The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has pledged support for Project New Nigeria, a civic sensitisation campaign organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment and Sensitisation on Civic Responsibility Initiative.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative in the Main Auditorium, University of Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, noted that the project aligns with the goals of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on youth empowerment, civic responsibility, inclusive governance and rebuilding public trust in the nation’s democratic institutions.

In a statement signed and issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, disclosed that Ogbuku, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Education, Health and Social Services, NDDC, Mrs Chioma Nwakwue stated that, ” it also resonates with the current vision of the NDDC management, which is deliberately shifting the Commission’s operation from a transactional approach to a transformational development mandate, one that prioritises people, communities and sustainable impact above all else.”

Ogbuku, while commending the organisers of the project, observed that the launch of the initiative was timely and strategic. “Strengthening democratic participation, especially among our young people, is a critical step towards building the Nigeria that we want.”

He stated that the NDDC stood firmly beside initiatives that build civic responsibility, nurture leadership and empower the next generation.

In his remarks, the Pro Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Senator Mao Ohanbunwa, counselled the youths on the power they wield as participants in the nation’s democratic processes. He enjoined Nigerian youths to engage with democratic institutions.

Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, noted that it was encouraging that Nigerian youths were getting involved in positive causes, such as campaigning for inclusive governance and active participation in democratic processes.

Speaking earlier, the Convener of Project New Nigeria. Mr. Samuel Nzidee commended the NDDC management for its efforts towards the sustainable transformation of the Niger Delta region, stating that all stakeholders must partner and participate in the quest to transform the region.

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) Eastern Zone, has appealed to the Rivers State Government and multinational oil companies operating in the area to urgently clear the wreckage and debris littering the Okrika waterways.

The group said the abandoned wrecks pose serious risks to navigation and continue to frustrate economic activities of the communities.

The call was made during MOSIEND Half Hour, a segment on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt’s Talk of the Town, monitored by our correspondent.

The interview featured Comrade Tamuno Iduabia Mangibo, Chairman, Kirike Clan, Comrade Tamunoiminabo Igiriya, Chairman Koinama Clan and Comrade Tonye Alayemieka, Chairman, Ibaka Clan, all from Okirika Local Government Area.

The Organization also took a swipe at the contractors handling the cleanup for what it described as avoidable delays in removing the debris, insisting that a thorough exercise would not only improve safety but also boost tourism and attract investors.

“Government, oil companies and relevant stakeholders should come together and ensure that the waterways are properly cleared.

These wrecks are obstructing smooth movement for boat operators and endangering lives,”

Comrade Alayemieka commended Hon. Mrs. Linda Stewart, Member representing Okrika in the the Rivers State House of Assembly, for her efforts some years back when she personally undertook the clearing of debris along parts of the river.On youth development, Comrade Mangibo lamented that multinational companies operating in the area have not lived up to their corporate social responsibility obligations, especially in the area of youth empowerment.

He appealed to the firms to initiate skill acquisition programmes that would equip young people with practical competencies.

Many of our youths are jobless. They want to work, but there are no opportunities.

The companies should support skill acquisition so that young people can fend for themselves,” he said.

He further urged oil companies operating in Ijaw communities to establish technical centres or vocational schools where young people can be trained for productive careers

The group commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for renovating Okrika Grammar School, describing the project as a welcome step toward improving educational standards.

On sports development, MOSIEND called on the State Government to upgrade the sports institute in Isaka into a world-class university dedicated to sports studies as such institution would produce top-tier athletes and sports professionals across various fields.

They further appealed to political leaders and community elites in Wakirike to champion initiatives that promote social and economic development.

MOSIEND also urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the State Government to expedite work on the Ikpukulu Bridge, noting that its completion would ease movement and open up the communities to greater development opportunities.

The speakers concluded by thanking High Chief Ateke Tom, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri for his sustained philanthropic support to clans across Okrika and urged all well meaning individuals and organisations to join in building the communities.

Chinedu Wosu

Bayelsa State was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the sudden death of its Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo. He was 60.

According to an official government statement signed by Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, Honourable Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Bayelsa State, and made available to The Atlantic Bell,
Ewhrudjakpo was carrying out his duties earlier in the day when he collapsed while heading to a scheduled meeting within his office in Yenagoa. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, where he was later confirmed dead.

The news has sent shockwaves across the state and beyond. Governor Douye Diri described the passing of his deputy as a “painful and profound loss” to Bayelsa and the nation, noting that Ewhrudjakpo served with distinction across various capacities from Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to Senator representing Bayelsa West, and, since 2020, as Deputy Governor.

Diri extended condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Beatrice, their children, the larger Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, and former Governor Seriake Dickson, under whom the late deputy governor also served.

In honour of Ewhrudjakpo, the Governor declared a three-day State Mourning beginning Friday, December 12, with all flags to be flown at half-mast across Bayelsa.

“May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement added.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared himself “number one” in the state following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the remark after receiving his APC membership card on Friday, December 12, 2025. Expressing satisfaction with his new political affiliation, Fubara said he was pleased to formally join the ruling party.

He pledged to work towards ensuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in Rivers State during the 2027 presidential election.

“I am not just a member of the All Progressives Congress; I am the number one,” he said. “I have collected my membership card, and the form is 001.”

It’s Spiritual Assignment, Says Fubara on Defection to APC

He described his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “spiritual assignment,” insisting that the move aligns the state with the political direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Fubara, who earlier in the week formally severed ties with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the remarks on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, shortly after receiving his APC membership card from the state chairman, Chief Tony Okocha.

Declaring himself “number one” in the party’s hierarchy in Rivers State, the governor said he was delighted to obtain the card, which he noted bears the registration number 001.

According to him, his defection was guided by the need to ensure harmony between the state and the presidency, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections.

“As you have said, this is indeed a spiritual assignment because it concerns the safety, progress, and growth of Rivers State,” he said. “We cannot pursue a different direction when the President is pursuing another. Joining the APC is part of our commitment to ensure a seamless working relationship and to contribute meaningfully to his re-election efforts in Rivers State.”

Fubara added that aligning with the ruling party would strengthen the state’s political stability and development agenda.

He expressed appreciation to the APC leadership for what he described as a warm and open reception, pledging to support the party structure and ensure it becomes fully functional across the state.

“This is now your home, Mr Chairman. You are welcome here anytime,” he said. “We will keep the APC active and fully functional in Rivers State, and every need of the party will be taken care of.”

The Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has officially issued a membership card to the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Fubara went through the documentation process on Friday to become a member of the party, few days after he announced his defection to the APC.

Okocha, who led the executive committee of the party in the state, presented the card to Fubara during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who was in the state for project inauguration and flag-off witnessed the registration process.

Details shortly…

In a bid aimed at improving its internally generated revenue, the University of Port Harcourt on Thursday, 12 December 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Giolee Global Resources Limited, an indigenous company, for the full operation and revitalization of the University’s Bottling Company, which had previously performed below expectations. The signing ceremony took place at the Vice Chancellor’s Committee Room.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Sammy Kpenu, Head, Information, Publications and Public Relations, University of Port Harcourt, and made available to The Atlantic Bell, the agreement represents a significant step in the institution’s efforts to strengthen its business ventures and boost internally generated revenue.

Signing on behalf of the University, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill emphasized that the partnership aligns with the University’s drive to develop sustainable business models and revive dormant assets.

“This partnership is a testament to our determination to reposition and enhance the productivity of University-owned enterprises,” Prof. Georgewill said. “We believe that Giolee Global Resources Limited has the capacity and expertise to transform the Bottling Company into a profitable and efficient facility that will serve the university community and beyond.”

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Giolee Global Resources Limited, Chief Leesi Mao, expressed appreciation to the university for the confidence placed in the company and assured that Giolee is committed to transforming the facility.

“We are honoured by this opportunity and fully committed to delivering excellence,” Chief Mao said. “Our goal is to introduce modern processes, enhance product quality, and ensure that the Bottling Company becomes a competitive and sustainable enterprise.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the University of Port Harcourt Investment Limited, Mene Kadilo Kabari, described the partnership as a strategic intervention that will enhance the University’s investment portfolio.

“This collaboration is a major milestone in strengthening the University’s investment portfolio,” Kabari noted. “We are confident that this agreement will yield meaningful economic benefits and set a strong precedent for future partnerships.”

The MoU establishes a framework for improved operational efficiency, increased production capacity, and expanded market reach for the revitalized Bottling Company.

The Federal Government has clarified that all taxable Nigerians will be required to present a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number before operating a bank account, as part of new fiscal reforms taking effect on 1 January 2026.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this in a post on his X account on Thursday, noting that the requirement derives from Section 4 of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which comes into force next year.

Oyedele explained that the provision—first introduced in the Finance Act 2020—now has a firmer legal backing under the NTAA, making it compulsory for all taxable persons to obtain a tax ID. He added that the rule applies only to individuals and entities that earn income through trade, business, or other economic activities.

According to him, students, dependents and others without taxable income are exempt and will not be required to obtain a tax ID to maintain or operate a bank account.

“A taxable person is anyone who earns income through trade, business, or any economic activity. So banks must request a tax ID from taxable persons,” he said, adding that existing TIN holders will not need to apply for a new number.

Oyedele warned that taxable individuals or entities who fail to secure a tax ID “may have difficulty running their bank account in the near future.”

His comments come amid rising public anxiety that bank accounts without linked tax IDs could soon face restrictions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025 signed into law a suite of new tax reforms scheduled for rollout in January 2026.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has pledged to strengthen and expand the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project to create over 38,250 new entrepreneurs and boost participation across key agricultural value chains.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance during a one-day workshop on Scaling Up Youth Agripreneurship for Food Systems Transformation at the Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The workshop, hosted by the LIFE-ND project, focused on the theme: “Scaling Up Youth Agripreneurship in Nigeria for Food Systems Transformation.”

In a statement signed and issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC,
Ogbuku, who was represented by the Acting Director of the NDDC Liaison Office in Abuja, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke, highlighted the immense agricultural potential of the Niger Delta and Nigeria, while also acknowledging the challenges of food inflation, fragmented value chains, ageing farming populations, climate-related vulnerabilities, and limited access to finance and modern technologies.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer noted that these challenges presented opportunities to nurture a new generation of agripreneurs capable of revitalising rural economies and transforming Nigeria’s food systems.

He reaffirmed NDDC’s commitment in partnering with all stakeholders to create an enabling environment where youth-led agribusiness can thrive.

According to him, “We are not just building farms; we are building futures. We are not just cultivating crops; we are cultivating prosperity.”

Ogbuku, reiterated the Commission’s strong commitment to scaling up the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, describing it as a transformative platform capable of unlocking economic opportunities for thousands of young people across the region.

He observed that the NDDC’s US$30 million counterpart funding underscores the Commission’s unwavering support for youth agripreneurship as a strategic tool for promoting peace, stability, and economic growth in the Niger Delta.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening food security nationwide.

He urged stakeholders to deepen collaborations with government and development partners to ensure a stable and effective food supply system across the country.

In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, expressed appreciation to the NDDC, LIFE-ND, and other stakeholders for supporting government initiatives aimed at achieving national food security.

The Minister commended the National Project Coordinator of the LIFE-ND project for his dedication to ensuring the programme’s sustainability.