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NDDC Conundrum: More Questions than Answers! By Ayo Oyoze Baje

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3 years ago

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HOW LAURETTA ONOCHIE IS FIGHTING TIMIPRE SYLVA'S GUBERNATORIAL AMBITION.

NDDC Conundrum: More Questions than Answers!

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

Quote:
“It is shocking that after the FEC, the highest ruling body in the country, had awarded a contract for the same project in 2021 at the sum of $11.7 billion for the construction of same Mega railway spanning through the length and breadth of the Niger Delta, that anyone would be signing an MOU on behalf of the NDDC and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the same project in 2023 without due process”
 – Ms Lauretta Onochie (Chairman of the NDDC governing board)
As with running the lives of individuals, there is always a difference between motive and method for that of conducting the affairs of public and private organizations. The facilitating factors that come into play; to oil the engine of growth and drive such dreams to the light of day are predicated on vision, character, commitment and of course, accountability.
NDDC Conundrum: More Questions than Answers! By Ayo Oyoze Baje
 Whenever one or more of such catalysts are lacking, the process is derailed, leading of course, to preventable pains of those who are supposed to benefit from it all. And that precisely is what has played out with the noble objectives of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
It would be recalled that the Niger-Delta Development Commission (Establishment etc) Act2000 Act No 6 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria came as an Act to provide for the repeal of the Oil, Mineral Producing Areas Commission Decree 1998.  Among other things, it was meant to establish a new Commission with a re-organised management and administrative structure for more effectiveness.
Furthermore, it was meant for the use of the sums received from the allocation of the Federation Account for tackling ecological problems which arise from the exploration of oil minerals in the Niger-Delta area and for connected purposes. That came into effect on12th day of July 2000.
Unfortunately,  the noble aims and objectives of its coming into effect  under the then President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had over the years got de-branded with the issues of corruption, incompetence and gross mismanagement of its resources. Terribly bad, you might say!
But it even got worse when it had no Board to effectively run its affairs for six odd years! By law it was supposed to be under the presidency. The change in the narrative however, came when former governor of Akwa-Ibom state, Godswill  Akpabio became the Minister of the Niger-Delta. It was he who appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to place the NDDC under the Ministry of the Niger-Delta.
Ever since, it has been mired in one steamy scandal, controversy or the other. That was what necessitated the setting up of a forensic audit by the president to take a deeper look into the conduct of its financial transactions.
Interestingly, that opened up the can of worms with the alleged discovery of monumental corruption as 320 illegal accounts-both local and international- were traced to the Ministry by the forensic audit. That was in 2021 when the Report was submitted to Mister President.
Ordinarily, oil companies operating in Nigeria are supposed to pay 3% of their running costs to the NDDC but going by the allegations of corruption Buhari ordered that such sums should be collected by the EFCC. Other reports revealed that within that period it collected a whopping N710 billion on behalf of NDDC!
Buhari  was compelled, in his characteristic manner of transparency and probity to come up with the appointment of someone of proven integrity; someone with a proud pedigree of discipline; who attaches little value to material things. There comes in Ms Lauretta Onochie on whose behalf the president wrote to the Senate for confirmation back in November 2022.
Having worked with Mister President for seven good years, which provided him with the opportunity to study her true persona he knew that she was going to toe the path of honour and honesty. And that she did when during the first meeting of the NDDC Board it was mutually agreed that financial transactions must be approved by her person, as the Chairman for accountability and transparency.
In addition, such financial transactions were to be communicated to the CBN, the Accountant General’s Office and of course, the Minister of Finance. But the MD  of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku was vehemently against that significant decision.
Furthermore, he wrote a letter to counter the decision insisting that the status quo should remain. That audacious attempt to shake the NDDC table triggered some burning questions. Is it true, as alleged that the humongous sum of N50 million is always paid for trips made by the trio of the Managing Director of the NDDC, the Director of Finance as well as Projects for assignments carried out outside Port Harcourt? Is it also true that the monthly running cost has been increased from N6bn to N10bn? Yet, that was not all to it.
 Why would contractors be paid huge sums from the public purse without the knowledge of the NDDC Board but with payments approved by the head of the former interim management?  Why were the Board Members from Abia and Bayelsa states the ones to benefit from payments? And why are the NDDC Board members not given official vehicles? There was certainly more to it all than met the eye!
In fact, the last straw that broke the camel’s back in the cat-and-mouse game between the Minister of the Niger Delta and the Onochie-led Board of the NDDC came to the fore when the former went ahead to host the PPP Summit recently held at Eko Hotel in Lagos state without the approval of the latter!
Worse still, it went on to sign an MOU with an American company,  Atlanta Global Resources Inc., which according to Onochie has no requisite experience in any form of construction, not to talk about  railway construction! Onochie stated that the company in question is a management export consulting firm without known directors!
Describing the MOU as illegal she quoted that: “(a) By the act establishing the NDDC (Act No 6, of 2000), it is the Chairman of the board that is solely vested with the power to sign MOUs with any organisation. She added Part II of the NDDC Act, Section 8, sub sections (a) and (e), among other provisions,.
The Chairman of the PPP Board Gbenga Edema who hails from Ondo state is also a Commissioner with the board. Though he was supposed to report to the Board, he was allegedly ignored by the management.
Subsequently, all these shenanigans have dovetailed into the call by her traducers for Onochie’s removal from office. And that is all because she is firmly standing on her ground, insisting that she does not want the smelly Augean stable to remain in its mess!
Indeed, she reminds one of the late DG of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili who epitomized diligence to duty, discipline and strict adherence to the dictates of the law.  Characteristic of her resolute stand, she wants things done within the ambit of the law, no matter whose ox is gored!
Unfortunately, the face-off has led to a situation whereby not much has been achieved by the NDDC in the past six months. The NDDC Executive Director Finance and Administration, is Maj-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd), while  the Executive Director, Projects is  Mr. Charles Ogunmola. The Minister of the Niger Delta is Umanna Umanna.
So, while the elephants fight it is the hapless and long-suffering Niger-Deltans that continue to stew in the quagmire of preventable pains and poverty.
The clarion call has therefore, come up by concerned Niger Deltans for President Buhari to do the needful, even in his last days in office. They are urging him to amend the Act,  If possible, issue out an executive order to correct the anomalies and check mate the financial reckless of the Ogbuku-led management. That is, by giving executive powers to the Chairman of the Commission, similar to what OMPADEC had in place before it was dissolved.
With that, the incoming government will have an enabling legal environment to facilitate a holistic development of the oil-rich Niger Delta, so that the goose that lays the golden egg is effectively taken good care of.
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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From Broadcast to Spiritual Renaissance: The Journey of Alọba A. Orisabimbola Ifatomi, Creator of ÒRÌṢÀTV

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3 hours ago

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April 1, 2026

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From Broadcast to Spiritual Renaissance: The Journey of Alọba A. Orisabimbola Ifatomi, Creator of ÒRÌṢÀTV

From Broadcast to Spiritual Renaissance:

The Journey of Alọba A. Orisabimbola Ifatomi, Creator of ÒRÌṢÀTV

In a time when African stories are often misrepresented or diluted, a seasoned voice in Nigeria’s media and creative industry is stepping forward with a bold vision to reclaim, preserve and project the depth of African spirituality through a new wave of cinematic storytelling powered by technology.

 

Alọba Adewunmi, a respected broadcaster, journalist and creative professional, is the mind behind ÒRÌṢÀTV a groundbreaking platform using Artificial Intelligence (AI) cinematic production to tell authentic Yoruba stories rooted in cosmology, spirituality and cultural heritage.

 

ÒRÌṢÀTV is not just a channel it is a destination to experience “The Beginning”, a Yoruba cosmology-based AI cinematic series that explores the origin of life and existence through an African lens.

 

 

A Career Built on Media Excellence

 

With years of experience across broadcast and print media, Alọba Adewunmi has established himself as a dynamic storyteller and cultural voice.

 

He has worked with several notable platforms including OSBC, Orisun FM, Yotomi Cable, Okin FM, Midland FM, Delta Cable, Akede Oodua Publications and Akede Africa.

 

His professional journey includes:

 

– Reporter at Alariya Oodua

– Editor at Gbajumo Online Magazine

– General Editor at Akede Africa ( a bilingual news magazine)

 

Through these roles, he has contributed significantly to journalism, cultural reporting, politics, crime and entertainment.

 

 

A Multifaceted Creative Force

 

Beyond journalism, Alọba Adewunmi’s creative footprint extends deeply into film and storytelling.

 

He is not just a performer, but a creative architect behind the scenes, serving as:

 

– A Continuity Director

– Continuity Director of the home video “Tobi (Forgiveness)”, produced by Kola Adeyemo

– A Story Writer and Dialogue Director

– A Scriptwriter

 

He has also contributed to several home video productions from the late 1990s through the early 2000s, reflecting a long-standing presence in Yoruba film storytelling.

 

 

A Spiritual Path and Cultural Mission

 

Beyond media and film, his journey is rooted in a deeper spiritual calling.

 

Alọba Adewunmi is a traditional priest, teacher and herbal medicine practitioner, dedicated to the preservation and practice of Yoruba spirituality.

 

His temple, Obàtálá Alábãlàse Temple of Purity, stands as a sacred center for purity, healing and spiritual guidance.

 

 

The Vision Behind ÒRÌṢÀTV

 

ÒRÌṢÀTV is more than a content platform, it is a cultural revival movement powered by AI-driven cinematic storytelling.

 

Through this innovative approach, the platform explores:

 

– The origin of existence

– The roles of divinities

– The structure of human destiny

– The spiritual laws governing life

 

The debut episode, “The Birth of Ilẹ̀ Àwọn Alààyè”,( Command of Creation ) marks the beginning of the series “The Beginning”.

 

Blending mythology, spirituality and AI-powered visuals, ÒRÌṢÀTV offers a unique experience that is both educational and deeply immersive.

 

 

A Mission Beyond Entertainment

 

For Alọba Adewunmi, this project goes far beyond entertainment.

 

It is a mission to preserve indigenous knowledge, educate future generations, correct misconceptions about African spirituality and restore pride in African identity.

 

 

The Man Behind the Vision

 

Despite his wide experience and creative influence, Alọba Adewunmi remains a naturally private and introverted individual.

 

He is known more for his work than for public appearances moving quietly between his professional responsibilities and personal space.

 

Rather than seeking the spotlight, he has consistently chosen to let his talent, creativity and impact speak for him.

 

Those who encounter his work or collaborate with him understand the depth he brings a reminder that true substance is not always loud and presence is not always public.

 

 

Looking Ahead

 

With Episode 1 now released, anticipation continues to build as “THE BEGINNING” prepares to explore deeper aspects of creation, human destiny and spiritual alignment.

 

This is not just a project it is a legacy unfolding through culture, spirituality, and innovation.

 

Watch Now

 

THE BEGINNING

From Broadcast to Spiritual Renaissance: The Journey of Alọba A. Orisabimbola Ifatomi, Creator of ÒRÌṢÀTV

Episode 1

The Birth of Ilẹ̀ Àwọn” Command of Creation)

Available on YouTube.

 

Media & Contact

 

For interviews, features and collaborations:

08125883088

 

© 2026 ÒRÌṢÀTV

All Rights Reserved

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TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION COMMENDS GOVERNOR ZULUM FOR HELPING MILITARY FAMILIES 

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6 hours ago

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April 1, 2026

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TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION COMMENDS GOVERNOR ZULUM FOR HELPING MILITARY FAMILIES 

 

 

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has commended Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his generous donation of ₦150 million to the families of three military officers who were tragically killed in recent attacks. Each family received ₦50 million as part of the state’s continued commitment to supporting fallen heroes and wounded personnel involved in counter-insurgency operations.

 

The commendation was contained in a statement signed by the foundation’s chairman, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.

 

The foundation expressed gratitude for the governor’s compassionate gesture, which included personal visits to the families of the late Lieutenant Colonels Umar Farouq, Salihu Iliyasu, and Aliyu Saidu Paiko in Abuja, Niger, and Kano States. During the visits, Governor Zulum offered his condolences and praised the service, sacrifice, and patriotism of the fallen officers.

 

The foundation’s Grand Patron, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR (Rtd), personally commended the governor’s dedication to improving the lives of Borno State residents. He also extended his condolences to the families of the officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

 

During his visits, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting bereaved families, which includes offering scholarships to the orphaned children of fallen personnel. He pledged to extend similar visits to other affected families, underscoring a compassionate approach to addressing the needs of those who have suffered in the line of duty.

 

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Queen Amb Dr. Nwamaka Cordelia Anyatonwu Appointed Minister of Humanitarian, Culture, and Kingdom Affairs, United Kingdom of Atlantis

Published

7 hours ago

on

April 1, 2026

By

 

*Queen Amb Dr. Nwamaka Cordelia Anyatonwu Appointed Minister of Humanitarian, Culture, and Kingdom Affairs, United Kingdom of Atlantis

 

Her Majesty Queen Amb Dr. Nwamaka Cordelia Anyatonwu, Queen of the Aches Empire under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), has been appointed as the Minister of Humanitarian, Culture, and Kingdom Affairs, effective immediately.

This appointment comes as the UKA takes decisive steps to strengthen its humanitarian efforts and protect its citizens from unauthorized activities. In light of recent developments, the UKA has issued an official public disclaimer cautioning citizens, followers, and the general public about the activities of individuals promoting and operating a coin or platform not officially recognized by the Atlantian Gold Coin (ATC). This follows the hijacking of the 5 billion humanitarian project, a move that has been met with concern and condemnation from the international community.

As the newly appointed Minister, Queen Amb Dr. Anyatonwu has announced that all matters pertaining to the 5 billion humanitarian project in UKA should be directed to her office. This includes the newly captured NGOs, which are now required to report to the Office of Humanitarian Affairs, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of humanitarian resources.

“We are committed to transparency and accountability in our humanitarian efforts,” said Queen Amb Dr. Anyatonwu. “We urge all stakeholders to work with us to ensure the success of our initiatives and protect our citizens from unauthorized activities. We will not tolerate any form of exploitation or mismanagement of humanitarian funds, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

The UKA has assured its citizens and the international community that it is taking all necessary measures to recover the hijacked funds and bring the perpetrators to justice. The appointment of Queen Amb Dr. Anyatonwu is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal and ensuring that humanitarian efforts are aligned with the UKA’s values and principles.

For more information. Please contact the Office of the Minister of Humanitarian, Culture and Kingdom Affairs.

*About the United Kingdom of Atlantis*
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation committed to promoting peace, prosperity, and humanitarian values. The UKA is dedicated to working with international partners to address global challenges and improve the lives of its citizens and people around the world.

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