Delta APC Backs NCDMB Boss, Denies Allegations of Sidelining APC Youths in Warri

By: Michael Mike

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has debunked the allegations that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe had sidelined some youths in Warri Federal Constituency in a training programme .

The allegation was made by some people who tagged themselves APC youths in Warri.

The training programme was for the youth and the elderly of the various ethnic nationalities across the senatorial districts in the state.

The leadership of APC in the state in a statement signed by its state publicity secretary Valentine Onojeghuo on Tuesday said those making the allegations are unknown to the party, and the party is in full support of what NCDMB boss is doing.

The statement read: “These fallacious claims made by unknown persons masquerading as APC members, which have been widely circulated on social media platforms, are not only misleading but also fail to recognize the diligent process followed in the selection of participants for the training program. It is important to clarify that the participants were nominated by the leadership of the respective ethnic nationalities, devoid of any partisan undertone.”

The APC stated further that information at its disposal reveals that for the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, the list of participants was drawn up with the approval of HRM Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, while for the Urhobos it was the President General Olorogun Ese Gam Owe on behalf of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and Prof. Chris Akpotu for the Isoko Development Union (IDU), which is in line with the inclusive and collaborative approach embraced by the NCDMB under Engr. Ogbe’s stewardship.

The party stated unquestionably, there is no denying the fact that since the appointment, Mr. Ogbe he has demonstrated consistent commitment to the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of national growth, job creation, and the empowerment of Nigerian youths.

“His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the objectives of the Nigerian Content Development policy, which aims to ensure the participation of all regions in the nation’s economic development, especially in the oil and gas sector.”

Delta State chapter of the APC further observes that the NCDMB’s training program is a testament to the Board’s dedication to providing opportunities for Nigerians across all ethnic groups, irrespective of political affiliations. Engr. Ogbe’s work reflects his allegiance to the developmental goals set forth by President Tinubu’s administration. His focus has always been on fostering unity and creating sustainable opportunities for all.

It therefore urged those behind the unfounded allegations to refrain from engaging in divisive rhetoric that could undermine the positive strides being made under the leadership of Engr. Ogbe,and the Federal Government.

It noted that APC in Delta State will continue to support the initiatives of the NCDMB and remain committed to promoting inclusive policies that benefit all citizens.

“We call on the general public to stand with Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who has, without bias, worked to uplift the elderly and youth across all ethnic nationalities in line with the APC led Federal Government’s values of unity, progress, and national development,” the statement read.

Delta APC Backs NCDMB Boss, Denies Allegations of Sidelining APC Youths in Warri

ECOWAS Reaffirms Commitment to Support Vulnerable Communities in Member States

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian support to vulnerable communities in Member States affected by disasters.

The Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, gave the
assurance on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the Commissioner for Social Affairs and Human Development during the conclusion of a five-day technical mission by the ECOWAS delegation to Cabo Verde to monitor the implementation of the Commission’s aid package to support vulnerable communities affected by the 2023 floods.

Tarfa-Ugbe assured that ECOWAS Commission would remain steadfast in its
support to the vulnerable population in disaster-affected communities in Member States, noting that the Commission’s humanitarian response goes beyond providing immediate relief package .

She said: “Our goal is not only to respond to crises but to ensure that communities are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to recover and thrive. The allocation of $770,143 reflects ECOWAS’ dedication to sustainable solutions that uplift vulnerable populations affected by
disasters in ECOWAS Member States.”

She emphasized the need for improved stakeholders collaboration in delivering effective humanitarian assistance, adding that partnership with relevant national and local stakeholders was critical to ensuring implementation of impactful humanitarian
interventions by the Commission.

Speaking during the closing session of the technical monitoring mission, the Secretary of State for Social Inclusion, the Republic of Cabo Verde, Mrs. Lídia Lima, underscored the significance of ECOWAS’ humanitarian and financial support to the country describing it as a vital complement to Cabo Verde’s national poverty eradication efforts.

In his remarks, the ECOWAS Interim Permanent Representative to Cabo Verde, Mr Jean Francis Sempore, highlighted ECOWAS’ diplomatic engagements in Cabo Verde, the Commission’s long-standing commitment to the country’s humanitarian needs, as well Praia, Cabo Verde,
ongoing efforts towards ensuring that ECOWAS’ support aligns with regional and national development policies and priorities .

According to a statement on Tuesday, as part of its humanitarian assistance programme, the ECOWAS Commission deployed a technical mission to Cabo Verde to monitor the implementation of a $770,143 aid package allocated to support communities affected by the 2023 floods.

Led by Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the Commissioner for Social Affairs and Human Development, the
mission was carried out in collaboration with Cabo Verde’s Ministry of Family, Inclusion, and Social Development, as well as the local implementing partners.

The objective of the mission was assessing the progress of humanitarian assistance provided to over 200 families, including housing support for 80 families and livelihood assistance for 200 others. Over the course of five days, from January 27 to January 31, 2025, the ECOWAS
team worked closely with the Government of Cabo Verde, implementing partners, and local stakeholders to assess the impact of the Commission’s $770,143 humanitarian assistance package to the country. This funding was allocated to help 560 families affected by the devastating 2023 floods.

ECOWAS Reaffirms Commitment to Support Vulnerable Communities in Member States

Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Dr. Mohammed Aminu Ghuluze as the new Head of Service.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, the appointment takes effect from March 3, 2025. Dr. Ghuluze succeeds Barrister Malam Fannami, who has retired from service.

Governor Zulum tasked Dr. Ghuluze to leverage his experience to enhance professionalism, discipline, and commitment within the state’s civil service.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Ghuluze served as the Permanent Secretary, Administration.

A seasoned administrator and a surgeon, he has held several key positions, including Medical Director at the State Specialist Hospital.

In 2018, he was appointed Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospitals Management Board, and in 2020, he became a Permanent Secretary, serving in the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service