General
Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce to Boost Youth Capacity
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDDCITMA), a platform to enhance the growth of entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region, has been touted to help youths in the region with proper capacity development.
This as the initiative was flagged off by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Managing Director, Mr Samuel Ogbuku, during the Establishment Sensitization Programme of the Chambers, in Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
Speaking, the NDDC boss noted that the novel initiative would help to train youths and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as support small and medium-scale enterprises.
Mr Ogbuku affirmed that the commission was also partnering with the Bank of Industry (BoI) by providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to facilitate the success of the commission’s youth development programmes.
He said that the collaboration would ensure the sustainability of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“With the Bank of Industry in the mix, youths in rural areas can be sure of receiving support through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) programme, while those in urban centres will be assisted under the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) category.”
Mr Ogbuku also said that the chamber of commerce would attract new businesses and technologies to the region, as well as support new businesses through networking opportunities, leading to growth in the economy of the region.
On his part, the Chairman of NDDCITMA, Mr Idaere Ogan, said that the people of the region had longed for a forum where they could seek genuine guidance and assistance in developing their businesses in all ramifications.
“Let me, therefore, salute the visionary leadership of the Managing Director of the NDDC and his Executive Management for this unique innovation to promote the establishment of NDDCCITMA.
“The primary objective of NDDCITMA is to work closely with NDDC to pursue its vision for the Niger Delta Region, implement its mandate and bring development to the people of the region.
“NDCCITMA will in no mean measure contribute to the growth of our economy and bring prosperity to the people. From the maiden meeting of the directors of NDCCITAM, we have commenced serious networking with the various groups in the region, groups such as the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, the Technical Incubation Centers, trade groups, business communities, academic institutions, and professionals.”
Also, Secretary of the NDDCITMA Board, Mr Solomon Edebiri, applauded the NDDC management for deciding to use the Chambers of Commerce as a tool for development that would encompass the involvement of the very informal sector, small, medium, and large-scale businesses or companies.
“The successful establishment of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce is one of the numerous success stories of the NDDC under the leadership of Chief Samuel Ogbuku.
“The process further attests to his commitment, strength, and tenacity, when it comes to the delivery of projects that will enhance the region economically and ginger the people in multiple disciplines.”
In his remarks, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Mr Victor Antai, said NDCCITMA was poised to revolutionize business and accelerate economic growth in unprecedented ways.”
He said that the NDDC organized the workshop to raise awareness about the establishment of the NDCCITMA and to explore the vast opportunities it presents across the economic sector.
“Startups and business ideas in conceptual stages can leverage this opportunity, to advance their interest by seeking valuable business counsel from the chambers.
“Members of the Board of Directors of the NDCCITMA, have been meticulously selected from across the nine states of the Region. They have proven track records in their respective fields of endeavour, and we as a Board and Management of NDDC, are committed to working closely with them, to ensure that our vision and mandate reaches every corner of our region.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
In order to aid alternative and sustainable means of livelihood amid rising food prices and growing concerns over food security in Nigeria, the Ibese Plant of Dangote Cement Plc has handed over a state-of-the-art garri and fufu processing plant to the Kajola host community in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The facility is expected to support cassava farmers and processors by improving efficiency and expanding income-generating opportunities.
According to the organisation, the project, delivered under the Community Development Agreement (CDA) with its host communities signed in 2022, is a strategic intervention aimed at boosting agricultural value addition, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening livelihoods for rural farmers and women.
The Ibese Plant Director, Mr Ayyagari Subbaraidu, at the commissioning, said, “This project is aimed at improving cassava processing, reducing losses and creating sustainable employment for women and farmers in the community.”
He disclosed that the facility features separate garri and fufu processing units equipped with modern machinery, including a five-tonne-per-day peeling machine, hydraulic presses, frying systems, fermentation basins, solar-powered boreholes and sanitation infrastructure, adding that it will serve as a catalyst for local economic growth by enhancing productivity and supporting small-scale agribusinesses across Kajola and neighbouring communities.
The Plant Director also urged the community and the Project Governance Committee to maintain transparency in the management of the facility to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo, who was at the unveiling of the project, said it aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision of making agriculture a key driver of economic growth through value addition and enterprise development.
The Commissioner disclosed that “over 166,000 farmers, including more than 90,000 cassava farmers, have been registered under the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS) to benefit from government interventions.”
He urged the community to safeguard the facility and assured residents of the continued support of the state government towards agricultural development and food security.
“This processing plant will strengthen the cassava value chain, improve product quality, create jobs and enhance food security while boosting farmers’ incomes,” the Commissioner stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has hailed the recent sanctioning of three Nigerian bureau de change (BDC) operators by the United States’ Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for alleged terrorism financing.
“The Nigeria Sanctions Committee welcomes the recent inclusion of Mukthar Muhammad Adamu, Nine to Nine BDC, and Generation BDC Limited by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
“These designations follow the inclusion of Adamu and his companies as part of a broader update to the Nigeria Sanctions List approved and published on 18th June 2026,” it disclosed in a statement.
It said that the naming of the three companies and six people followed extensive intelligence gathering, financial investigations, and inter-agency assessments, which established reasonable grounds to believe that the affected individuals and entities facilitated, financed, supported, or otherwise contributed to the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and associated terrorist networks.
“The individuals and entities added to the Nigeria Sanctions List on 18th June 2026 are Ibrahim Yakubu Ogirima (NLISWi.19), Muktar Muhammad Adamu (NLISWi.20), Adamu Chiroma (NLISWi.21), Ibrahim Abubakar (NLISWi.22), Abdullahi Umar Usman (NLISWi.23), Babangida Muhammed Adamu Hammajam (NLISWi.24), Abbal Bako & Sons Bureau De Change Limited (NLISWe.25), Generation Currency BDC Limited (NLISWe.26), Nine to Nine BDC Limited (NLISWe.27),” the statement read in part.
The federal government reiterated its directive to all financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to continue to comply with all sanctions obligations, including asset-freezing requirements, the filing of suspicious transaction reports, and the reporting of all relevant matches to the appropriate authorities.
The sanctions committee commended the work of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit for their actions to ensure that terrorist groups are denied the resources that sustain their activities.
It stated that Nigeria remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that terrorists and their financiers find no safe haven within the country’s financial system.
The committee also said that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with domestic stakeholders and international partners to protect national security, strengthen financial integrity, and contribute to global efforts to combat terrorism and its financing.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A radio station, Wise FM, has been sealed by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
The premises of the broadcast media platform, located on Ogabi Street, Meiran, Ile-Iwe Bus Stop, were shut by the state government on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, alongside other establishments across different parts of Lagos State for alleged persistent violations of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings, abatement notices, and opportunities provided for compliance.
In a statement by LASEPA, it was disclosed that the enforcement exercise was carried out in response to various environmental infractions, including noise pollution, air pollution, obstruction of official duties, and failure to comply with its directives.
As regards Wise FM, it was said that it was sealed for noise and air pollution as well as non-compliance with the Agency’s directives.
Another organisation affected, Star-View Terrace, located in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, was shut down for noise pollution and non-compliance with the agency’s directives, while Premiership Suites, located at Akin Osiyemi Street, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, was sealed for non-compliance with the agency’s directives.
Speaking on the enforcement operation, the General Manager of LASEPA, Mr Babatunde Ajayi, reiterated the organisation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment across Lagos State.
He stressed that both individuals and corporate organisations have a responsibility to comply with environmental laws and regulations, stressing that environmental protection remains a collective duty that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.
The LASEPA boss warned that the agency would continue to intensify enforcement actions against violators in order to curb environmental nuisances and protect residents from the harmful effects of pollution.
Mr Ajayi urged residents, business owners, and operators of commercial establishments to adopt environmentally responsible practices and cooperate with regulatory authorities in promoting a healthier, cleaner, and more livable Lagos.
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