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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES OF NIGER DELTA OIL AND GAS PRODUCING AREAS PEN AN OPEN LETTER TO TINUBU

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2 years ago

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Tinubu Suspends NPPC GMD, Mele Kyari...Gives Reasons

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES OF NIGER DELTA OIL AND GAS PRODUCING AREAS PEN AN OPEN LETTER TO TINUBU

OPEN LETTER TO:  PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI.
 PRESIDENT ELECT BOLA AHMED TINUBU.
NDDC  –  WHAT WE MUST DO
1. The appointment and inauguration of the present board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC after a long hiatus had rekindled our hope for a new NDDC. However, if revelations emerging from the commission are anything to go by, our hopes have been dashed as we see business continuing as usual.
The work environment right now in the commission is like that of a cult where files are carried under armpits and other provocative places of the human body all in a bid to do things secretly.
2. It is an open secret that tension enveloped the commission immediately after the board was inaugurated with polarization of camps around particular interests in the board and the management.
The management team sees the governing board as meddlesome interlopers and staff have taken partisan positions around individuals on the board and management.
3. The commission has indeed become adrift for too long and stakeholders can no more stand aloof while the resources are being plundered with reckless abandon.
4. There have been cases of waivers issued to IOC’s over payment of the statutory three percent contribution to as stipulated in the NDDC Act. We now understand that these waivers are now in millions of dollars which have reportedly been shared between personnel of the IOC’s and top officials of the management team.
5. There are also reports of the management team back-dating and awarding  unimpactful and unverifiable contracts for the clear purposes of siphoning scarce resources to private pockets. They have the habit of abusing due process with impunity and disregard for the input from the  Governing Board.
6. To curb this incessant bickering between the governing board and the management, it is our candid consideration to urge the Federal government to take a critical look at reforming the governance structure of the NDDC for effective service delivery to meet the aspirations of our people.
7. It is on account of this that we are urging government to begin the process of curing this malignant cancer. This cure can begin by extracting  the management composition structure (Section 3) (4) of the OMPADEC Decree of 1992, which stipulates that there shall be a Chief Executive of the Commission. This is without ambiguities.
8. Our idea  of having an Executive Chairman, as increasingly voiced by stakeholders should be a top priority of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in bequeathing a functional NDDC to the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
9. This envisages a single line management structure comprising of the Executive Chairman, the state representatives, Zonal representatives and an administrative Secretary to make up the board.
10.  If Government fails to  heed this advise as espoused by stakeholders, then we would have missed a golden opportunity to stop the decline and drift of the commission that is fast becoming comatose. We must do everything within and without to breathe a new life into the NDDC.
11.  To all of these we have the implicit confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari will adopt a new approach by strengthening the role of the Chairman as the chief accounting officer and reposition the NDDC to serve the region and it’s people without let.
12.  This will be the only sure way to make  the region  attractive to investors who are now divesting fom the region. There are countless  abandoned oilfields scattered in the region whose owners have refused to return to reactivate these fields due largely to apprehension of possible renewed violence in the region.
13.  It is the belief of stakeholders that the NDDC should show capacity by putting policies in place to step in and work with government to proffer redeemable and actionable strategies to reverse the divestment that is ongoing.
14.  If there are no new investments in the region that means a dearth of revenue for the country and the commission and no new projects would be embarked upon by the commission for the people.
15.  Stakeholders call for this reform should not be misconstrued. The call is to strengthen the institution and reposition it to become a global  institution that will provide a platform for the development of the region as originally encrypted at the establishment of the NDDC.
16.  Once again we urge government to take a helicopter view of our suggestion and do the needful as soon as practicable.
Thank You.
For and on behalf of:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITIES OF NIGER DELTA OIL AND GAS PRODUCING AREAS. (CDC)
Joseph Ambakederimo,
 Executive Chairman Board of Trustees. (CDC)
Dr. Wilson Omene
Chairman Board of Management. (CDC)
Dated 16th April, 2023.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Tragedy and Accusations: Lagos Hospital Denies Rejecting Dying Pregnant Woman Over N500,000 Deposit

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16 minutes ago

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April 4, 2025

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Tragedy and Accusations: Lagos Hospital Denies Rejecting Dying Pregnant Woman Over N500,000 Deposit

Tragedy and Accusations: Lagos Hospital Denies Rejecting Dying Pregnant Woman Over N500,000 Deposit

Lagos, Nigeria – A storm of controversy has erupted following the tragic death of a pregnant woman, Kemi Folajimi, after her husband accused a private hospital in Ibeju-Lekki of refusing to treat her due to his inability to pay an upfront N500,000 deposit.

The grieving husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, made the claim in a heartbreaking viral video that has since sparked outrage across social media. In the footage, Kemi, visibly weak, sat inside a car while her desperate husband pleaded for her to stay strong.

“My goodness! Kemi, look at me. Stay strong; think about your kids, please!” he cried out.

Folajimi later alleged that after being turned away by As Salam Convalescent Centre, they rushed to a general hospital in Epe, but his wife tragically passed away before she could receive treatment.

“The doctor told me to deposit N500,000, and I begged him to start treatment while I ran around for the money. But they drove us out like we were nothing,” he wrote online.

Hospital Founder Fights Back, Denies Allegations

Amid the uproar, Dr. Rauf Salami, founder of As Salam Convalescent Centre, has strongly denied the accusation, calling it a complete misrepresentation of events.

“At no point did we demand any money from the family. The woman arrived in critical condition, having already convulsed twice at home. After examining her, we immediately referred her to Epe General Hospital, which was better equipped to handle her case,” Salami explained.

He further clarified that Kemi was not a registered patient at the facility and had never visited before the day of the incident.

“We did not even transfer her from the wheelchair she was brought in with. Within minutes, we advised the husband to seek urgent help at a bigger hospital. The claim that we refused to treat her over money is completely false.”

Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The viral video has led to widespread condemnation of private hospitals allegedly prioritizing money over human life, with many calling for stricter healthcare regulations. Some social media users demanded a full investigation into the incident, arguing that healthcare facilities should not turn away patients in distress, regardless of financial constraints.

Meanwhile, Salami expressed frustration over the backlash, admitting that the controversy had deeply affected him.

“People have even advised me to sue the husband, but I have left everything in God’s hands. My integrity speaks for itself, and those who know our hospital will vouch for us,” he said.

A Systemic Healthcare Failure?

While the blame game continues, some experts have pointed to deeper issues plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare system, including poor emergency response infrastructure, inadequate funding for public hospitals, and the unaffordability of private medical care.

The Federal Ministry of Health has yet to comment on the controversy, but the incident has once again raised critical questions about the accessibility of quality maternal healthcare in Nigeria.

For now, Kemi Folajimi’s death remains a tragic reminder of the life-or-death consequences tied to Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.

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EPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN CELEBRATES AARE ADETOLA OLANIYI EMMANUEL-KING AT 50

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13 hours ago

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April 3, 2025

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*EPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN CELEBRATES AARE ADETOLA OLANIYI EMMANUEL-KING AT 50

 

I am delighted to extend my warmest felicitations to you, Aare Adetola Olaniyi Emmanuel-King, the Chairman and CEO of Adron Group, on your 50th birthday. This milestone is a testament to your remarkable life’s journey, marked by outstanding achievements and contributions to our community and the nation, Nigeria.

As a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, your commitment to making affordable housing accessible to many Nigerians is truly commendable. Your innovative approach and dedication to this cause have made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.

Your steadfastness in pursuing your vision, despite challenges, is a shining example of your perseverance and passion. Your legacy continues to inspire and motivate others to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in their communities.

As you celebrate this special day, I wish you continued good health, wisdom, and success in all your endeavors. May this new chapter of life bring you joy, happiness, and fulfillment.

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on your 50th birthday.

*Signed*

*Hon. (Princess) Surah O. Animashaun FHTI*
*The Executive Chairman, Epe Local Government*

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Transforming Oshodi-Isolo: Why Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Deserves President Tinubu’s Handshake

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1 day ago

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April 3, 2025

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OSHODI-ISOLO LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN, OTUNBA KEHINDE OLOYEDE DESERVES PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S PRESIDENTIAL HANDSHAKE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN OFFICE

By Frank Albert Jnr.
The leadership of Otunba Kehinde Oloyede as the Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government has been marked by exceptional achievements, setting a new standard for local governance. His three and a half years in office have been transformative, addressing critical infrastructural and social needs of the community.
Notable Accomplishments of Otunba Kehinde Oloyede:
Infrastructure Development: Nearly 55 roads have been constructed within three years, significantly improving connectivity within Oshodi-Isolo communities.
Clean Water Access: Over 45 streets have been equipped with water projects, ensuring residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.
Quality Education: An ultra-modern primary school has been built at St. Paul Primary School, Mafoluku, enhancing the educational infrastructure for young learners.
Student Support: The administration has provided free school rides, uniforms, bags, and books, making education more accessible and convenient for students.
Healthcare: Construction of a well-equipped primary healthcare center is ongoing, aimed at improving healthcare services for residents.
Youth Empowerment & Development: Several skill acquisition and employability training programs have been initiated in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), creating opportunities for young people.
Community Support: Three comprehensive palliative programs have benefited over 30,000 households, providing relief to vulnerable residents.
Party Welfare: Monthly stipends are provided for party executives, demonstrating a commitment to party welfare and leadership.
Otunba Kehinde Oloyede, popularly known as Kendoo, has consistently demonstrated a leadership style grounded in progress, accountability, and a deep sense of responsibility towards the people of Oshodi-Isolo. His administration has successfully rekindled faith and hope in local government administration, proving that with the right leadership, grassroots governance can be impactful and transformative.
Given his remarkable performance, it is imperative that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes and encourages such excellence by establishing a yearly federal evaluation initiative for local government chairmen. This initiative would serve as an incentive for local government administrators across Nigeria to improve their performance and ensure better service delivery to the citizens.
Otunba Kehinde Oloyede is undoubtedly one of the best-performing local government chairmen in Nigeria, and his dedication to public service deserves national recognition, including a presidential handshake from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Transforming Oshodi-Isolo: Why Otunba Kehinde Oloyede Deserves President Tinubu’s Handshake

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