The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and other stakeholders to promote a resilient, sustainable and competitive telecommunications industry.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the commitment while receiving an NIPR delegation led by its President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, at the Commission’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. Maida said the NCC would continue working with professional bodies to promote public awareness, responsible communication and stakeholder engagement on issues affecting the telecommunications sector.

He congratulated the NIPR on securing the hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, describing the achievement as a reflection of strategic communication and effective national representation. He also urged the institute to leverage the forthcoming African Telecoms Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries, scheduled to hold in Nigeria in July 2026, to further project the country’s image internationally.

The NCC chief said the Commission is implementing public awareness campaigns on the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), efficient data usage, simplified telecom tariffs, and other regulatory initiatives aimed at improving accountability and encouraging competition.

According to Maida, recent reforms have helped restore investor confidence and attract fresh investment into the telecommunications sector. Responding, NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku commended the NCC’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and expressed the institute’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that promote responsible communication, reputation management and public awareness of the Commission’s regulatory programmes.

The Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Communication and Strategy, High Chief Abednego Don Evarada, has urged the Federal Government to integrate community-based policing into Nigeria’s security framework to address insurgency, banditry and other security challenges.

Evarada made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Feast of Barracuda, organised by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Oxbow Marino Deck, in Yenagoa.

Speaking on the theme, “Security Challenges and National Security: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Nigerian Security Architecture,” he said Nigeria’s centralised security system faces significant challenges in responding to threats across a large and diverse population.

According to Evarada, stronger coordination between security agencies and local communities would improve intelligence gathering, early threat detection and emergency response. He said community policing models adopted in other countries have demonstrated the value of partnerships between law enforcement agencies and citizens.“Security must transform from a government responsibility into a collective responsibility,” he said.

Earlier, the Steerer of Oxbow Marino Deck, High Chief Douglas Etulankimor Sampson-Eteli, said the Feast of Barracuda is an annual event of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), founded in 1952 by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and others. He said the event combines public lectures, debates, advocacy and humanitarian activities, including the donation of books and medical supplies to schools and orphanages, to promote civic engagement and social development.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has praised the Epie-Atissa people for supporting his administration’s urban renewal programme, saying their cooperation has contributed to the transformation of Yenagoa into a modern city.

The governor was represented by the Deputy Governor. He spoke as special guest of honour at the 34th Obunem Epie Festival held in Opolo Community, Yenagoa, over the weekend.

Diri highlighted completed and ongoing infrastructure projects, including the New Yenagoa City Road, the Igbogene-AIT Ring Road, Glory Drive Two and Three Roads, and several internal roads. He said the projects have improved transportation and enhanced the state’s capital.

He thanked the Epie-Atissa people for their support and urged them to continue partnering with the government, assuring them of more development projects.The governor also commended the Epie Kingdom for preserving its cultural heritage and promoting peace, describing the Obunem Epie Festival as a platform that fosters unity among indigenes regardless of political or religious affiliation.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Blankson Somkime, said the festival remains important for preserving the history, identity and traditions of the Epie people. He called for greater emphasis on youth empowerment, education, leadership development, and opportunities in the digital and creative sectors.

Among those in attendance were Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Chief Oforji Oboku, the paramount ruler of Epie Kingdom, King Malla Sasime, and the paramount ruler of Atissa Kingdom, King Victor Awala.