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How Niger Delta will benefit from Buhari’s govt — Oshiomhole

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Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says the Niger Delta region will benefit immensely from the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking on Monday during the visit of the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, who led other members of the Board including the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Bassey Dan-Abia, to his office, Mr. Oshiomhole said events of the past few years have shown that friends of the Niger Delta are not necessarily from the region.

He said: “I am aware that the Board has initiated a number of projects and according to you, you have over a thousand of them totaling over a trillion naira. These are huge numbers. The expectations of the people of the Niger Delta are very high as they expect that the intervention agency would find resources to address their critical needs.

“I also know that the Board has been afflicted by critical Nigerian disease namely: clarity of ideas; the need to take extra-ordinary measures.

“The law is specifically clear as to how NDDC should be funded and all that is expected is that the Federal Ministry of Finance or to be more specific, the Federal Government ought to ensure that the law they had passed and signed which are in operation are enforced to the letter so that they in turn can compel the Board to ensure that the fund is judiciously expended.

“I am very confident that President Mohammadu Buhari, given his passion for development as a trusted friend of the poor masses which is his own main constituency, will do everything possible to look at the letter and the spirit and do whatever has to be done to ensure that the law of NDDC is complied with.”

Speaking further, the governor said “We governors of the South-South region are meeting in the last week of this month and one of the issues to be discussed will be how we can collaborate to ensure that NDDC delivers on its mandate and gets the support of the appropriate authority so that it has the wherewithal to deal with projects that will impact on the region.”

Making a case for the NDDC to embark on major infrastructure projects, Mr. Oshiomhole said “the condition of the South-South will be effectively serviced with an efficient and effective rail system”, assuring that regardless of political party affiliations, Governors of the Niger Delta are united in their desire to ensure rapid development of the region.

He advised the state commissioners on the NDDC Board to ensure that the views they canvass at the commission reflect the expectations of the people of their states.

He said, “One major weakness I have observed in the running of the commission is that it has been over-politicized. It was not meant to be a political vehicle. Nigeria has opted for a multiple political democracy and our people from time to time could replace a government and a political party. No party will be too good to govern forever.

“Regardless of the government, there are certain key principles that must never be sacrificed, namely that composition of the Board must be made of people who bring to it the aspirations of their respective states.

“Governments will come and go but the people will remain. So you need to liaise and ensure you carry the authorities along. In each state, there is nobody who can claim to have the mandate of the people to govern more that the Governor, just like there is nobody in Nigeria who can claim to have a popular mandate to govern Nigeria than the president,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ewa-Henshaw appealed to the governor to intervene on behalf of the NDDC to get the funds due to the Board released.

According to him, the NDDC has not been funded, according to law, since 2001 and over N800 billion due to the Board unremitted.

He said the “vision of the Board is one that can provide a platform and the avenue for integrating and developing the Niger Delta sub-region through strategic intervention and key infrastructure development in road, rail and education.

“We can create business investment and employment opportunities for our people. We are not unaware of the negative perception of our people, but as a Board we have come determined to change that,” he said.

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Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadri Momoh, and Council Endorse Balogun ATM for Senate 2027

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His Royal Majesty, Oba Akadri Momoh, The Olukare of Ikare Land, alongside his Oba-in-Council of chiefs and elders, has endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), the Balogun of Ikare, for the Ondo North Senatorial seat in 2027.

The endorsement was announced on Monday at the Olukare’s Palace during Chief ATM’s courtesy visit. Oba Akadri Momoh described ATM as “a true son of Ikare” with the character and competence to represent Ondo North. “He respects tradition and has never turned his back on our people. He has our royal blessing,” the Olukare said.

Chiefs present echoed the monarch, citing ATM’s consistent support for education, healthcare, and empowerment in Akoko land as proof of his readiness.

Chief ATM thanked the Olukare and Council for the “sacred mandate,” pledging to make the welfare of Ikare and Ondo North his priority in the Senate. “In Abuja, the voice of Ikare will be loud, clear, and respected,” he said.

*Signed:*
ATM Campaign Media Team

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Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA) Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Senate, Cites Youth Capacity to Lead

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The Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA), under the leadership of its President, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe, has formally endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) as its consensus candidate for the Ondo North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

The endorsement was announced at the Alliance’s expanded executive meeting held in Ikare-Akoko, with youth leaders drawn from all six Local Government Areas of Ondo North in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe declared that the decision was driven by ATM’s clear vision for youth empowerment and economic transformation. “Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed is not just another politician. He understands that the youth are not leaders of tomorrow – we are leaders today. He has the capacity, the network, and the will to convert our energy into productivity,” Eniafe said.

*Youth Capacity to Lead, Not Just to Clap*

ONYA praised ATM’s blueprint for tackling youth unemployment and rural-urban migration. Central to his agenda is the establishment of *skill acquisition and ICT training centers* across Akoko land, Owo and Ose to equip young people with 21st-century skills in tech, agriculture, fashion, welding, and digital enterprise.

The Alliance also highlighted ATM’s plan to *attract and facilitate factories and agro-processing zones* in Ondo North. “For too long, our brothers from the North have moved to Lagos and other states in search of jobs that don’t exist. With factories here, we keep our youth here. We build our economy here,” Comrade Eniafe stated. “ATM’s background in Finance, Real Estate, and Infrastructure Development gives us confidence that this is not empty talk.”

ONYA further noted that ATM’s track record of quietly supporting student groups, artisans, and young entrepreneurs proves he is youth-friendly and results-oriented. “He doesn’t wait for elections to show up. He has been doing the work,” the President added.

In his response, Chief ATM expressed deep appreciation to ONYA, describing the endorsement as “a call to greater service.” He pledged to sponsor bills and attract federal interventions that will prioritize youth employment, technical education, and industrial growth. “We will build the training centers. We will bring the factories. We will stop the forced migration of our youth. Ondo North will work, and our young people will lead that transformation,” ATM assured.

The Ondo North Youth Alliance called on all youth groups, student unions, and first-time voters across the senatorial district to unite behind ATM, describing him as “the candidate with the brain, the heart, and the blueprint for the youth.”

*Signed:*
Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe
President, Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA)

*For ATM Campaign:*
[08038554184]

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Former Ondo Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Ondo North Senate

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*Akure, Ondo State* — In a major boost to his senatorial ambition, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed, popularly known as ATM, has received the endorsement of His Excellency, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

The elder statesman formally adopted ATM’s bid to represent Ondo North Senatorial District during a courtesy visit to his Akure residence last week. The meeting, described by attendees as “warm and strategic,” saw Olanusi throw his political weight behind ATM ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Alhaji Olanusi is a towering figure in Ondo politics and a respected APC chieftain from Akoko, Ondo North. His political résumé spans decades: former Member of the House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees. His voice carries weight across party lines and within grassroots structures in Ondo North.

Speaking during the visit, Olanusi commended ATM’s character, capacity, and commitment to the people. He also paid glowing tribute to the legacy of ATM’s late father, Alhaji Kunle Abdul, whose philanthropy and community development efforts remain reference points in Akoko land and Ondo State.

“The good work of your late father is still speaking well for you,” Olanusi said. “You have shown the same heart for service. Ondo North needs a Senator who understands the people and has the competence to deliver. I believe you are that person.”

Responding, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing Olanusi as “a father, a leader, and a compass for many of us in Ondo politics.”

“This endorsement is humbling. It strengthens our resolve to offer Ondo North a new model of representation — one that is accessible, developmental, and people-driven,” ATM said. “We will not betray this trust.”

Political observers say Olanusi’s endorsement is significant. As a bridge between the old guard and the new generation, his backing is expected to galvanize support across Akoko, Owo, and Ose — the key blocs in Ondo North.

With endorsements now coming from traditional leaders, youth groups, and elder statesmen, ATM’s senatorial ambition continues to gather momentum as the 2027 political calendar draws closer.

Signed
ATM Media Team

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