Appointment
NDDC Board: PANDEF applauds President Tinubu over Samuel Ogbuku’s reappointment
The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, the apex socio-cultural body of the Niger Delta Region, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely nomination of Members for the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Forum Dr. Ken Robinson in a statement puts on record that the new nominations largely satisfy its expectations and that of a vast majority of the people of the Niger Delta Region.
To that end he noted that the President’s action complies with the law, and fundamental principles behind the establishment of the Commission.
PANDEF recalled that, during an interactive visit by Presidents of Ethnic Nationalities, Key Critical Stakeholders, and Leaders of Professional Bodies of the Niger Delta Region, to the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, on July 5, led by the PANDEF National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, the delegation had expressed its pleasure with, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for retaining the Managing Director and the Executive Directors of the Commission, after the dissolution of Boards of Agencies and Parastatals of the Federal Government.
“The delegation, at that time, called on President Bola Tinubu to speedily reconstitute and inaugurate the full Board of the NDDC for the proper functioning of the Commission.
“It is, therefore, for the Forum, quite gratifying that Mr. President has, within his first one hundred days in office, reconstituted the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
“PANDEF notes that this singular action of the President provides a glimmer of hope that, perhaps, President Bola Tinubu’s administration would depart from the gross nonchalance of the immediate past administration, and devote the much-needed attention and seriousness to issues of the Niger Delta Region.
“PANDEF further notes that the President also acted promptly, in a similar manner, by assigning a Minister to the Ministry of Niger Delta, after the denunciations, from the Region, which greeted the initial non-assignment of a Minister to the all-important Cabinet.
“PANDEF is particularly pleased with the reappointment of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, in an acting capacity, pending the Senate’s confirmation of Mr. President’s nomination of the entire team. This step is, undoubtedly, taken to avoid the frequent disrupting changes in the management of the Commission, witnessed in the recent past.
“PANDEF further observes that the management of the NDDC under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has, within the last few months, demonstrated the character, competence, and drive required to reposition the Commission to actualize the core mandate for which NDDC was established.
“The wide consultations with a broad spectrum of critical stakeholders, strengthening of the Commission’s budgetary process, and collaborative engagements with development partners and donor agencies, towards speedy development of the Region have been highly commended by most of our people.
“PANDEF stresses that the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, remains the major vehicle to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta Region, and therefore, urges the Presidency, the incoming Board, and Management to stringently avoid the disturbing incidents in the past that provided avenues for critics and cynics to undervalue the vital imperative of the Commission as a critical vessel for ensuring that the Region remains the “golden egg” of the country.
“PANDEF, likewise, calls on the people of the Niger Delta Region to shun actions that would undermine the smooth running of the Commission, and indeed, all other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government, with a direct bearing on the Region, but instead, support the Board and Management to work in the best interest of the Region, in particular, and the country as a whole.
“PANDEF restates that it remains strongly committed to the promotion of peace, unity, and sustainable development, not only in the Niger Delta Region but, also, in the entire country.
In a move signaling a commitment to impactful reforms, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, has congratulated Mrs. Ogunlola Oluyemisi Adefoluke on her appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Law Reform Commission.
The announcement, made on Thursday, January 16, 2025, underscores the administration’s confidence in Ogunlola’s ability to lead transformative legal initiatives.
Mrs. Ogunlola, a seasoned legal professional, previously served as a Director (State Counsel) GL 17 in the Ministry of Justice. Her track record of exceptional dedication, diligence, and expertise positioned her as the ideal candidate for the role.
Mr. Agoro described her appointment as a well-deserved recognition of her selfless service and expressed confidence in her capacity to effect meaningful change. “Mrs. Ogunlola’s wealth of experience and expertise will undoubtedly drive impactful reforms within the Commission, further enhancing the legal landscape of Lagos State,” he said.
As Executive Secretary, Mrs. Ogunlola is expected to spearhead initiatives aimed at modernizing and aligning the state’s laws with contemporary challenges.
Her appointment has been met with optimism from stakeholders, who anticipate significant strides in the Commission’s operations under her leadership.
The Head of Service wished her a successful and fulfilling tenure, highlighting the critical role of the Law Reform Commission in shaping a progressive legal framework for Lagos State.
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Celebrated Nigerian poet and visual artist Ayo Ayoola-Amale has won the 2024 Justo Bolekia Boleká International Prize for African Literature.
The prestigious honor, conferred by the Sial Pigmalión Publishing Group, acknowledges her exceptional literary career and her acclaimed poetry collection, The Suns Chased Us.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Folusho Ogar, Country Director of the Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation, Ayoola-Amale was praised for her unique ability to weave African and universal themes into her work.
Her poetry collection, The Suns Chased Us, explores the intersection of nature, culture, and human emotions through evocative and accessible language, presenting a shared vision of humanity.
Since its inception in 2017, the Justo Bolekia Boleká International Prize has celebrated African and Afro-descendant writers who excel in poetry, narratives, essays, and translation. Named after the distinguished Spanish-African scholar Justo Bolekia Boleká, the award aims to amplify African voices in global literature.
Ayoola-Amale’s literary contributions include six poetry collections, such as Where the World Sings, Life Script, and The Weight of the Rat’s Nest. Her works are featured in the Casa de África collection and have been presented at international platforms like the Madrid Book Fair, Berlin Literature Festival, and COP27.
Known for blending art and activism, Ayoola-Amale is the founder of the Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation and co-founder of Poets of the Planet. Her work addresses critical issues such as social justice, racism, and violence, using art as a vehicle for global understanding and transformation.
The international jury for the 2024 prize, chaired by Justo Bolekia Boleká, praised Ayoola-Amale’s lifelong commitment to promoting peace and unity through literature. The jury included experts from Africa, Europe, and the Americas, who recognized her ability to create compelling art that transcends cultural boundaries.
Mrs. Ogar described The Suns Chased Us as a profound work comprising 100 poems in seven parts. “It invites readers to journey through the complexities of human emotions while celebrating the beauty of our shared existence,” she stated.
Ayoola-Amale’s achievement is a significant milestone for African literature, demonstrating its power to shape global narratives. The Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation hailed her accomplishment as a beacon of hope for writers, readers, and advocates of social change.
“We celebrate Ayo Ayoola-Amale’s creative journey, which continues to inspire a more inclusive and just world. This recognition solidifies her place as one of Africa’s most impactful literary voices,” Mrs. Ogar concluded.
In a decisive move to enhance governance and improve service delivery, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed five commissioners from his cabinet and nominated replacements.
The development was announced in a press statement on Tuesday by Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor. According to the statement, the reshuffle reflects the administration’s commitment to injecting fresh ideas and energy into governance to tackle emerging challenges effectively.
The commissioners affected by the shake-up included Commissioner of Education Jamila Dahiru, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdulhameed Bununu, Commissioner of Information and Communication Usman Danturaki, Commissioner of Agriculture, Madugu Yalams and Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Yakubu Ibrahim –
Governor Mohammed expressed gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication and contributions to advancing key policies and initiatives of his administration.
He commended their efforts in promoting growth and development across the state.
In a bid to maintain momentum, the governor has submitted the names of eight nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as commissioners.
The nominees are:
Babayo Tilde – Toro Local Government
Abdullahi Mohammed – Misau Local Government
Bala Lukshi – Dass Local Government
Usman Shehu – Shira Local Government
Iliyasu Gital – Tafawa Balewa Local Government
Titus Ketkukah – Tafawa Balewa Local Government
Babayo Gabarin – Darazo Local Government
Lawal Rimin Zayam – Toro Local Government
Gidado emphasized that the reshuffle aligns with the governor’s vision of strengthening the machinery of government to deliver impactful development and improve the welfare of all citizens.
Governor Mohammed reassured the people of Bauchi State that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its mandate and sustaining developmental progress through innovative and people-centered governance.
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