By Magnus Chukwudi, Port Harcourt

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has been conferred with the Business Day Excellence in Public Service Award, alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and seven other Ministers.

The award was presented to Ogbuku by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, during the 2025 BusinessDay Public Service Lecture and Excellence Awards in Abuja.

Speaking during the ceremony, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer expressed joy over the award and remarked that it showed that Nigerians appreciated the work the NDDC was doing in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

Ogbuku stated: “It is a recognition of our hard work all through the year. We thank God for the opportunity of service, and we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving us the platform to showcase our ingenuity. He put together a team that has transformed the administration and development of the Niger Delta region.

“We also thank the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who has provided us with technical and administrative support. This honour calls on us to do more and reminds us that next year we must redouble our efforts and do better.

“We will not rest on our oars until we satisfy the yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta region and take development to the nooks and crannies of the region as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged the recognition of his ministry’s collective efforts to rebuild public trust and enhance Nigeria’s information ecosystem under the current administration.

“Over the past 2 years, we have focused on redefining Nigeria’s national communication architecture to promote transparency, professionalism, and citizen-centred governance. We have revitalised the national orientation framework, strengthened government-to-citizen communication, and advanced reforms that promote media responsibility, ethical standards, and public accountability.

“The Ministry remains committed to building a more informed, united, and values-driven society. We will continue to strengthen public communication channels and deepen the reforms necessary for a healthier, more transparent information space.”

Giving his impressions on the award to the NDDC Managing Director, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, said that the honour would energise the Commission to do more.

He said the award has validated the contributions of the NDDC in driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta. “This recognition and acknowledgement will encourage us to continue contributing to the development of our region and the nation.”

Also speaking, the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, described the award as a significant recognition for the NDDC. He thanked the BusinessDay newspaper and noted that the NDDC would continue to give back to the communities in the Niger Delta region.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Publisher of Business Day, Mr Frank Aigbogun, said that the BusinessDay awards were meant to honour functionaries in strategic government positions who demonstrate exceptional performance and leadership.

He noted: “The BusinessDay Public Lecture and Award Series is a veritable platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and business experts to discuss the most pressing issues facing Nigeria’s economy and proffer implementable solutions.”

Aigbogun, represented by the Editor of BusinessDay, Mr. Lolade Akinmurele, said that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. “It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.”

” There is no doubt that this year’s Public Service lecture and award, with the theme: Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future: Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities”, is very apt, given the current critical challenges the country faces. ###.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The efforts of the federal government in the educational advancement of the country has received a major boost with the establishment of a new University known as FortLugard University in the Apo District of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT in Abuja.

To ensure full actualization of institution, the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Senate Building and the Faculty of Computer Sciences of the proposed university was performed on Friday at the permanent site in Apo, Abuja.

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghe laid foundation stone for the expansive Senate Building while the Minister of Special Duties and Inter Government Affairs, Honourable Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo laid foundation for the Faculty of Computer Sciences Building.

Justice Onnoghe in his brief remarks commended the founder and Chancellor of the university, Elder Ogwu James Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN for his foresight and courage in venturing into promotion of education in the country.

He said that a country without well educated, vibrant and properly brought up youths through education is doomed.

Special Duties Minister, Jisalo thanked the university founder for establishing it at the FCT adding that apart from creating massive employment, the youths in the territory would have more access to quality education through the university.

He appealed to the host community to jealousy guide and protect the University and its workers because of massive derivable benefits.

Earlier in his speech, the founder and Chancellor of the university, Dr Ogwu James Onoja had said that occasion was not merely a ceremonial gathering but a convergence of vision, faith, and purpose.

He said that it was a day that symbolizes progress and announces steady movement towards establishing a world-class university that wilt redefine excellence in higher education in Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, ‘We began activities on the proposed FortLugard University site with road construction, fencing and excavation.

“Just a few days ago, we laid the foundation of the Ukala School of Engineering and Technology (USET), another major pillar of this great institution, with the foundation stone laid by Emmanuel Ukala, SAN.

‘That landmark event marked the beginning of the physical realization of a long-held dream of Engineering and Innovation.

“Today, we continue that journey. We are not waiting for tomorrow. We are building consistently, deliberately, and strategically, brick by brick, vision by vision.

“FortLugard University is conceived as a transformational institution that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of teaching and learning. It is designed to be an intellectual powerhouse that will produce graduates with the character, competence, and creativity to influence society positively.

“Our vision is to build a world-class university that stands as a beacon of academic excellence, moral integrity, technological Innovation, and global competitiveness; an institution where knowledge is not only acquired but created, applied, and used to advance human progress.

“Our mission captures the heart of our commitment: to deliver cutting-edge academic programmes grounded in values, discipline, and world-class standards; to nurture leaders and professionals equipped with deep intellectual capacity, innovative thinking, and strong ethical values.

“To promote research, creativity, and industry-driven learning that will address local and global challenges; to create an enabling environment where technology, modern infrastructure, and global partnerships drive learning and discovery; to build a campus that Is serene, safe, sustainable, and designed with the future in mind.

“We are not merely constructing buildings, we are constructing destinies. We are raising an institution that will shape the next generation of thinkers, inventors, policy leaders, social reformers, and nation-builders.

“The Senate Building we break ground for today will become the heart of academic governance. It will house the intellectual and administrative and leadership that ensures academic integrity, quality assurance, curriculum development and policy direction.

“Without a credible Senate, no institution can claim the status of a university. This structure will therefore stand as the symbol of academic honour and institutional stability.

“The Foundation Stone of the Senate Building which represents the heart and soul of this institution will upon completion be named after Justice Walter Onnoghe.

“The Faculty of Computer Sciences represents the future of education. The world is advancing rapidly through artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, software engineering, cloud computing, and digital transformation.

“Nations today are powered not by natural resources alone, but by knowledge, innovation, and technological capacity. This Faculty will become a Centre of Excellence where young minds are trained to innovate, create, and compete globally.

“This university is a monumental undertaking. To achieve a truly world-class institution, we need continued support from government, private sector partners, philanthropists, development agencies, and individuals of goodwill.

“We invite everyone who shares our dream to join hands with us. Let us build a university that will stand as a legacy for generations, an institution that offers opportunities, transforms lives, and advances the progress of our nation.

“Today we plant seeds that will grow into a forest of possibilities. Today, we declare to the world that the proposed FortLugard University is rising strong, bold, and by God’s grace will be world-class”, the Chancellor assured.

By Our Correspondent

Angered by the delay in the completion of ongoing projects in the Federal Capital Territory,(FCT),Abuja, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has explained that the decision to terminate the Apo-Karshi Road contract,
was taken to alleviate the hardship faced by the people of Abuja, particularly those in the Apo-Karshi area, and to ensure the project’s timely completion.

Citing lack of progress and unsatisfactory performance by the contractor, Kakatar Construction Company.

Wike gave this explanation this announcement during a project inspection, stating that the contract has been re-awarded to SCC, a more competent and serious contractor, through an emergency procurement process.

According to Wike, the Apo-Karshi Road project has been ongoing for over 14 years, and the new contractor, SCC, has assured completion within 12 months.

Wike expressed confidence in SCC’s ability to deliver the project, citing their experience and equipment on site.

“When we came on board in 2023, one major project that was of very much concern had to do with Apo-Karshi Road and that road was awarded sometimes in 2010. And a lot of variations had taken place before we came’

“So when we called the contractor, the contractor agreed to go back to site and gave us a promise that within six months that project would be delivered. Unfortunately, it was a very big disappointment and therefore we had no choice but to terminate it and give to a more competent and serious contractor which is SCC. And that had to be done through emergency because if we start all over with the procurement process, that might take like five, six months and then, rain will come in again and we start facing challenges.

‘So because of the importance of that road, we felt that we have to relieve the hardship of the people there and then connect to Apo and Wassa. I think it’s a major decision we took and for the interest of the people of Abuja”.

The Minister also highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Abuja, including satellite communities, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Wike emphasized that the administration is focused on delivering tangible results and improving the lives of Abuja residents, rather than being swayed by emotions or politics.

“Again, we went to Bwari, down to this ONEX in Kubwa, you can see that it’s a very major road that should be carried out. And we have also given it out to SCC so that they will be able to also carry out major construction. In fact, passing that road today was an eye-opener to us that there are so many areas that needed to be tackled”.

“And then we are here now at Kubwa Road, you can see the drainage is going on. And when they have completed the drainage, they of course have to sacrifice these old lanes and then carry out the new asphalt on it.

“The whole essence of what we are doing is to let the world know that this administration means well, not only for the city but also for satellite communities. It has never happened, never in the history of Abuja since Abuja was created that we have such an attention to the rural communities. And this is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about. So, this is what has happened and you can see the enthusiasm from residents and those who carry out commercial activities here”.

The termination of the contract and re-award to SCC is seen as a major decision to prioritize the interests of the people of Abuja and ensure the project’s successful completion.