Author: News Editor

…proposes N695bn Supplementary Budget Following a comprehensive review of the administration’s healthcare development roadmap, the Akwa Ibom State Government has declared a State of Emergency on its Health Sector. This is to accelerate reforms and further deliver efficient healthcare services in line with the ARISE agenda of the administration. Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, who briefed Government House reporters after the weekly State Executive Council explained that the, “key directives under this emergency regime include further upgrade of medical facilities across the State, reopening of the recruitment portal and engagement of 2,000 healthcare workers, with the voters identity card…

When a man has established himself on the pedestal of excellence and honour, there is no limit to the extent which he can go, what he can achieve, and the heights he can reach in life. Such a man, like a magnet, keeps on attracting attention and recognition effortlessly. This fits in with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s position that: “If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon or make a better mouse trap than his neighbours, though he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beating path to his door step.” Like Abraham…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has paid tribute to it’s former Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, the late Sir Davies Okarevu, describing him as a result-driven professional who lived an impactful life. Speaking during a night of tributes for the late Director at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, acknowledged his “immense contributions” to the development of the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, remarked that Sir Davies Okarevu’s contributions to the Commission were invaluable, and many people would…

Prominent community leader, Chief Edet Isong, has called on critics to desist from dragging Governor Umo Eno into unnecessary controversies following the recent visit of former Governor Udom Emmanuel to Akwa Ibom State. Chief Isong, in a statement issued yesterday, described Governor Eno as a peace-loving leader who has remained focused on the mandate freely given to him by the people. He cautioned political actors and commentators against reading negative meanings into the cordial relationship between the incumbent and his predecessor. According to him, the former Governor’s visit to the state was simply to attend the burial of a loved…

The National Assembly is an institution far greater than any individual. It is not about the Senate President alone, but about the collective duty we owe to the people of Nigeria. My humble advice to my dear sister, Senator Natasha, is that she should tender an apology and move forward in the spirit of peace and reconciliation. The Senate President, from the little I know of him, is a liberal-minded leader who values dialogue and understanding. The people she represents have endured six long months without a voice in the Senate. They need her presence, her voice, and her leadership…

In the history of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), few names have become as synonymous with transformation and impact as Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the current Managing Director/CEO. A seasoned administrator, strategist, and humanist, Dr. Ogbuku is reshaping the agency into a vehicle of sustainable development, restoring confidence in its ability to truly deliver on its mandate. Early Life and Education Born in Ayakoro, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Dr. Ogbuku began his education at Christ the King School, Port Harcourt, before proceeding to Government Secondary School, Borokiri. He went on to earn a B.Sc. in Political and…

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has officially declared open the 2025 Edition of the State Sports Festival, with the theme ‘Naturing Talents, Promoting Tourism.’ Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Festival, held at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo, Governor Eno described sports as a multi-billion dollar global industry, noting that the festival is in fulfillment of his campaign promise to invest significantly in sports development, if elected into office. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno said Akwa Ibom is blessed with many promising athletes waiting to be discovered through the event,…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting education and human capacity development in the Niger Delta region. The NDDC Deputy Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Mrs. Florence Ediagbonya, stated this during a sensitisation rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the International Literacy Day. She emphasised the importance of the event, explaining that the walk aimed to raise awareness about International Literacy Day and to showcase the Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote literacy across the Niger Delta region. Ediagbonya highlighted several initiatives of the Commission under Dr Samuel Ogbuku’s…

After serving the nation for nearly three decades, a frail nonagenarian is stripped of his pension over a disputed error, leaving him blind, sick, and abandoned.”A 90-year-old retiree, Mr. John Aya, from Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, is crying out for justice after his pension was abruptly stopped in 2023. Mr. Aya began his career in 1962, serving diligently with the Cross River Agricultural Development before being transferred to the Cross River Basin Authority in 1982. He retired honorably in 1989 after decades of service, and for years received his pension without issue. Shockingly, in 2023, authorities…

A total of 300 youths from the Niger Delta region have graduated from the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Technical Skills Training Programme in various areas of specialisation. Addressing the youths during the graduation ceremony at the NDDC event centre in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, said the training programme was part of efforts of the Commission to reduce youth restiveness, create employment and reduce poverty among the people. Antai, who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, explained that the training in the areas of pipe fitting, scaffolding, forklift operations and…