News

Project ‘HOPE’: Investigate Ogbuku, NDDC Management, Ijaw Media Body Urges EFCC

Published

5 months ago

July 28, 2025

Editor

…Demands list of beneficiaries published

Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), the apex Ijaw media council in Nigeria, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for alleged mismanagement of funds in the name of Youth Internship scheme tagged the Project “HOPE”.

The IPF noted that the investigation becomes necessary following Ogbuku’s claim that 10,000 selected beneficiaries of the Commission’s Youth Internship scheme received N50,000 monthly stipends.

The Ijaw media council, while arguing that the said programme has no direct impact on the core oil bearing rural and riverine communities, noted that residents of these places in Niger Delta have no Internet or smart phones to register the online programmes.

The IPF said up till date, the Ogbuku acclaimed 10,000 empowered youths remain ghosts and invisible.

A statement signed by Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, spokesman, the IPF, copies of which were made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday, said, “There are claims that 10,000 selected beneficiaries of the NDDC’s Youth Internship scheme have been receiving a monthly stipends of N50,000.

“These projects or programmes are scams with ghost identities being deliberately orchestrated to misappropriate the public funds.

“Ogbuku should publish the beneficiaries and their account numbers, including figures allocated to each state in the nine Niger Delta states and criteria for the selection. The people of Niger Delta are eager to know how their money is spent”, he emphasised.

“The youth of the Niger Delta deserves better. We cannot allow the funds meant for their development to be mismanaged or siphoned off. We urge the EFCC to act swiftly and investigate funds allocated to Projects ‘HOPE’ and other unrealistic projects of the commission under Dr. Ogbuku to restore public confidence in the NDDC.”

The IPF also vowed to continue monitoring NDDC and advocate for accountability and stewardship, just as the body encouragee the public to report fraudulent and abandoned projects, and programmes for public scrutiny.

“The Project HOPE was just a mere paper work created to divert funds meant to develop the Niger Delta region, and that it is unparalleled absurdity, broad day robbery and gross corruption of Ogbuku led NDDC for replacing and shortchanged over 10,000 Niger Delta youths with non-existent entities.

“Ogbuku’s management of NDDC is terrible, opaque and lacks accountability, Niger Delta people have the rights of benefit from an interventionist agency created to transform their lives and as such it is grave injustice and affront on the Niger Delta people who have been replaced with ghost entities”, the body said.

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

44 minutes ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.

News

Christmas: Edo Deputy Gov Preaches Unity, Hope

Published

57 minutes ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has called on residents of the state to embrace unity, love, and renewed hope as Christians celebrate Christmas.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa emphasised that Christmas represents values that unite people, regardless of tribe, religion, or politics, promoting compassion, generosity, and peace.

He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless reminder of the values of peace, sacrifice, and compassion, which he said are critical to societal growth and harmonious coexistence.

He urged Edo people to take advantage of the festive season to strengthen communal ties, extend goodwill to the less privileged, and recommit themselves to the collective development of the state.

The deputy governor further said that Christmas underscores the importance of shared humanity and collective responsibility in building a prosperous society.

“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the power of hope and shared humanity.

“As a people, we must continue to stand together, support one another, and work collectively for a more prosperous Edo State,” Idahosa said.

He reassured residents of the state of the firm commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to enthrone good governance, inclusive development, and people-oriented policies aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of all Edo citizens.

Idahosa also appealed to residents to celebrate the season responsibly and sustain peace and harmony before, during, and after the festivities.

He wished Christians a joyous Christmas celebration and prayed for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Edo State.

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

12 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.