News
NDDC and Chevron Collaborate on 70.75km Road Linking Warri to Escravos
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has joined forces with Chevron Nigeria Limited to construct a 70.75-kilometer road connecting Warri to Escravos in Delta State. The road, which will traverse Omadino, Okerenkoko, and Escravos, is set to improve transportation and bolster economic activities in the oil-rich region.
This project aims to enhance accessibility to Escravos, a vital hub for Nigeria’s oil and gas operations. It is expected to facilitate the movement of goods and people, creating opportunities for trade and regional economic growth.
In a statement released on the NDDC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, the commission highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. “The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is collaborating with Chevron Nigeria Limited @Chevron on the construction of the 70.75 km Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road in Delta State. This road is essential for connecting Warri to Escravos, a vital area for oil and gas activities,” the statement read.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, emphasized the road’s potential to support oil production and foster economic development in the Niger Delta. He remarked that the project would significantly improve transportation efficiency, benefitting communities along the route by increasing access to services and trade opportunities.
Dr. Ogbuku also underscored the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in driving the initiative. He referred to the collaboration as an example of the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development in the Niger Delta through stakeholder engagement.
Citing the NDDC’s successful partnership with Shell Petroleum on the Ogbia-Nembe Road, Dr. Ogbuku explained that such collaborations had been instrumental in improving regional infrastructure. “The Ogbia-Nembe Road project demonstrates how public-private sector partnerships can profoundly impact connectivity and regional development,” he said.
Additionally, the NDDC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for sustainable development initiatives across the Niger Delta. Dr. Ogbuku noted that this reflects a strategic approach to securing resources and support for ongoing and future projects.
By leveraging partnerships with private sector players like Chevron and NLNG, the NDDC aims to address infrastructure deficits while fostering sustainable development and environmental preservation in the Niger Delta.
By: Divine Perezide
The Imo State Government has introduced a new education policy prohibiting graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students, alongside a ban on the yearly replacement of textbooks.
According to a memo dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) learners will now be allowed to hold graduation events-reflecting the structure of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education model.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students. Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” the memo stated.
In a further move to ease the financial burden on parents and streamline academic consistency, the policy also mandates that approved textbooks must now be used for at least four years. This change is expected to allow siblings to reuse educational materials and prevent yearly replacement costs.
Violations-including frequent textbook changes or deviation from the approved list-are strongly discourage, The Guardian Nigeria reported in a related news.
Prof. Ikegwuoha emphasized in the directive that these reforms aim to reduce exploitative practices, foster learning continuity, and ensure focus remains on academic achievement rather than celebratory
By: Divine Perezide
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has arrived back in Nigeria following his participation at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, and a short vacation in London. He touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of today, around 4 a.m.
In a statement upon arrival, Akpabio explained: “At about 4 a.m. this morning, I landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from London. While abroad, I attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to London for a brief vacation.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the Nigerian people, the Senate President assured that the legislature would resume with renewed energy. “Nigerians can expect vibrant legislative activities when we reconvene. Our delegation made a strong impression at the global parliamentary forum in Geneva. Together with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, we ensured Nigeria’s voice was well represented,” he said.
Akpabio further pledged that the National Assembly would continue to pursue meaningful collaboration with the executive and judiciary to advance the collective interest of citizens.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.