IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Performing the historic ceremony in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Governor Uzodinma, said he was delighted that the landmark event was taking place in his state. “It signifies that Imo is now safe and open for such significant gatherings. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the NDDC on its 25th anniversary. It is no small feat to have remained resilient despite various challenges over the years,” he said.

Governor Uzodinma declared: “The NDDC is a Commission that is very dear to our hearts. The Act that established it reflects the commitment to addressing developmental gaps in the Niger Delta. As an important institution, the NDDC remains a treasure to all states along the shoreline, driving progress and development in the region.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is gaining momentum across the Niger Delta states, reinforcing our shared vision for growth and prosperity. I must emphasise that the NDDC is not in competition with state governments but rather serves as a complementary agency, working alongside the states to enhance development efforts.

“On behalf of the NDDC Advisory Council, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the NDDC and reaffirm our unwavering support and confidence in its mission. We appreciate your decision to host this important event in Imo State, and we look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of our people.”

In his address, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, appreciated the Imo State Governor for hosting the unveiling ceremony, noting that the Commission was determined to make the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.

He restated his commitment to the mandate given to the Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in Nigeria’s oil-producing region. Ogbuku affirmed that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the Niger Delta region.

He recalled that between May 18 and May 28 last year, the NDDC commissioned five major development projects across the Niger Delta region. He said this included the 27.5-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, constructed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC.

“Similarly, we commissioned the 6km Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and 600m Ibeno Bridge in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. 

In the area of electricity, he said: “We commissioned the 45-km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa in Ondo State. This electrification project supplies light to the 25 local governments that have been in darkness for 15 years.

Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transformational leadership and accountability. He stated that NDDC had engaged the globally renowned audit firm, KPMG, to review its operations, adding that the report’s recommendations would be fully implemented to enhance transparency and efficiency.

He noted: “There have been anomalies in the past, but we are focused on the future. We agreed with KPMG to begin implementing the report’s recommendations.”

Acknowledging the region’s high demand for solar power projects, Ogbuku promised that many more communities will benefit from the Light Up the Niger Delta project.

He noted that the NDDC 25th anniversary would witness a series of activities, including the commissioning of completed projects, noting: “A major highlight will be the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, aimed at fostering regional integration and developing amateur sporting talents in Akwa Ibom State.

Ogbuku said: “We have to work on our diversity and ensure that we have unity in diversity. We are united as Niger Deltans because God has brought us together into one geographical region where we have common ecological and environmental challenges.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the NDDC Executive Director Finance and Administration and the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the unveiling of the logo and mascot, Alabo Boma Iyaye, harped on the need to build regional integration. “In building and fostering regional integration, we thought it wise to come up with the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival,” he said.

The NDDC Executive Director stated that July 12th, 2025, will mark 25 years since the creation of the NDDC. He enjoined: “Join us to celebrate 25 years of developmental intervention and making a difference.

“This logo will be used in all official transactions of the commission throughout the year 2025, marking the symbol of our celebration. As part of this celebration, the commission is holding its maiden edition of the Niger delta sports festival.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, thanked President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on the NDDC, my colleagues and I remain committed to ensuring effective oversight of the Commission's operations. Our collective goal is to see the NDDC fulfil its mandate and drive sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.”

... Repose Confidence In Amadi To Govern Well

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo, Owerri. 

Marking another milestone in the journey of The Mazi (Gburugburu) Organization(TMO), in its quest for a better Imo State, a good number of Imo APC, PDP and ADP political players have voluntarily defected into the Organization. 

The new defectors were on Thursday, at Great Western Hotel officially welcomed and admitted into the TMO fold. 

While being ushered in, the prominent political actors from the various political parties reposed confidence in Dr. Chima Amadi whom they described as an exception leader and humanist, who has the capacity to govern Imo State aright.

Speaking during the reception of the decampees the spokesperson of the organization, Cajethan Duke noted, "this occasion is not only a signal of a greater days ahead, but a testament to our organization's growing influence and appeal across party lines".

"We are thrilled to have notable figures like Okenze Engr. Paul Opara, immediate past APC Zonal Chairman of APC, Owerri Zone, Hon. Udo Agoha, former Commissioner for Agriculture and State Coordinator Big Tent, Imo State,"

"Hon. Titus Anyanwu, Okenze Henry Unegbu, Hon Chinenye Ezurike, immediate past Chairmanship Aspirant in the just concluded Local Government Council election, Ezinihitte, Princess Julieth Anyanwu, Engr Fred Kamalu, Dr. Uzor Mmezi, ADP State State Chairman, Engr. Paul Ejiogu former and the APC ward Chairmen from Ngor Okpala LGA among others, join our ranks".

"Their decision to align with The Mazi Organization is a clear indication of our shared vision for a better Imo State".

"We extend the party's profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma for their unalloyed commitment to a secured and prosperous Nigeria".

"As we gear up for the business ahead, our organization is committed to an uncommon social mobilization and grassroots engagement with Ndi Imo. We believe that the time has come for a new breed of leaders who will prioritize the welfare and development of our dear state.".

"With the influx of these seasoned politicians, we are confident that our organization is poised to mobilize the people to craft the Imo of their dream"

"The organization is built on the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. We are committed to providing a platform for all Imo citizens to participate in the decision-making process and contribute to the development of our state. Our doors are open to all, regardless of party affiliation or background".

"As we embark on this new chapter, we urge all Imo citizens to join us in our quest for a better future. Together, we can achieve greatness and make Imo State a model for excellence in Nigeria".

" We welcomed our new members and assured them that their decision to join organization will be a worthwhile one. Together, we shall make history and create a brighter future for Imo State".

Some notable founding members of TMO in attendance included Chief Henry Onwukwe, Director General TMO, former APC lawmakers Hon. Uche Ogbuagu, Hon. Crown Michael Onyemaechi, and Hon. Blyden Amajirionwu, as well as former PDP state secretary Dr. Bright Akomas. 

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has called on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to focus on a single key project at a time to ensure impactful results.

Soludo made this statement while receiving the SEDC delegation, led by its CEO, Dr. Emeka Nworgu, at the Governor’s Lodge in Awka on Friday.

He advised the commission to adopt a focused approach over the next five years, emphasizing the need for effective project execution that delivers tangible benefits to the people.

“We should not waste this opportunity. Let’s adopt a one-point agenda, such as developing a rail network to connect all South-East state capitals. Deliver it, then move to the next priority. If you spread efforts across too many projects, some will be abandoned, and progress will be minimal,” Soludo stated.

He also urged the commission to work closely with South-East governors to drive meaningful development.

In response, Nworgu praised Soludo’s achievements in health, education, and infrastructure.

Similarly, SEDC Managing Director, Mark Okoye, reiterated the commission’s commitment to positioning the South-East as a premier investment hub to drive sustainable economic growth.

“We look forward to a productive partnership that benefits Anambra and the entire South-East region,” Okoye said. 

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has directed local government chairmen across the country to visit their nearest Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch to complete outstanding documentation necessary for receiving direct financial allocations from the Federation Account.

ALGON stated that this move follows the implementation of local government accounts, ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local councils.

A letter dated March 5, 2025, signed by ALGON’s acting Director General, Mrs. Evan Enekwe, emphasized that the CBN has opened accounts for all 774 local governments and area councils. However, for these accounts to become fully operational, local governments must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and other required protocols with the CBN.

The letter urged council chairmen to immediately proceed to the nearest CBN branch to finalize the necessary processes, ensuring that monthly revenue allocations can be disbursed directly to their respective accounts in accordance with the court ruling.

Chairmen were advised to comply promptly, with ALGON National President, Engr. Bello Lawal, extending his regards in the communication. 

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has confirmed her visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja to clarify financial transactions during her tenure.

Report has it that the former minister was questioned over allegations of ₦138 million fraud.

In a series of posts on her official X handle on Friday, Kennedy-Ohanenye detailed her engagement with the anti-graft agency, stating that she arrived at 2:15 p.m., began discussions at 2:50 p.m., and concluded by 6:50 p.m.

She explained that she provided comprehensive clarifications regarding her tenure and commended the EFCC for its professionalism throughout the process.

“I commend the EFCC for their professionalism and hospitality, and I appreciate the opportunity to address the matters recently circulating in the media.”

The former minister assured the agency of her full cooperation for any further inquiries.

Kennedy-Ohanenye also defended her management of public funds, emphasizing that she prudently utilized government resources and even supplemented them with personal funds to support initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“During my tenure, my team and I executed our duties diligently, using available resources efficiently and supplementing them with personal funds, demonstrating our dedication to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerian women and children.” 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with France to foster mutual prosperity. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this known during a visit from French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier in Abuja.

Idris praised France’s role in facilitating President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 state visit and emphasized the importance of implementing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the trip. He assured that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms would drive sustainable growth and welcomed continued French support.

Fonbaustier reiterated France’s commitment to deepening collaboration and invited Idris to the Nigerian Business Forum in Paris on April 10, 2025, highlighting the potential for attracting French investors to Nigeria.