News
The Abandoned Udo–Ofunama Road, and the Need to Probe NDDC’s Activities-Ijaw Publishers
By: Divine Perezide
The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has called on the Federal Government to investigate the activities of Dr. Ogbuku and call the NDDC Management to order, given the series of activities signalling gross incompetence and wastage of the people’s resources on frivolous projects and programmes to the abandonment of key infrastructural projects. A case the body seriously points to is the abandonment of Udo-Ofinama road project.
The Udo–Ofunama Road in Egbema Kingdom, Edo State, stands today as one of the most glaring examples of uncompleted projects under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Conceived as a vital link road to connect communities, boost trade, and ease transportation, the project has suffered repeated delays and neglect despite its importance.
For years, promises have been made, contracts have been awarded, and funds have reportedly been allocated. Yet, the road remains undone—leaving the people of Udo, Ofunama, and neighboring communities stranded in poor access and underdevelopment.
This situation is not isolated. Across the Niger Delta, the NDDC is saddled with a history of abandoned and delayed projects. Reports show:
Over 18,000 projects have been initiated since 2002.
Of these, more than 7,000 have been completed, but thousands remain uncompleted or abandoned. The 7,000 completed are mostly inconsequential and ghost projects like grass cutting, water hycent removal, etcetera.
The Udo–Ofunama Road is one of such projects where neglect has deepened frustration among host communities.
The delay has now triggered action. The youth of Egbema Kingdom have declared a peaceful protest on August 25, 2025, to demand answers and accountability from the NDDC and government authorities. Their message is simple: enough of the promises, the road must be completed.
The Udo–Ofunama Road is more than just an infrastructure project—it represents hope, connectivity, and development for a people long denied the dividends of the resources taken from their land. Every delay only widens the gap of distrust between the Commission and the very people it was created to serve.
The question remains: why the delay, and when will the people of Egbema Kingdom finally see the completion of the Udo–Ofunama Road?
#nddc25 NDDC #Tinubu #edostate
Photo credit: Delta Event Tv
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice