Author: straightnewsng.com

A Nigerian University don, Peter Esuh has faulted the Federal Government for foisting unstable management on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). NDDC created in 2000 has witnessed many management teams. He also blamed the federal government for “lackadaisical communication that is going on NDDC.” Esuh, Dean of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo (UNIUYO) in Akwa Ibom State, who spoke during a three-day seminar on the theme: Capacity building workshop for NDDC Corporate Affairs Department in Uyo on Saturday, carpeted the Federal Government for irregular dissolution of the commission’s boards and reconstitution of new ones. Speaking on the topic: Imperatives of…

Nigerian journalist, Mr.  Ibanga Isine, sees the perception of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as ‘cash cow’ caused by politicians as unhealthy. Isine, who spoke during the three-day Capacity building workshop for NDDC Corporate Affairs Department in Uyo, Akwa Ibom capital, said this perception by people poses negative image to the commission. The media manager lamented that politicians have hijacked the Commission that supposed to be a change agent to their selfish ambition. Also read: Work as a team to achieve NDDC’s goals- enjoins Managing Director Speaking on the topic: Peculiar Challenges of Public Communication in the Niger Delta Region,…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has opposed plan by the 10th National Assembly to spend N40 billion on bulletproof and exotic cars for its principal officers and members. SERAP gave the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas seven days “to drop the scandalous plan to spend N40 billion on 465 exotic and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials, and N70 billion as ‘palliatives’ for new members.” The organisation further urged them to “repeal the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act to reduce the budget for the National Assembly by N110bn, reflect the…

Marketa Vondrousova upset the odds in Saturday’s final on Centre Court as she powered to a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Tunisian sixth seed Ons Jabeur. The 24-year-old clinched an unexpected maiden Grand Slam title at the second attempt after losing to Ash Barty in the 2019 French Open final. “After everything I have been through, I had a cast last time, it’s amazing I can stand here and hold this trophy,” said Vondrousova, who was sidelined with a wrist injury in 2022. “I don’t know how I’ve done it. Tennis is crazy.” Vondrousova joins Jana Novotna and Petra Kvitova as…

Seven Chinese caught by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for illegal mining in Kwara State were found without passports. The EFCC Zonal Commander in Kwara State, Michael Nzekwe who spoke journalists in the area said the commission arrested 13 Chinese illegal miners with five possessing Nigerian passports. According to him, the offence is contrary to, and punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983. ‘‘A female and 12 male Chinese were arrested on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Government Reserved Area (G.R.A.), Ilorin, following credible intelligence about their activities, including illegal mining and non-payment…

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has faulted the allocation of a whooping N70 billion of the palliative fund to the National Assembly members under the guise of “supporting the working conditions of new members.” Rather, CHRAN urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate people centric and good welfare programmes that will reduce inflation, unemployment, creates empowerment and capacity building through skills acquisition, saying these programmes will have direct bearing on the poor masses. The human rights group made the assertion in a press release signed by its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Deputy Director, Public Affairs,…

The Commonwealth Games Federation has stripped Nigeria of one of the gold medals won at the last edition of the games held in Birmingham in 2022. A positive drugs test involving Grace Nwokocha meant the gold medal initially awarded to Nigeria in the Women’s 4x100m relay has now been awarded to England, who finished second in the original race. Nigeria beat England by 0.21 seconds at Alexander Stadium on August 7, the last athletics day at Birmingham, 2022. The following month, Nwokocha, who ran the anchor leg for Nigeria, was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for using banned anabolic…

Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has called on the political class angling for offices to allow passion and mission guide them in serving their constituents. Akpabio gave the advice Friday at the funeral service of Deaconess Aniema, daughter of the late Senator Donald Etiebet, the former Governor of old Cross River State, held in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Leading other Senators to the funeral, the Senate President described the deceased as “a very strong supporter of mine, who had the sight and the vision of what was about to happen in the Senatorial District.” “She did…

… We will bring perpetrators to justice- PPRO assures Respected neurologist and consultant at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim has been taken into captivity by abductors, police have confirmed. The distressing incident was confirmed by the Cross River State Police Command on Friday morning. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Irene Ugbo, the situation is being diligently addressed, and there was no cause for alarm. “The command has promptly initiated a tactical operation to track down the perpetrators responsible for this reprehensible act. “However, due to the audacity of the…

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku has enjoined staffers in different departments of the commission to work as a team to achieve its goals. Ogbuku while declaring open a three-day training workshop for staffers of the departments in Uyo on Friday said communities within the region eagerly look up to the commission for sustainability and growth. He reminded staffers of his Corporate Affairs Department of his administration’s avowed determination to make a difference, calling on them to work as a team to deliver such. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Obegha Oworibo, the…