such as REIF are critical in shaping practical solutions and strengthening dialogue between government and investors.

“The outcomes of today’s deliberations will contribute meaningfully to our collective objective of repositioning Rivers State as a preferred destination for business and investment,” Fubara said.

Delivering the keynote address, Managing Director of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Abubakar Bello, identified overdependence on oil, infrastructure gaps and inadequate power supply as major constraints to ease of doing business in Nigeria. He commended the Rivers State Government and REIF for convening the seminar.

In his remarks, President of the Rivers Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum, Ibifiri Bobmanuel, said the strength of any economy lies in its private sector. He explained that the seminar was designed to reset mindsets and highlight the vast economic opportunities in Rivers State.

Bobmanuel urged political leaders and stakeholders to embrace unity and collaboration, warning that divisiveness could undermine the state’s economic prospects.

‎The Rivers State Boundary Commission has inaugurated a 13-member Technical Committee to resolve the boundary dispute between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area.

‎Inaugurating the Committee at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, charged members to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

‎Prof. Odu informed the Committee members that they were carefully selected based on their proven antecedents and integrity, stressing that the assignment before them is a delicate one that must be approached with courage, determination, professionalism, and a strong sense of justice.

‎She emphasized that the recommendations of the Committee must be credible, objective, and capable of standing the test of time, noting that the ultimate goal of the exercise is to promote lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between the affected communities.

‎The Deputy Governor wished the Committee successful deliberations in the discharge of its mandate.
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‎The Committee is, among other responsibilities, tasked with determining the boundary line between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area, in accordance with relevant and valid documents submitted for its consideration.

‎Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government for the confidence reposed in the members to handle the assignment. He assured that the Committee would work diligently within the stipulated timeframe.

‎King Eke pledged that the Committee would exhibit sound leadership, utmost professionalism, and foresight in delivering objective outcomes that would assist the Boundary Commission in fostering lasting peace and mutual understanding between the communities.

‎The Committee has one month to submit its report.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, have emerged as top honourees at the 2025 OurNigeria News Awards, with particular recognition given to Fubara’s leadership and governance record.

The recipients were unveiled on Tuesday at a press briefing in Abuja by the organisers of the awards.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Editorial Board of OurNigeria Magazine, Dr. AK Peters, said the awards were established to recognise Nigerians whose leadership, service and commitment to national development have delivered measurable impact across critical sectors.

He explained that the theme of the 2025 edition, scheduled to hold in 2026, is “Providing a Podium for the Unsung Hero,” noting that it reflects the magazine’s mission to spotlight individuals who have made significant contributions to nation-building without commensurate public acclaim.

Governor Fubara was named Governor of the Year 2025, marking the second consecutive year he has clinched the magazine’s top honour.

“Governor Siminalayi Fubara was our Man of the Year 2024, and he has again emerged our Man of the Year 2025. He has demonstrated the consistency and the type of leadership we want to see in Nigeria,” Peters said.

He noted that despite political distractions and challenges, the Rivers State governor has remained focused on governance, peace and the welfare of the people, maintaining a strong connection with grassroots communities.

General Musa, on his part, was named Man of the Year 2025, following his role in shaping Nigeria’s security architecture and his appointment as Minister of Defence. Peters described Musa’s appointment as one of the most celebrated decisions of the current administration, citing his record, public profile and the high expectations surrounding his leadership of the defence sector.

According to Peters, the honourees were selected through a rigorous process involving nationwide nominations, editorial screening and independent assessment by evaluators drawn from the 36 states.

“From the nominations we received, we scaled them down, subjected them to independent assessment, and zeroed in on those whose impact stood out within the 2024–2025 review period,” he said.

Other award recipients include the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, named Minister of the Year; Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, Politician of the Year; Mubarak Ahmad Tijani, winner of the Plato Leadership Award for Young Politician of the Year; and Comrade Uba Sani, honoured as Icon of National Unity and Patriotism, alongside several leaders across politics, security, academia, media and civil society.

Peters expressed appreciation to the media and other stakeholders for supporting the magazine’s vision of projecting positive Nigerian narratives and promoting excellence, accountability and patriotism.

The Federal Government has announced plans to engage retired military personnel in reclaiming ungoverned spaces across the country as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and enhance economic viability.

The initiative follows the inauguration of an 18-member committee on Reclaiming Ungoverned Spaces for Economic Viability and the Repositioning of the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), at the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, on Tuesday.

In a statement by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, the Minister—represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwa—said the repositioning of the Nigerian Legion forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that veterans who served the nation with honour are not abandoned, but are empowered to live dignified and productive lives after service.

Musa described the initiative as a deliberate and strategic policy intervention aimed at addressing long-standing structural and operational challenges that have constrained the defence community’s contribution to national development.

He said the Nigerian Legion remains “a critical institution with a proud history of service, sacrifice and patriotism,” noting that it has continued to play important roles in supporting national security and veterans’ affairs.

However, he stressed that changing socio-economic realities make it imperative to reform and reposition the corps for greater relevance, effectiveness and sustainability.

The Minister advocated a shift from an over-reliance on purely military offensives to a more comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable approach to national security. While military operations remain indispensable, he said enduring peace and stability could only be achieved by addressing the underlying socio-economic conditions that allow insecurity to thrive.

According to him, the committee’s terms of reference include repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development; deploying veterans to secure ungoverned spaces and bring them under effective oversight and development; and strengthening the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires to enhance operational effectiveness, facilitate veterans’ reintegration and deepen their contribution to national security.

Musa urged members of the committee to adopt innovative, practical and forward-looking solutions that reflect contemporary realities, while fostering trust and cooperation between communities and the state.

Membership of the committee was drawn from the Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as representatives from the offices of the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence.

The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from Government House, Port Harcourt, describing the claim as misleading and capable of inflaming political tensions in the state.

The clarification followed a statement credited to an individual identified as Bestman Innocent Amadi, who purportedly spoke on behalf of the Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), alleging that the governor acted out of disrespect and ingratitude towards the President.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo on Tuesday, the state government said it has no policy, directive or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the authority of the Federal Government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government has no policy or action that undermines the President or the Federal Government,” the statement read.

The government stressed that Governor Fubara currently enjoys a robust and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government, noting that this cooperation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and has continued to yield positive outcomes for Rivers State and its residents.

Describing the allegation as irresponsible and unsupported by verifiable facts, the government warned that such narratives risk heating up the polity at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue and responsible leadership.

It also expressed concern that a body expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it described as incendiary language, personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims capable of deepening political divisions.

The state government urged members of the public, particularly youths, to disregard the allegation and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups promoting divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

“Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility and the collective desire for peace and progress,” the statement said.

The government further advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid amplifying inflammatory statements, cautioning against what it described as the activities of fifth columnists seeking to destabilise the state.

The Presidency has dismissed speculations over the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring Nigerians that the President remains in good health and fully engaged in official duties during his ongoing state visit to Türkiye.

The clarification followed widespread reactions on social media to a brief video showing the President momentarily losing his balance during a welcome reception in Ankara on Tuesday.

In a statement addressing the reports, the Presidency explained that the incident was not health-related but was caused by a poorly laid blue carpet at the venue, which led to a brief stumble. It stressed that the President quickly regained his balance and proceeded with the event without any disruption to his schedule.

“The momentary loss of balance had nothing to do with the President’s health,” the Presidency said, adding that the incident had been exaggerated online.

According to the Presidency, President Tinubu has since continued with his official engagements, including bilateral meetings with Turkish government officials as part of the state visit.

He is also expected to address a joint press conference with his hosts after the conclusion of the meetings.

The Presidency further assured that the President remains in high spirits and physically fit, noting that he continues to lead Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements without interruption.

President Tinubu arrived in Ankara on Monday for the state visit, which is aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Türkiye.