Featured

Corruption: PRIMORG Charges FG To Go After NDDC Officials’

Published

5 years ago

September 3, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG has tasked President Muhammadu Buhari-led Government to go all out for corrupt officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), following uncountable allegations of projects abandonment, financial improprieties and fraud in the region.

The call was made Wednesday by a human rights lawyer and Executive Director, Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights, Frank Tie-Tie, during a radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG.

Tietie said the present administration has been presented with a golden opportunity to bring corrupt elements of the NDDC to book.

While reacting to the arrest of four NDDC officials by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) last week, He described the arrest as mere invitations and summons which amount to nothing thereafter.

His words: “There is an expression that says “better late than never” but when there is an omission, it becomes a collusion. The purpose of setting up the Police or any anti-corruption agency like the EFCC or ICPC is first and foremost to prevent corruption.

“Our anti-corruption agencies sit back and collect salaries, they wait for petitions to be written, they are waiting for the National Assembly to hold the kind of drama we saw last time before they step into action. Does the ICPC need to wait for this type of national disgrace concerning the NDDC before they will decide to arrest persons? This is what is called window dressing.”

He lamented that the Niger Delta people are suffering glaring and apparent corruption, disregard for laws, disregard for appropriation laws and development of the region. Adding that “There seem to be a kind of collaboration and collusion on the part of anti-corruption agencies and the Federal Government in allowing this type of malfeasance going on in Niger Delta and we are yet to see persons in prison.”

The Human Rights Lawyer also called on President Buhari to immediately compel NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, Cairo Ojougboh to immediately release list of prominent Nigerians who got contracts from the commission as a matter of urgent national importance.

Ojougboh, had in an interview with newsmen said Nigeria will break if the commission releases the list of highly placed Nigerians who have benefited from contracts awarded by NDDC.

The syndicated radio program is produced by PRIMORG with the support from the MACARTHUR FOUNDATION.

Share on Facebook

Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

Share on Facebook