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NDDC To Train Unemployed Youths At Innoson Motors
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says all is now set for the training of indigent Niger Delta youths on technical skills at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.
This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ibitoye Abosede, and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
Abosede quoted the NDDC’s Interim Administrator, Efiong Akwa, as stating this after inspecting facilities at Innoson’s factory in Nnewi, Anambra.
Akwa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Youths, Mr Udengs Eradiri, said that the training would commence at Innoson Kiara Academy, a technical and vocational institution, affiliated to Innoson.
”The youth will be trained in fabrication, assembly, painting and corrosion control, among others.
”We thought that due to the growing economy of the Niger Delta, it is important to begin to grow our own skills to be better and able to manage our economy.
”Though NDDC is already in partnership with Innoson on training of youths in different aspects of automobile maintenance, this visit is to firm up the partnership,” he said.
Akwa said that the commission decided to train the youth, with focus on setting up a vehicle manufacturing plant in the Niger Delta in the near future.
He stated that the Presidential Amnesty Programme had trained several youths from the region in the facility, with good results.
”So, we are aware that the training facility teaches skills, altitude and entrepreneurship.
”We know that if the youth learn one skill or the other, they should be able to translate it into financial gains,” he said.
Also speaking, Innoson’s Kiara Academy Chief Executive Officer, Mr Endi Ezengwa, thanked the commission for considering the facilities at Innoson motors for the training.
According to him, the region is blessed with so much talent that needed to be harnessed and channelled into constructive use, for the industrialisation of the Niger Delta zone.
”Innoson Group will, in due course, set up workshops in the Niger Delta zone, in collaboration with organisations like NDDC,” he assured.
February 22, 2021
“NDDC does not belong to any ethnic group in the Niger Delta region”- Wike
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) belongs to all states in the region and that no particular ethnic group could assert itself as the dominant owner of the commission, as has been observed of recent.
He stated this when he played host to the Interim Management Committee of NDDC led by Effiong Akwa in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Nyesom Wike, condemned the posture of some ethnic groups in the Niger Delta region that behave as if the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) belongs to them.
The Governor said such people leave their states and come to Rivers to block the gates of the commission, cause crisis and frustrate economic activities in the state.
“Anybody can be appointed in Niger Delta. There are people who believe that if they appoint somebody from Edo or Cross River State for example, they will say no, that those people are not the core Niger Delta states. We must have to stop that.
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“NDDC does not belong to any ethnic group in the Niger Delta region. It does not belong to anybody. There are people who have seen themselves that they are the owners of NDDC. They leave their state and come to NDDC to block NDDC gate. We are peaceful people, but nobody should push us to the point where we can tell you enough is enough.
“The next time they try it again to cause crisis in our state, I will mobilise our people against them. I am not saying if you have grievances with NDDC you shouldn’t seek how to settle it. But, don’t use it to cause problem for us, to begin to make economic activities not to move.”
The Governor challenged the new interim leadership to be determined to make a difference, change the current narrative of the commission of serving outsiders’ interest and abandoning its core mandate of developing the region.
Interim Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Effiong Akwa said the visit was the first to be undertaken by his team to any governor in the region.
February 3, 2021
NDDC to distribute boat ambulances, waste disposal trucks, bins
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is to distribute 36 waste disposal trucks, two boat ambulances and 162 waste bins to the nine Niger Delta states to improve healthcare and improve sanitation.
The states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.
NDDC’s Interim Administrator, Mr Efiong Akwa, made the disclosure in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ibitoye Abosede, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
Akwa directed delivery of the equipment to ministries of environment in the states on Feb. 1.
January 30, 2021
NDDC: Abuja court reinstates Pondei-led IMC
An Abuja Federal High Court has reinstated the Prof. Daniel Pondei-led Interim Management Committee, IMC, of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
A judgement delivered by Justice A.R. Mohammed struck out the lawsuit against the IMC by the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Governance on January 13, 2021.
The court refuted reports that it sacked the Pondei-led IMC.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had on December 12, 2020 sacked the NDDC IMC.
Buhari had ordered NDDC IMC to step aside for an interim sole administrator to take over the affairs of the Commission on the strength of the court injunction.
However, the Justice Muhammed-led Court insisted that the NDDC IMC was never dismissed.
The court stated that, “that there was no order for interim injunction (against the IMC) granted by this court”.
The court also ordered in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/617/2020 that two media houses correct the misleading story.
Court papers sighted by our correspondent explained that the leave sought by the plaintiffs did not amount to an injunction but a permission to sue which was allowed but now stands struck out by subsequent findings of the court in January, 2021.
Despite the latest position of the court, it is not clear if President Buhari would reinstate the Prof Pondei-led IMC of NDDC since the president was earlier advised by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to sack the interim management.
However, sources hinted that the Presidency might be working to act on the latest judgement of the court since it has been entered into the records.
January 21, 2021
Group hails Buhari for appointing interim administrator for NDDC
A group called – Oro Indigenous Forum (OIF) has hailed president Buhari for appointing Mr Effiong Akwa as the interim administrator for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
They have also cautioned individuals and groups opposed to the appointment to have a change of heart as this would be inimical to the unity and growth of the Niger Delta.
A statement signed by Mr Enenyi Edidiong, President and Mr Harry Johnson , Secretary on Thursday in Uyo, the group condemned some splinter youth groups in the region opposed Akwa’s appointment.
Our Correspondents also recalled that since the appointment was announced by the Presidency, some pressure groups, youths groups from certain parts of the Niger Delta region have been expressing anger against the appointment of Mr Akwa, who is an indigene of Akwa Ibom, as Sole Administrator of NDDC by the Federal Government.
It described the actions of such splinter groups as diversionary and capable of derailing the genuine intention behind the forensic audit of the commission.
“We have read series of publications on both print and social media platforms, from pressure groups and individuals, calling on the President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, to remove Barr Effiong Akwa as Sole Administrator of the NDDC against his appointment by Mr President few months ago.
“The Publications, of which was made without convincing emphasis on the reasons that should necessitate such extreme call, is obviously spurious, lame and speaks volume of the clandestine plans and schemes, mischievously birthed to further plunge the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) into the hands of the people that will rip it apart.
“Akwa, is an Oro son, qualified according to the extant laws that established the NDDC, and possesses the requisite educational qualifications with the experience to man the affairs of NDDC hence, the reason we are compelled to speak as Oro indigenes.
“The NDDC has been on the front burner of discuss, with negative headlines trailing the commission in time recent, rather than for people or groups to call on Mr President to ensure that the forensic audit is successful completed, they are mischievously challenging the discretion of Mr President who is vested with the power to appoint and fire – this alone is worrisome, hilarious and has exposed the cancelled ulterior motives.” The statement explained.
The group said that calling for Akwa’s sack after a careful and thorough scrutiny of his personal by Mr President would not be the agitation that should be done by pressure groups and individuals in the Niger Delta right at the moment.
The group expressed confidence in the capacity and ability of the interim administrator to deliver on the mandate of his appointment.
“As a people we know that Okon Akwa has the stuff that it takes to return the commission to its original developmental agency.” It said.
The group which also expressed support for the appointment for Senator Godswill Akpabio as the minister of Niger Delta affairs asked him to intervene warning that agitations of such nature were capable of inciting and instigating disunity and ethnic tension.
January 7, 2021
NDDC: Group flays attack on Buhari, Akpabio over Akwa’s appointment
The Oro Progressives Movement (OPM) has advised individuals and groups in the Niger Delta region to refrain from attacking the persons of President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio over the appointment of Barr Effiong Akwa as interim administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
OPM said the appointment of Akwa to oversea the NDDC was laudable and should be sustained as Oro nation has been marginalised in managerial appointment in the commission even though it accounts for about 80% of the oil revenue derived from Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta region.
Addressing newsmen in Uyo on Thursday, National President of the group, Mr Ken Bassey said the appointment of Akwa would assuage Oro who have eight oil producing companies operating in its territory.
Bassey explained that Akwa was the most senior official in NDDC to fill the vacant position after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had restrained Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei from functioning as the IMC of the commission.
Bassey therefore called for unity among the people of the region saying the protest by others from the region against the appointment would not foster brotherhood.
“We urge our fellow brothers in the region to forthwith desist from unwarranted attacks on the person/office of Mr President and Commander in Chief, the Honourable Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the interim Administrator.
“That Oro resource endowment and contribution to the nation must not be ignored. Oro accounts for not less than 80% of the derivable oil revenue of Akwa Ibom State who is equally a major oil producing state in the Niger Delta region with eight oil producing companies operating on its territory, five off shore and three onshore.
“That all verified ongoing projects within the region of the Niger Delta should be strictly monitored and consultants/contractors should be empowered to move to their respective sites forthwith.
“That youths in respective communities of the Niger Delta region should be duly integrated into the various programme and projects as this will mark one of the best strategies in curbing illegal distortion of projects and unlawful chasing away of contractors.” He stated.
January 7, 2021
We have equal stake in the N’Delta, A’Ibom group tells opponents of new NDDC administrator
Akwa Ibom-based Pan-Niger Delta group, Niger Delta Conscience Coalition(NDCC), has condemned those opposed to Mr. Effiong Akwa’s appointment as interim administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC).
This is after some stakeholders and youth groups from certain parts of the Niger Delta have been expressing sentiments against the appointment of Akwa, an indigene of Akwa Ibom, as sole administrator of the NDDC by the Federal Government.
The group in a press statement to journalists on Thursday in Uyo also deplored protest by Ijaws youths against Akwa’s appointment which led to disruption of vehicular traffic around the Mbiama-Yenogoa road the 20th of December.
The NDCC maintained in the statement signed by its president, Aniefiok Obot and Secretary, John Jumbo, that every community and state in the region shared common challenges and destiny hence have equal stake in the Niger Delta.
”Believing in the spirit of oneness of the Niger Delta, and whereas Akwa Ibom people are known to be generally peaceful in their approach to issues of our regional co-existence, Niger Delta Conscience Coalition would have chosen to ignore and indeed has been ignoring quite a lot of activities of the Fifth Columnist in the Niger Delta struggle.
”But we have been forced to take a position now against some signals emanating from certain quarters of the Niger Delta areas since the appointment of a bona fide son of the Niger Delta, Chief(Barr) Effiong Akwa to the exalted position of interim administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari.
”Of particular interest referred here is the recently reported disruption of vehicular traffic flow by a section of the Ijaw youths movement around the Mbiama-Yenogoa on the 20th of December, 2020.
”There are several acceptable ways of engaging constructively, intelligently, productively and inclusively which may help the image of the region but the present posture of protest and blockades portray us as unfriendly for investment and therefore is capable of shifting the federal government and international investors interest and emphasis away from the region.” The statement said.
The group also said that it was not unconstitutional to appoint a sole administrator for the intervention agency as a precedence had already been set in appointment of Mrs. Joi Nunieh from Delta state and the recently exited Prof Pondei from Bayelsa state.
It appealed to Nigerians to support the federal government’s forensic audit of the NDDC, adding that the audit which has the support of Niger Delta governors would bring maximum benefits to the region.
December 31, 2020
Buhari appoints Akwa as NDDC’s Interim Administrator
President Buhari has appointed Effiong Okon Akwa as the Interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Mr Akwa was until his new appointment the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration, of the NDDC, under the Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei-led Interim Management Committee (IMC).
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on Saturday, December 12, Akwa would henceforth oversee the affairs of the Commission till the end of the ongoing forensic auditing of the interventionist agency.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of an interim administrator to oversee the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
He is Mr Effiong Okon Akwa, the Ag. Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Commission, who is to assume headship till completion of the forensic audit.
Mr Akwa is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The development became necessary as a result of plethora of litigation and a restraining order issued recently against the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC by a Federal High Court in Abuja” the statement read
December 13, 2020
NDDC: CSO Alerts Public Over Alleged Plot By Akpabio To Appoint Sole Administrator
*Petitions Buhari, Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Others
*NDDC A Huge Disappointment – Rep. Chinda
By Doris Ferdinand
An Abuja based Civil Society organization, Act for Positive Transformation Initiatives, has alerted the public over a threatening plot by the minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, to appoint a sole administrator for the running of the controversial Niger Development Commission, (NDDC).
The CSO in letters dated december 4, 2020 and addressed to the presidency, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, as well as the House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, stressed the urgent need to stop Sen. Akpobio from finally drowning the NDDC through the illegal appointment of a sole administration.
The letters signed by its Head, Directorate of Research, Strategy & Planning, Kolawole Johnson, and titled: ‘Sen Godswill Akpabio Must be Stopped from Sinking the Niger Delta Development Commission Further’, the CSO said:
“There is an urgent need to alert the government, the National Assembly and the general public on the latest sinister plot of the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Sen Godswill Akpabio, to plunge the Niger Delta Development Commission into another round of crisis for his selfish interest by appointing a sole administrator to run the commission against the laws setting up the interventionist agency.
“Reports of a certain court order ‘sacking’ the present Interim Management Committee members of the NDDC surfaced in the media on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020. It is curious to note that the said order ‘restraining the IMC members from performing the functions of the board’ of NDDC was given on the 27th day of October, 2020 but kept under wraps for over one month, only to be let out few days to the next hearing date.
“While motives remain a source of concern, ACT has, again, stumbled on a sinister plan by Senator Godswill Akpabio to surreptitiously bring in the present Acting Executive Director of Finance, Effiong Akwa, as a Sole Administrator of the Commission using the suspicious judgement to pave way.
“If allowed, this singular step shall sink the Commission
December 6, 2020
NDDC’s IMC Suspension: Arrest, Investigate, Prosecute Akpabio Now – Ex-militants Tell EFCC
A coalition of ex-militants under the aegis of the National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDEA has called on the federal government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately arrest, investigate and sack the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Godswill Akpabio, for misleading President Muhammadu Buhari, into appointing an Interim administration for the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in lieu of the statutorily acceptable board for the intervention agency.
The national Coordinator of the NCNDEA, Eshanekpe Israel, a.k.a Akpodoro made the call in Ughelli Delta State , Thursday while reacting to the suspension by a Federal High Court sitting at Abuja which suspended the Interim Management Committee, IMC, of the NDDC led by Professor Pondei recently. Akpodoro wondered why the EFCC has not swung into action since the order was made saying it was important that the anti graft agency arrests Akpabio if only to show to the world that the war against corruption is still alive.
The action of the former governor according to the former warrior was aching to the suspension of the constitution which he noted was a coup plot against constitutional provisions adding that not only should the President swear-in the Pius Odubu and Bernard Okumagba led screened management board but that all the accomplices in the looting of the NDDC must be brought to book.
The Urhobo-born who doubles as the Coordinator of the Urhobo Youth Forum for Change, UYFC expressed regret over the delayed inauguration of the Odubu board noting that it was a very wrong precedent for the President to have unconditionally inaugurated an IMC at the instance of a politician in the would of Akpabio whose activities remain shrouded in suspicion of graft.
Akpodoro wants the all past members of the management board to be probed and punished if anyone is found culpable adding that billions of naira have gone under drain in the intervention agency owing to wanton corruption.
“We heard the revelations from Joi Nunie who allegedly fell out with Akpabio due to corrupt tendencies and till date, nothing has been done to Akpabio. Is Godswill Akpabio above the law of our country? President shouldn’t confirm the fears of Nigerians that the war on corruption is selective.” He stated.
The EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, and SFU and other anti graft agencies should roll out their arsenals to curb the damaging corruption in NDDC by immediately reining accomplices.
Specifically, Akpodoro wants the ICPC to obey the order of the Abuja Federal High Court which directs that the former governor be investigated and possibly brought to justice. He noted that nobody was bigger than the law of the land.
The prominent ex-militant leader warned that on no account should the tenure of the IMC extended by President Buhari except he wants to finally set the region of fire.
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