Feature/OPED
NDDC and a Region’s New Trajectory
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
In the words of Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli, a Florentine diplomat, author, philosopher, and historian who lived during the Italian Renaissance and best known for his political treatise, The Prince, written around 1513 but not published until 1532, five years after his death, “the first opinion that is formed of a leader’s intelligence is based on the quality of men he has around him. When they are competent and loyal, he can always be considered wise, because he has recognised their competence and kept them loyal. But when they are otherwise, the ruler is always open to adverse criticism because his first mistake has been in the choice of men around him.”
If the above leadership wisdom is juxtaposed with the recent significant appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of worthy Nigerians as members, governing board and management of a critical agency, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to assist the agency build trust, exhibit character, competence and connection through provision of sustainable development for the Niger Delta region and its people, it amply characterizes Mr President as an intelligent leader with consciousness that the first duty of a leader is to find the right people and assign them rightful positions.
For their part, members of the governing board and management of the commission, right from inception, established through early resolves, the truism in the time-honoured saying that “when we talk about Niger Delta solution to Niger Delta problems, it is because we know that we can permanently silence the gun if we act in solidarity and unity.”
In addition to holding together and defining themselves as a team, the commission’s leadership has in the main time maintained an unbroken bond of unity of which no one seems to understand the leadership culture or ideological thread holding these diverse peoples with different cultures and languages together.
The situation says something more!
Aside from developing steadfast dedication to fostering sustainable development, empowering communities, and catalysing positive transformation across the Niger Delta region, the Commission’s leadership/management has through consistent people-focused actions and regular stakeholders engagements ushered into the consciousness of Niger Deltans, a new concept of one united Niger Delta region, where the leaders speak with one voice, fight a common cause to protect the people’s economic, sociocultural and infrastructural interest of its people within the larger enclave called Nigeria.
In recent months, the commission under the present appointees has not only taken concrete steps and policy thrusts that will assist bolster infrastructure, and advancing social welfare initiatives, but is, to the admiration of its stakeholders, steadfastly committed to creating opportunities and enhancing livelihoods that have set the stage for the emergence of a new Niger Delta region that will morph from backward and degraded environment, occasioned by crude oil exploration, exploitation and production, to a more liveable environment dotted with modern infrastructures necessary for human comfort.
Like the nation’s national anthem, which observes that “though tribe and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” there is presently a compelling change in the outlook of the region. Niger Delta region has in recent days ceased to be a zone of fierce wars between ethnic and social forces.
Through the commission’s deployment of a participatory approach to development and broad-based consultative strategies that give the people of the region a sense of ownership over their issues, the region has morphed from hostility to a peaceful environment.
Separate from ending the long dark shadow which used to climax successive governments’ attempts to improve the well-being and economic development of the region’s individuals, peoples, and communities, also significant on the part of the commission’s leadership is their equitable allocation of benefits of growth which entails but not limited to infrastructural development and timely solution to challenges of job creation through various empowerment and human capital development programmes.
Out of so many examples of democratized infrastructural provisions by the commission under the present leadership, the 132/33kv electricity substation built at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State and the 27.35km Ogbia-Nembe road in Bayelsa State, a joint project of the NDDC and Shell Nigeria Exploration Company stand tall.
In like manner, the recently unveiled Youth Internship Scheme, a transformative initiative for 10,000 youths from the NDDC’s nine mandate states, aimed at uplifting the region’s youth by offering them hands-on experience, skills development, and financial support of N50,000, per month all throughout the year of the training, is a similar testament of the commission’s human capital development effort.
Today, the ghost of accusation and counter-accusation that used to trail the agency’s affairs has been put to rest. The people of the region and of course the watching world need no marking scheme anymore to know that the commission is working in the interest of the region and its people.
To use the words of the former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, (GEJ), NDDC has seen the light under the present governing board and management. Just as the people of the region now push for a common economic initiative that promotes the development of their region.
This is the unique position of things in the region!
As the people of the region celebrate the current patriotism, passion, professionalism, integrity, creativity and team spirit coming from the commission, analysts are, however, not surprised with the ongoing positive progress emanating from the commission.
Take as another illustration, while many were of the view that Mr Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the NDDC, is not just a lawyer but a seasoned technocrat who represents transformative leadership for the Niger Delta region, and capped with vast experience and innate capabilities that make him well-equipped to combat the enormous challenges, others in similar vein submit that Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, on his part, comes fully equipped to make a difference at the interventionist agency, as he boasts of an impressive profile spanning over twenty years of experience and expertise in crisis management and capacity building, built across diverse fields of excellent human endeavour.
Indeed, as the region and its people celebrate the commission’s offer of a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties in the Niger Delta region, this piece is particularly fixated on the support and healthy working relationship the commission enjoys with the members of the 10th National Assembly, particularly the Senate Committee on NDDC and its counterpart at the House of Representatives.
As noted in a recent but similar intervention, I recently had a fortunate opportunity to witness the commissioning by President Bola Tinubu of electricity and road projects executed by the Commission at Okitipupa in Ondo state and Ogbia in Bayelsa state respectively.
At the separate but related events, I listened with rapt attention to the goodwill messages delivered by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC. I also listened with interest to that of Honourable Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC.
Clearly, the content of their messages, going by objective assessment, showcased a Senate and House Committee desirous of seeing the NDDC board and management succeed in their statutory responsibility and the region blossom in infrastructure, healthy environment and human capital development.
At the events, the duo congratulated the NDDC and the people of the region for the breakthroughs and were particularly loud and clear in their promise of willingness to take any positive legislative step that will assist the NDDC governing board and management as presently constituted, succeed in its present statutory responsibility of bringing sustainable infrastructural and human capital development to the region and its people.
Certainly, this present understanding and pragmatic alliance by Barrister Chiedu Ebie led NDDC governing board and management, the Senate and House of Representatives Committees, for Niger Delta region development is not only commendable but timely. If sustained, it will usher in something positively new and different to the ongoing sustainable development in the region and its people.
Utomi, a communicator, writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He can be reached via jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374
Africa’s creative industries, from music and film to fashion, writing, and branding, are experiencing remarkable growth. However, as the sector flourishes, so do the threats posed by piracy and copyright infringement. Without proper protection, creators risk losing the value and recognition they deserve for their original work.
Copyright remains the first and most important line of defence. In many African countries, copyright protection begins automatically once a creative work, such as a song, logo, film, or design, is fixed in a tangible form. This protection can last for the creator’s lifetime, and in most cases, up to 70 years after. Yet, while automatic copyright provides a foundation, official registration strengthens legal standing and can be critical in resolving disputes.
When a creator’s work is used without permission, the violation must be addressed swiftly. Experts advise that the first step is to gather evidence—screenshots, URLS, timestamps, user details, and even data showing engagement or financial gain from the misused content. Proof of ownership, such as original files with timestamps, draft versions, or social media records of earlier uploads, is equally vital.
“Creators should always have proof of ownership ready,” says Frikkie Jonker, Director of Anti-Piracy at MultiChoice. “That could be anything from original project files to old emails or posts. It’s one of the most effective tools in enforcing your rights.”
Once evidence is collected, creators can issue takedown requests through social platforms or send formal cease-and-desist letters to website owners or hosts. Although enforcement processes differ by country, most African nations have copyright laws aligned with global standards like the U.S. DMCA. In many cases, showing credible ownership is enough to have infringing content removed.
If infringement continues or is being done at scale, such as by piracy rings or repeat offenders, creators may need to escalate the issue by reporting it to national copyright commissions or law enforcement. Efforts are also being bolstered across the continent through cooperation under agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with international bodies like Interpol, Afripol, and WIPO supporting cross-border enforcement.
Preventative measures are just as important. Creators are encouraged to use tools like digital watermarking and content fingerprinting to protect their work from unauthorised use online. Furthermore, smart monetisation strategies, such as YouTube’s Content ID syste,m can allow creators to earn revenue even when their content is reused without prior permission.
By understanding their rights, taking proactive steps to protect their creations, and using available technologies, African creatives can safeguard their work while continuing to build sustainable, long-term careers.
By Saifullahi Attahir
If there was ever anything that gave me goosebumps and immense pleasure, it was being surrounded by intellectuals and mature minds absorbing facts and figures about governance, economics, public health, policymaking, national security, and international relations. In such situations I easily lose myself, forgetting almost all other things.
Even at medical school, my best lectures were those with frequent digressions, whereby the lecturer would discuss the pathogenesis of diseases for 30 minutes and later sidetrack into discussing politics, governance, or other life issues. I always enjoyed classes led by Prof. Sagir Gumel, Dr. Murtala Abubakar, Dr. Rasheed Wemimo, Dr. Aliyu Mai Goro, and co.
During such lectures, I often observed some of my colleagues disappointment for such deviation. I rather casually show indifference, for I was eternally grateful for such discussions due to the stimulatory effect they had on my mind.
After such classes, I sometimes followed up with the lecturer, not to ask about a medical concept I did not grasp, but to ask for further explanation on policy making, project execution, budgetary expenditures, why African countries are left behind, and similar pressing issues.
In situations where I can’t catch up with the lecturer, I jotted down the questions for further deliberation.
One of the manifest feature I know about my greediness was at reading books. I can open five different books in a day. I lack such discipline to finish up one before another. I can start reading ‘Mein Kampf’ by Adolf Hitler, and halfway through 300 pages, I would pick up ‘My Life’ by Sir Ahmadu Bello, and would have to concurrently read both until the end.
I often scolded myself for such an attitude, but I can’t help myself. The only way to practice such discipline was to at least read two different books in a day. Such was a triumph in my practice of self-discipline. This was apart from my conventional medical textbooks.
To some of my friends, I was called an accidental medical doctor, but actually it was a perfect fate guided by the merciful Lord that I’m studying medicine.
For it was only medicine that makes reading books easier for you. Although time is precious in this profession, but one finds it easier to do anything you are passionate about. The daily interaction we have with people at their most vulnerable state was another psychostimulant. Seeing humans suffering from disease conditions is heartache. Some of the causes are mere ignorance, poverty, superstitions, and limited resources.
The contribution one can give couldn’t be limited to just prescribing drugs or surgical procedures that end up affecting one person. It’s much better to involve one self in to position that may bring possible change to the whole society even in form of orientation.
What also motivated me more was how I wasn’t the first to traverse this similar path. Bibliophiles were common among medical students and medical professionals.
At international level, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir Muhammad, was a physician.
Most of the current economic development of Malaysia was attributed to him. The South American revolutionary figure Che Guevara was a physician. Atul Gawande was an endocrinologist, health policy analyst, adviser to former President Obama, campaign volunteer to former President Bill Clinton, and adviser to USAID/WHO on health policies.
Frantz Fanon was another physician, psychiatrist, racial discrimination activist, and political writer. Dr. Zakir Naik was a renowned Islamic scholar, comparative religion expert, and physician.
At the national level, Prof. Usman Yusuf is a haematologist, former NHIS DG, and currently a political activist. Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Taura was a psychiatrist and former SSG to the Jigawa state government. Dr. Nuraddeen Muhammad was a psychiatrist and former cabinet minister to President Goodluck Jonathan.
During ward rounds and clinics, my mind often wanders to enquire not just about the diagnosis but the actual cause of the disease condition; why would a 17-year-old multiparous young lady develop peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)? Why would a 5-year-old child develop severe anaemia from a mosquito bite? Why would a 25-year-old friend of mine develop chronic kidney disease, and his family would have to sell all their belongings for his treatment? Why are our Accident and Emergency units filled with road traffic accident cases? Was it bad road conditions or lack of adherence to traffic laws and orders?
Why are African countries still battling with 19th century diseases like Tuberculosis, filariasis, and malarial infections? Why issues of fighting cervical cancer and vaccination campaigns are treated with contempt in our societies? Why access to basic primary healthcare in Nigeria was still a luxury 50 years after Alma Ata declaration?
The questions are never-ending…
Answers to these questions could be found not in the conventional medical textbooks like Robbins/Cotrand, Davidson, or Sabiston. Answers to these questions are there on our faces. Answers to these questions are tied to the very fabric of our social life, our public institutions, our culture, and our life perspectives.
In order to make any significant contribution towards the betterment of this kind of society, it would be quite easier as an insider rather than an outsider. You can’t bring any positive outcome by just talking or commenting. It was rightly stated that a cat in gloves catches no mice.
The real players in a game are always better than the spectators. A player deserves accolades despite his shortcomings, frequent falls, and inability to deliver as planned theoretically. For the player has seen it all, because so many things in public life are not as they appear. It’s only when you are there that the reality becomes visible. This is the reason why many leaders who have goodwill and enjoy public support appear to have lost track or contributed insignificantly when elected or appointed into office.
But despite all these challenges, one can’t decline to do something good just because something bad might happen. The risk is worth it….
Attahir wrote from Federal University Dutse
By Victor Benjamin
Health is wealth,” a common adage echoing through Nigerian communities, encapsulates the fundamental importance of well-being. President Bola Tinubu’s administration appears to have taken this sentiment to heart, demonstrating a bold commitment to revolutionising Nigeria’s health sector.
Through a multi-pronged approach focused on strengthening infrastructure, upskilling manpower, and ensuring efficient healthcare delivery, the administration is signaling a new era for healthcare in Nigeria. This ambitious agenda, backed by tangible initiatives and achievements, holds the promise of a healthier and more prosperous nation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has launched a comprehensive and ambitious agenda to transform Nigeria’s healthcare sector, signaling a new era of progress and commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian people. This multi-pronged approach focuses on strengthening infrastructure, upskilling the healthcare workforce, enhancing system efficiency, and addressing critical public health challenges. The administration’s actions are demonstrably moving towards a more robust and accessible healthcare system.
A cornerstone of this transformation is the aggressive expansion and upgrade of healthcare infrastructure. The federal government’s decisive action to convert the General Hospital Kumo in Gombe State into a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) is a prime example. This strategic upgrade, the second federal medical institution in Gombe, will significantly improve healthcare delivery in the Northeast region. Moreover, the upgraded Kumo FMC will serve as a teaching hospital for the Federal University of Kashere and Lincoln University, Kumo, contributing to the crucial training of future medical practitioners.
Furthermore, the administration is committed to dramatically increasing the number of functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) from 8,809 to over 17,600 by 2027. This expansion aims to bring quality healthcare closer to communities, particularly in underserved areas. To support this, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is being redesigned to provide more Direct Facility Funding to healthcare facilities, increasing from N300,000 to N600,000-N800,000 per quarter. The federal government has also identified 577 primary healthcare centres for immediate revitalization, indicating a focused and actionable plan.
Recognising that a strong healthcare system relies on a skilled workforce, President Tinubu has prioritised investment in human resources for health. The approval of 774 National Health Fellows, selected from each local council, aims to foster sustained improvements and cultivate future healthcare leaders. The administration has also set out to train 120,000 frontline health workers over 16 months, with 40,240 already trained, addressing critical manpower gaps in PHCs.
Additionally, the enrolment capacity of accredited nursing and midwifery institutions is being increased to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals. A community health programme is being redesigned to create 126,000 jobs for community health workers, extending essential health services to remote and underserved communities.
Strengthening healthcare systems and efficiency is another critical aspect of the administration’s agenda. The Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), launched in December 2023, serves as a strategic blueprint to improve population health outcomes through primary healthcare and enhance reproductive, maternal, and child health services.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is developing a three-year digitalisation agenda, encompassing facility functionality, supply chain management, financial management, and the community health information system.
This initiative promises improved efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Nigeria’s active participation in the Collaborative Active Strategy (CAS) further streamlines health campaigns and strengthens the overall health system.
Addressing critical health challenges is also a priority. First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s strong advocacy campaign against tuberculosis (TB), declaring it a health emergency and committing an additional N1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative, highlights the administration’s focus on tackling significant public health issues. The nationwide rollout of HPV vaccination, with over 12 million girls vaccinated, demonstrates a proactive approach to preventive healthcare.
The international community has recognised the administration’s commitment. The World Bank has approved $1.57 billion to support the health sector in Nigeria, focusing on strengthening human capital through better health for women, children, and adolescents. This significant financial support underscores the global confidence in the administration’s vision and execution.
President Tinubu’s comprehensive health agenda promises substantial benefits for the Nigerian populace. Foremost, it aims to drastically improve access to quality healthcare, particularly at the primary level, ensuring that even remote communities receive essential medical services.
This is complemented by a concerted effort to build a more robust and better-trained healthcare workforce, effectively addressing critical manpower shortages and ensuring adequate staffing across facilities. Simultaneously, the administration is focusing on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and equipment, upgrading existing facilities and constructing new ones to provide healthcare providers with necessary resources.
Furthermore, the agenda prioritises the creation of more efficient and transparent healthcare systems through digitalisation and improved financial management, streamlining processes and optimising resource allocation. Crucially, it demonstrates a strong commitment to tackling critical public health issues, such as tuberculosis and immunisation, through focused attention and targeted interventions. These multifaceted efforts collectively pave the way for a healthier nation, enhancing the overall well-being of the Nigerian people.
This comprehensive approach underscores President Tinubu’s understanding of the critical role of a strong healthcare system in national development. By prioritizing infrastructure, workforce development, system efficiency, and targeted interventions, the administration is laying the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria. This narrative presents a compelling story of progress and commitment in the Nigerian health sector, marking a significant step towards a brighter future for the nation’s healthcare.
Victor Benjamin is the West/South South Director for Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T)
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