Featured

NDDC’s Abandoned Projects: Our Fortune Has Turns To Misfortune-Niger Deltans

Published

5 years ago

September 11, 2020

….Wants severe punishment for Culprits

Joel Ajayi

The Niger Delta communities have revealed that the fortune of the region has now turned to misfortune as a result of corruption, project abandonment, shoddily executed projects, by the selfish, corrupt NDDC officials, politicians, Contractors amongst others who have milked the region to the bone.

The Sons and Daughters of the Region in their book of lamentation on Friday in Abuja during a One Day Radio Town Hall Meeting organized by The Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development PRIMORG on the issue of Corruption in the Niger Delta Development Commission.

PRIMORG is a non-governmental/non-profit organization that is supported by the MacArthur Foundation to strengthen anti-corruption and accountability in Nigeria by amplifying corruption-related investigative reports on radio and through social media.

Moderator Felix Akuba gave details on an account of series of abandonment projects in the region, saying out of 18,000 awarded projects to the region about 12,000 projects have been completely abandoned by the Commission.

He stated that about N5 trillion has been pumped to the region for growth and development without any impact on the states.

Speaking on the show, the Niger Delta Right Advocate Members, Darlington Nwauju from Rivers state while lamenting the effect of the abandonment of the project, said while people of the region are finding it difficult to survive, some wicked people are squandering the money meant for the development of the affected community.

He, however, suggested that the approach to the development of the Niger Delta should be changed, adding that, if the NDDC development approach continues like this, the development will be far from the Niger Delta region.

On his own, the immediate past President of Isoko South in Delta state Ovie Umuakpo, who also present at the town hall the meeting said the web of corruption is no doubt alarming in the region and something urgent must be done to nail it in the bud

“For instance, Eneofo and Orogun road, a road that was awarded over 10 years ago by NDDC at an initial cost of 3.5billion to contractors, a project that covers Isoko and Urhobo of Delta State two senatorial district and many other roads.

“It’s said and it unfortunate since 2006 when the road was awarded and re-awarded in 2009 from Isoko south, North, Usere, to Oleh, it’s still the same tale of abandoned projects. It’s not even up to 30% completed.

This project should have ameliorated the suffering of many communities but till today the project has been completely abandoned.”

While providing a solution, Ovie said, people, involve, the contractors, legislators, politicians who live above their income should be held accountable and if found guilty should be prosecuted.”

He added that many road Projects awarded with a huge amount of money 10 years ago were abandoned. The Hospital that is 80% completed was equally abandoned

A for The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, he urged President Muhammadu Buhari to revoke the shoreline protection project in Koko, Warri North Local Council, and Delta State, awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The traditional ruler who spoke from Delta state frowned about the shoddy job did by the contractor (a legislator) in the Koko shoreline protection project during an inspection of the project says the work is not acceptable for the people of the region.

“After taking a tour on the project, here is his reaction: “This is not a job at all, I feel bad such the job will be done in my community, Koko is a very special community in our kingdom there is Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, There is a world-class museum so people come to this place across the world because of the strategic location of the community

“And this only road leading to the community that is why the project was awarded but this can’t stand the test of time, I have seen this kind of project all over the place but I have not seen anyone like this, the job should be terminated, and a good contractor should come and handle the job for us, that is just a solution. We thanked Mr. President but this is unacceptable for me and my people.”

On his own, the Executive Director, Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights, Frank Tie-Tie described the NDDC regime as the criminal conspiracy collusion at the high level among the people of Niger Delta against the people of Niger Delta.

“We should not wait for the forensic audit reports; before we begin to arrest those public officers because we are enemy to ourselves in the region.”

Aljazirah Nigeria gathered that the gale of projects abandon projects is the same in all the Niger Delta states.

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