Niger Delta
‘NDDC Funds Not For Political Campaigns’
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says its funds are not for political campaigns as is being rumoured.
A statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, debunked the rumour, stressing that the NDDC does not sponsor political parties or candidates contesting in elections at any level of government.
Thompson-Wakama noted that the mandate of the Commission is to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region.
He said, “The Niger Delta Development Commission is aware of reports circulating in the online media, claiming that the Commission is diverting funds intended for contractors to finance the Edo All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship campaign.
“Nothing can be farther from the truth. We are, therefore, constrained to respond to the false story about an imaginary diversion of NDDC funds. Curiously, the story was attributed to undisclosed sources from the rumour mill.
“To set the records straight, NDDC does not sponsor political parties or candidates contesting in elections at any level of government. Our mandate is to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region.
“The Board and Management of the NDDC is now more than ever determined to uphold its mantra, which is: ‘Making a Difference’, in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region.
“We urge members of the public to disregard the false stories spread by mischief-makers to derail the various innovations being introduced by the NDDC Board and Management, led by the Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie and the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.
“We are fully aware of an increasing need to be seen to be more accountable to the public and to conduct our affairs in a more transparent manner.
“Responding to this reality, we engaged the KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, to review and strengthen our corporate governance system, as well as improve our internal processes and institutional protocols.
“They have helped us to establish a new institutional culture, anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance”.
He further explained that “As part of this control mechanism, we recently held a meeting with members the NDDC Advisory Committee, comprising governors of the nine Niger Delta states, statutorily empowered to advise and monitor the activities of the Commission”.
He expressed the commitment of the Commission in working with all stakeholders to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are committed to working with all our stakeholders to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“To achieve this goal, we are collaborating with development partners, including the state governments in the Niger Delta region, to build a region that is socially stable, economically prosperous, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.
“We assure our stakeholders and members of the public that the NDDC Board and Management will not be distracted in its resolve to do things differently and make a difference in the Niger Delta region”, he stated.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.
-
Sports3 days ago
Aruna Eyes Title Defence, W’Cup At African Cup
-
Politics3 days ago
Alleged Free 2027 Presidential Ticket To Obi Misleading – ZLP
-
Featured3 days agoTinubu, Buhari, Others Mourn As Edwin Clark Dies At 97
-
Business3 days ago
Diri Laments Revenue Deprivation …As Mutfwang, Abbas Unveil Projects In Bayelsa
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Okpebholo’s Aides Lead Cancer Awareness Walk In Benin … Offers Free Screening
-
Sports3 days ago
Niger Delta Sports Festival: Bayelsa Sports Ministry Inaugurates Liaison Committee
-
Politics3 days ago
Osun LG Crisis: APC, PDP Lose Members As Adeleke Shuts Councils
-
News3 days ago
Fubara Applauds IGP For Donating Gunboats To Rivers Police