General
NDDC and Girl Child Education
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
Each passing day brings to mind the fact that the Governing board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are fast becoming a bunch trademarked for appreciating education as the bedrock for sustainable development of the Niger Delta region and reputed for commitment to promoting learning among youths from the region, particularly the girl child.
Aside from the well-thought-out scholarships awarded a few months ago, to 200 deserving candidates from the region to pursue Master’s Degrees overseas, a programme which of course forms an important component of the agency’s human capital development that seeks to use education to change the fortunes of the region, the latest of such efforts was the recent call by the commission’s Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, for prioritization of education of the girl child as it holds the key to sustainable development in the country.
Speaking at a ceremony put together by the Commission, on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Agbor, Delta state, to mark International Women’s Day, the Commission urged the various tiers of government to evolve measures that will enable the girl child to secure access to quality education. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of NDDC, who was represented at the ceremony by Hon. John C. Aleh, his Special Assistant, said as a pivotal segment of the population, educating the girl child empowers women to succeed in all areas of life.
The guest speaker, Mrs Ben Utalor Goziem, who spoke on: “Girl Child Education”, said that women are the heart of the nation, hence, they should be equipped with sound education. According to her, “It is very important for the girl child to be educated.
‘A good education is a foundation for the girl child. An educated woman possesses so many attributes that will make her survive tomorrow’s challenges. I am confident that if we want our future to be full of joy, we need to educate every girl in our society. I have known for a long time that girls’ education is a way to nation-building. Perhaps, this is a time to give our girls a chance to explore their potential through quality education. ”
Indeed, while this piece commends Ebie and the NDDC for supporting the fight for the education and empowerment of women, there are, however, more reasons that render the present call by Ebie and NDDC as germane, commendable and an initiative that other government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and of course, good spirited Nigerians must imbibe.
First and very fundamental, it is globally acknowledged that when the leader protects and empowers a girl child in all aspects of her identity, such a leader automatically assists her, takes her own decisions as well as ensures the future against absenteeism of women from different socio-political and economical spheres of the country.
In the same vein, in the words of the late former Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Kofi Annan, ‘there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women, and no other policy is as likely to raise economic productivity, or to reduce infant and maternal mortality’.
Analysts also believe that a significant function of the education of the girl-child in Nigeria is that it offers her the opportunity to chart her destiny with the skills and information she acquired from basic education up to tertiary education.
Separate from providing the girl child with diverse basic knowledge, skills, and training which contribute to national development, the report also has it that education offers girls the necessary skills and information needed to excel in a chosen career in future; hence, a girl who is educated can grow to become a teacher, architect, doctor, computer scientist, lawyer and pharmacist, among other lucrative and noble professions. And by giving girls a right to education we can be able to right the wrongs in our society’.
Very unique about NDDC’s educational and empowerment initiatives is the consciousness that it considers education and youth development from a democratized prism that goes beyond conventional learning to include holistic knowledge areas that cover agriculture, skill and talent development and all-around insight.
A typical example of a similar learning and human capital development plan is the agency’s Project HOPE programme, a visionary initiative born out of the renewed hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, targeted at changing the narrative of the Niger Delta region from one of agitation and unrest to peace and prosperity and ensures that the youths will be matched with suitable and legitimate means of livelihood.
Speaking recently on the programme, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of NDDC, stated that Project HOPE was designed to develop an exhaustive digital repository comprising vital information about the youths of the Niger Delta region, including their qualifications, skills, interests, needs and current employment status, noting that the database would serve as a plank for data-driven planning, enabling the formulation of impactful policies and programmes targeted at the youths- and will help eliminate the past practice of youths benefitting in our programmes multiple times. But now, once you’ve been engaged, it will be recorded in our database,”
Ogbuku added that the NDDC had identified what should be done to fill the development gap in the Niger Delta region, stating: “We need to create a balance between infrastructure projects and agricultural programmes that will help to guarantee food security in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.”
While he described “Project HOPE as a means of training teeming youths, a means of empowerment and means of changing the toga of militancy to one of skills and useful youths, Ogbuku assures that the HOPE initiative is real and will be sustained. The database that we are building will not only help us to select the right persons, but it will also help us to monitor their progress. We are using technology to ensure that you do not need to know anybody to be enlisted into the programme.”
‘The initiative is positioned to create youth employment opportunities, especially in agriculture through support to small-holder farmers to ensure operational growth while shifting from traditional to mechanized farming methods. Because of the arable wetlands, rainfalls and other favourable ecological factors to plant various crops and vegetables at least four times within a farming season, the agency is proactively moving away from the oil economy to the agricultural sector which can accommodate our youths in large numbers.”
Explicitly, why this author is particularly thrilled about these recent initiatives formulated by the Commission’s board and management is that they advertised a detailed understanding that education and youth empowerment are pivotal to achieving development and therefore, must be at the centre of such moves. This is in addition to the fact that NDDC’s solution to youth unemployment and the development of a climate for a sustainable future and innovation will assist in promoting the critical thrust of governance and maximize the benefits citizens derive from their leaders.
The present efforts (promotion of girl-child education, Project Hope, among others) by NDDC’s governing board and management become even more appreciated when one remembers that very recently, the nation was warned with mountains of statistics that we are in a dire state of strait because unemployment has diverse implications and Security-wise, a large unemployed youth population is a threat to the security of the few that are employed. This concern is not Niger Delta-specific but cuts across regions, religions, and tribes, and has in the past led to the proliferation of ethnic militia as well as youth restiveness across the country.
What the above information tells us as a nation is that the ongoing creative and transformative leadership at NDDC calls for collective support from all critical stakeholders.
For their part, youths from the region (Niger Delta) must take advantage of these initiatives. Those who have benefitted in the past from such programmes/skills by NDDC should take both practical and coordinated steps to put such knowledge/skill into use, particularly as any knowledge derived but not applied ‘remains but a mere library in between the two ears’.
Utomi Jerome-Mario, a Media Professional, writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He can be reached via Je*********@***oo.com/08032725374
**Tasks Board to Prioritise Improving Livelihoods of Nigerians
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The newly inaugurated board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has been advised to prioritise the well-being and economic progress of ordinary Nigerians in every decision it makes.
This charge was given by the Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, when he inaugurated the board, which has the former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, as chairman, and Mr Abba Aliyu as its chief executive.
Mr Tegbe described the board’s constitution as consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s drive to strengthen governance and accountability across public institutions.
He further described the agency as an institution for expanding opportunity, noting that every mini-grid, solar home system and electrified market, school, health centre or farm represents an investment in human capital and economic inclusion.
He pointed to REA’s existing programmes, the Energising Education, Economies and Agriculture Programmes and the Africa Mini-Grids Programme, as evidence of that strategy at work, and noted that the Board, constituted under Section 130 of the Electricity Act, takes office at a defining moment for the organisation.
On governance, the Minister drew a clear line between the board’s non-executive role of strategic direction and oversight and management’s responsibility for day-to-day execution.
He noted that the board meets quarterly to review performance while management retains operational latitude between meetings, subject to full accountability.
Mr Tegbe commended Mr Fayose’s record as a former Governor of Ekiti State, assuring of the Ministry’s continued partnership and a description of electricity as an instrument of inclusion, opportunity and prosperity.
In his remarks, the board chairman described President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Mr Tegbe as a statement of seriousness rather than a routine appointment, a signal that the administration would settle for nothing less than a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problem.
He called the Minister a technocrat whose technical depth and managerial competence have already produced a positive turning point for the sector, affirming that REA’s leadership was proud to work with him on that effort.
Airport sustainability is no longer a separate environmental project. It is becoming part of daily operational planning, procurement, infrastructure development, and airline partnership discussions. For many airports, the main pressure is to reduce emissions on the ground, improve airside efficiency, and prepare for stricter environmental expectations, while continuing to support aircraft reliably every day.
The challenge is that infrastructure does not change overnight.
Full electrification remains an important direction for aviation ground operations. Fixed 400 Hz power, electric ground support equipment, charging infrastructure, energy management systems, and cleaner stand concepts are all part of the future airport. But in practical terms, many airports are still working through phased investment plans. Grid capacity may be limited. Charging points may not yet cover all operational areas. Remote stands, maintenance zones, cargo aprons, and temporary operating areas may still depend on mobile equipment.
This is where the sustainability conversation needs to become more realistic.
Airports do not have to wait for a complete infrastructure transformation before reducing emissions. There are practical steps that can be taken now, especially in aircraft ground power. The key is to look at emissions reduction as a staged process, not a single final destination.
One of the first areas to assess is the age and efficiency of existing diesel ground power units. In many operations, older GPUs continue to provide essential support because they are mobile, familiar, and independent from fixed power systems. But older diesel platforms may no longer fit the expectations of modern airport sustainability strategies. They can become harder to justify in procurement discussions, environmental reporting, and long-term fleet planning.
Replacing outdated diesel equipment with lower-emission alternatives can be a meaningful step. A modern diesel GPU with Stage V / Tier 4 Final engine technology, for example, can help operators reduce the environmental impact of ground power while keeping the operational independence that many stands and service areas still require. This does not replace the need for electrification. It helps bridge the gap while infrastructure continues to develop.
That bridge matters because airside operations are rarely uniform.
A major hub may have fixed power at many contact stands, but still rely on mobile GPUs for remote aircraft positions, maintenance activities, irregular operations, or construction phases. A regional airport may not yet have the capital or grid capacity for large-scale electrification. An MRO facility may need mobile power that can move between aircraft, hangars, and outdoor working areas. A ground handler may need equipment that supports mixed aircraft types under high turnaround pressure.
For these environments, sustainability must work in real conditions. A solution that looks good in a strategy document but does not support the daily operating model will not last.
Decision-makers should therefore evaluate aircraft ground power through several practical questions. Where is fixed power available today? Where is it planned next? Which stands still require mobile equipment? How many hours do diesel GPUs operate per day? Which aircraft types are supported? Are units oversized, outdated, or difficult to position? Is the equipment aligned with current emissions standards? Can it support cleaner operation where grid power is available?
These questions often reveal that the best path is not a single equipment choice, but a balanced fleet strategy.
Fixed power should be used where infrastructure is mature and operationally reliable. Battery-powered equipment can be introduced where duty cycles, charging plans, and climate conditions are suitable. Lower-emission diesel and plug-in hybrid ground power units can support areas where independence, runtime, and flexibility remain critical. Together, these solutions allow airports to reduce emissions without weakening operational resilience.
Plug-in hybrid utility power functionality is especially relevant in this transition phase. When external utility power is available, the unit can operate with reduced fuel use. When it is not available, the same equipment can continue supporting aircraft independently. This gives airports and operators more flexibility as infrastructure develops stand by stand, rather than forcing a complete change before the airside environment is ready.
Compact design also plays a role in sustainable operations. Airports often focus on emissions, but space efficiency is part of the same discussion. Crowded aprons create movement challenges, increase operational friction, and affect safety. A compact mobile GPU that provides the required output without adding unnecessary equipment bulk can support cleaner, more organized, and more efficient aircraft servicing.
This is why modern ground power procurement should not be based only on output figures. Power rating matters, but so do emissions performance, footprint, maneuverability, serviceability, spare parts strategy, operating environment, and fit with future infrastructure plans. Airports need equipment that can serve today’s operation while remaining relevant as sustainability expectations continue to rise.
For a deeper look at how this transition applies to aircraft ground power, ElectroAir has outlined its view on lower-emission ground power and the practical role of modern mobile GPUs in supporting airport sustainability before full electrification is possible. The company’s ElectroAir APA-100 is one example of this approach, combining compact mobile design, Stage V / Tier 4 Final engine technology, and optional plug-in hybrid utility power for operators that need both reliability and a more future-conscious path.
The next stage of airport sustainability will be built through practical progress. Some changes will come from major infrastructure investment. Others will come from better equipment decisions, smarter fleet planning, and the replacement of outdated assets with more efficient alternatives.
For airports, the priority is not to choose between today’s operation and tomorrow’s goals. The priority is to connect them. Ground power is one of the places where that connection can already begin.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on its investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), recommending the prosecution of its alleged Director-General, Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi.
ICPC’s Chairman, Mr Musa Aliyu, disclosed this after meeting President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, exactly 30 days after his agency was directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the PFIPC.
According to Mr Aliyu, preliminary findings revealed that the federal government never appointed Adeyemi and that the purported appointment letter, gazette and other documents used to establish the agency were forged.
The case centres on an alleged corruption and forgery scandal involving the disputed government entity, PFIPC, which was not approved.
Speaking at the State House, Mr Aliyu said the commission’s investigation established that Mr Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the documents used to legitimise the agency were forged.
The ICPC boss said the investigation also revealed significant weaknesses in government verification and oversight processes, which were exploited to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate government agency.
“Our interim report found that there are weaknesses in verification, inter-agency oversight and government processes. We discovered that those weaknesses were exploited by Adeniyi, with some level of negligence.
“Our investigation found that no Federal Government funds were approved or disbursed to the fake PFIPC/PEAC,” the ICPC chairman stated.
According to him, investigators also uncovered two additional agencies allegedly created by Adeyemi, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency (FIFA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership (PIPA-PPP).
Mr Aliyu said the disputed DG “used forged legislative instruments styled as enabling acts, and used them to support opening of bank accounts.”
The ICPC chairman said the commission recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution, administrative sanctions against public officers whose negligence enabled the operation of the fake agency, and institutional reforms to strengthen internal controls across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“Our recommendation is that Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi should be prosecuted. Administrative sanctions should also be imposed on public officers whose acts of omission and negligence facilitated the illegal operation of PFIPC/PEAC.
“There is also a need for institutional reforms so that the internal controls of MDAs can be strengthened to prevent this kind of illegal activity,” he stated.
The chief investigator noted that the report submitted to the President is only an interim one, adding that investigations are continuing to identify other collaborators and build a stronger criminal case.
“We have continued with the investigation of the activities of Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi and his collaborators so that we can unravel more facts and file criminal charges that can stand the test of time before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
The PFIPC scandal came to light after the Presidency disowned the council, describing it as a non-existent government agency despite its appearance in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a N1.3 billion budget allocation.
The federal government has since filed criminal charges against Mr Adeyemi over allegations including forgery, impersonation and fraudulent misrepresentation, while separate investigations by the House of Representatives and the ICPC continue into how the fake agency operated within government institutions.
