By Favour Bibaikefie

A Niger Delta development advocate and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice Media Ltd., Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has called on to urgently intervene in the completion of critical road infrastructure projects in the riverine areas of Delta State.

In an open letter addressed to the President, Bibaikefie decried what he described as “prolonged infrastructural neglect” affecting key economic corridors in Burutu Local Government Area, including the Gbareguolor–Ogulagha Road and the Ayakoromo Bridge projects.

He expressed concern that the Gbareguolor–Ogulagha Road, initiated years ago under the (NDDC), has suffered significant abandonment, thereby stifling economic activities and deepening hardship in host communities.

According to him, while developmental interventions such as solar street lighting projects have been undertaken in parts of the region, they fall short of addressing the fundamental infrastructural needs required to drive economic growth.

“Street lights are good, but what powers the economy is functional road access and reliable electricity,” he stated, noting that the absence of road connectivity has limited access to healthcare, education, and trade.

The media executive further criticised the slow pace of work on the Ayakoromo Bridge project, being handled by the Delta State Government, warning that the delay has left a large portion of the local government area, including its administrative headquarters, dependent on unsafe and inefficient water transportation.

Bibaikefie described the affected projects as “infrastructural lifelines,” stressing that their completion is essential for economic inclusion, security stability, and unlocking the vast potential of the Niger Delta’s blue economy.

He, however, commended the Federal Government’s previous interventions in similar projects, citing the successful execution of the Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State and the Nembe–Brass Road in Bayelsa State as examples of decisive leadership.

Drawing parallels, he urged the President to replicate such interventions in Delta State by taking over the stalled projects and coordinating a multi-stakeholder funding and implementation framework.

The proposed stakeholders, he said, should include the Delta State Government, NDDC, the South South Development Commission (SSDC), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), as well as international and indigenous oil companies operating in the region.

He added that the goal should be to harmonise resources, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and accelerate the completion of an integrated road network spanning Gbareguolor, Gbekebor, Ayakoromo, Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba, Burutu, Forcados, Odimodi, and Ogulagha communities.

The advocate emphasised that the completion of the corridor would not only boost trade and investment but also reduce operational costs for oil and gas companies, enhance security, and improve the overall standard of living in the region.

“Beyond infrastructure, this is a matter of justice, inclusion, and national cohesion,” Bibaikefie stated, warning that continued neglect could further heighten feelings of marginalisation among Niger Delta communities.

He concluded by expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to equitable development, urging swift action to address the longstanding infrastructural gaps in the region.

The Niger Delta, he noted, remains central to Nigeria’s oil and gas economy, and requires deliberate and sustained investment to match its contributions to national development.

By Favour Bibaikefie

High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold and transformative leadership, as the Nigerian leader marks his 74th birthday.

In a goodwill message issued on behalf of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Tompolo praised Tinubu’s reform-driven administration, noting that the President assumed office at a critical period when Nigeria faced deep-rooted structural and economic challenges.

He stated that rather than succumb to short-term pressures, Tinubu demonstrated courage by pursuing policies aimed at long-term stability and national growth.

“At a time when Nigeria stood at a crossroads, weighed down by structural inefficiencies and fiscal strain, your leadership chose reform over hesitation and long-term stability over short-term comfort,” the statement read.

Tompolo highlighted key policy decisions of the administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system, describing them as difficult but necessary steps that have restored fiscal discipline, improved transparency, and strengthened investor confidence.

According to him, the redirection of national resources toward critical sectors and the renewed emphasis on economic fundamentals signal Nigeria’s readiness to operate as a competitive modern economy.

The Niger Delta leader also commended the government’s focus on infrastructure development, revenue optimisation, and institutional reforms, noting that ongoing efforts to expand transportation networks, modernise infrastructure, and improve tax administration are crucial to sustainable development.

Beyond economic policies, he acknowledged the administration’s commitment to governance reform, national cohesion, and security, adding that the President has shown determination in confronting complex challenges while promoting inclusivity and unity.

“Your leadership has shown a willingness to confront complex security challenges, strengthen institutions, and promote policies aimed at inclusivity and national unity,” he noted.

Tompolo further described Tinubu’s political journey—from his role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle to his current position as President—as a testament to resilience and purposeful leadership.

He observed that millions of Nigerians continue to draw inspiration from the President’s unwavering belief in the nation’s potential.

“As you mark this important milestone, I pray that Almighty God grants you continued wisdom, strength, and good health to consolidate these gains and guide Nigeria toward greater prosperity,” he added.

The statement concluded with a call for sustained progress under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing optimism that the coming years would bring greater unity, development, and national advancement.

President Tinubu, who clocks 74, has continued to receive goodwill messages from political leaders, stakeholders, and organisations across the country, many of whom have acknowledged his administration’s reform initiatives and leadership direction.

By Divine Perezide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has paid glowing tribute to women across the Niger Delta region in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, describing them as the backbone of peace, unity, and development in the oil-rich region.

In a press statement issued on March 8, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows B. Igali, OON, the regional socio-political organisation congratulated women of the South-South geopolitical zone, acknowledging their enduring role in shaping the region’s social and economic progress.

PANDEF in the statement declared:

“On the occasion of the celebration of *International Women’s Day 2026, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) warmly salutes our mothers, sisters, and daughters of the Niger Delta, the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.”

The forum noted that the contributions of women in the Niger Delta span generations, recalling the leadership legacy of prominent figures such as the late nationalist Margaret Ekpo, whom it described as a revered matriarch and a symbol of women’s influence in Nigeria’s political and social development.

According to PANDEF, Niger Delta women have consistently demonstrated resilience and courage, particularly in the face of socio-economic challenges confronting the region.

The statement emphasised:

“It is common knowledge that the remarkable resilience of Niger Delta women has continued to sustain peace and harmony across our zone, even in the face of the stark contradictions our people experience within the national political and social landscape.”

The group further acknowledged the sacrifices made by women in the region despite environmental degradation and infrastructure deficits affecting many communities.

PANDEF noted that even though the Niger Delta contributes significantly to Nigeria’s revenue base, women have continued to play vital roles in maintaining family structures and fostering social stability.

The statement added:

“Through strength, wisdom, and sacrifice, you have continued to nurture families, strengthen communities, and weave the enduring foundations of stability, unity, and peace in our societies.”

Highlighting the theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” the organisation said the theme aligns with the resolutions reached during the recently concluded 2026 PANDEF Women’s Conference, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on March 4, 2026.

According to PANDEF, the conference served as a platform where the voices, leadership and aspirations of women in the region were reaffirmed.

The group also pledged continued collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders to ensure policies and initiatives that promote women’s welfare and participation in governance.

PANDEF stressed that:

“The progress of our region is inseparable from the empowerment and wellbeing of its women.”

While celebrating the global day dedicated to women, the forum commended the courage and determination of Niger Delta women, urging them to continue playing active roles in community development and national advancement.

It concluded by extending goodwill to women across the region, stating:

“On this special day of global recognition, we celebrate your courage, your resilience, and your enduring contributions to the Niger Delta and to our nation.”