By David Owei
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‎Organizers of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup have congratulated the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku on his emergence as the paramount ruler of Ayakoro Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
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‎Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr. Perela Aboro and Tournament Director, Mr Ebi Avi,
‎in a congratulatory message on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee (COC), commended the people of Ayakoro community for finding Dr. Ogbuku worthy to steer the affairs of the community.
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‎The message notes that the gesture by the people of Ayakoro is a reflection of their appreciation of Dr Ogbuku’s years of sacrifice, dedication and unwavering commitment to the progress and wellbeing of the community, maintaining that his exemplary leadership and dedication to the development of the community would continue to serve as testimony.
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‎According to the statement, the NDDC boss has consistently demonstrated outstanding service as a custodian of traditional values and a champion of progress, not only in Bayelsa State but across the Niger Delta region, stating that his elevation was a testament to the confidence and trust of the Ayakoro people.
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‎The statement further notes that Dr. Ogbuku’s latest assignment has opened a new chapter of leadership in his life with the revered title of Daufa VI, expressing confidence that the people of Ayakoro Community would witness a new era characterised by peace, unity, dignity and sustainable development.
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‎It equally appreciated the NDDC boss for investing in the development of sports in the Niger Delta region, that the gesture has placed the Niger Delta as a leading sporting region in the nation, particularly with Niger Delta Games and the support for the Prosperity Cup.
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‎”Your emergence as the traditional ruler of your community is a fitting recognition of your unwavering commitment to the preservation of our rich cultural heritage, your exemplary leadership, and your dedication to the development and welfare of the people” statement said.
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‎”As you ascend this revered throne, Daufa VI, we pray that your reign will usher in more development, peace, unity, prosperity, and sustainable development for Ayakoro community and its people” it concludes.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The 9th edition of the NCDMB/NTA Science Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Bayelsa State came to a close on Wednesday at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) Conference Centre, Swali, Yenagoa, with Kaiama Grammar School, Kaiama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, and Federal Government Girls College, Imiringi, Ogbia Local Government Area, clinching the top prizes, while Apex Academy, Yenagoa emerged second runner-up.

Each of the three schools went home with prizes, including a set of top-of-the-range laboratory equipment, anatomical skeleton model, microscopes, an electronic compact scale, and a standard printer, while the six contestants received an HP laptop each for their own private use.

In a welcome address at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division (CCD), Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, described the quiz competition as a major event of the Board, noting that it has demonstrated its commitment to education through the sustenance of the competition for nine consecutive years.
He noted that the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) had started the science quiz for secondary schools several years ago and invited NCDMB into a partnership arrangement that has lasted till date. He said the partnership has endured for so long because the two federal agencies “have a meeting of minds” on matters relating to education and capacity development.
The Executive Secretary explained that the mandate of the NCDMB is to develop indigenous capacity to enhance the participation of Nigerians in the oil and gas industry, and that the Science Quiz Competition would stimulate the interest of students in science and technology, which he described as the bedrock of oil and gas.

According to him, “It is in our interest to develop the young ones who will work in the industry” in the years ahead as the workforce ages. He pointed out that when the industry began in 1957, those who worked at that time had to develop the next generation that had to replace them.

He said the Board has established Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres in several secondary schools across the country, equipped with laptops, servers, interactive smartboards and facilities for stable electricity supply, among other things. Teachers had to be trained in ICT in many of the schools to be able to impart the required knowledge and skills.

“We are hoping that we ignite in you interest in innovation so that you will be interested in finding solutions that will drive our oil and gas sector and solutions that enhance performance in other sectors of the national economy,” he declared, adding that linkage sectors such as mining, agriculture and construction are equally prioritised by the Board.
Addressing the students, Dr. Ezeobi advised the students to use the HP laptops to develop digital skills to prepare them for the future, rather than spend all their time on entertainment.
In a goodwill message, the General Manager, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Yenagoa, Mrs. Mary Ekanem, commended the NCDMB for its prompt intervention toward sustenance of the Science Quiz Competition after it had been shelved because of financial constraints. She said part of the mandate of the NTA is to promote education and that the organisation has found an excellent partner in the Board.
“NCDMB is helping the NTA in fulfilling its mandate in regard to education,” she declared, adding that education of national development.
According to Mrs. Ekanem, “This competition makes students to study and become knowledgeable.”
She said the NTA has a responsibility to manage information dissemination to ensure citizens are well-informed and enlightened and also ensure the unity of the country. That professional orientation inclines the organisaion to ensure objectivity and balance.
The Coordinator of the Science Quiz Coordination, Mr. David Oyintare Enemiebor, thanked NCDMB for expanding participation by increasing the number of schools from 16 to 32, and raising the profile of the event through the quality prizes it provides for award to participating schools and students. “NCDMB, you have made great impact,” he stated.
The event was rounded off with the award of prizes to the schools and students who represented the winning institutions.

By George Mgbeleke

The Senate on Wednesday concurred with the House of Representatives on the Factoring Assignment and Receivables Financing Bill, 2026, a measure aimed at expanding access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and deepening domestic and international trade.

The Bill seeks to establish a legal and regulatory framework for debt factoring, a financing arrangement that allows businesses to convert unpaid invoices and credit sales into immediate cash.

Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the legislation would create an enabling environment for alternative financing mechanisms and strengthen liquidity for businesses across the country.

According to him, the Bill provides a framework governing factoring contracts between sellers and financiers, while clearly defining the rights and obligations of all parties involved.

Bamidele said: “The Factoring Assignment and Receivable Financing Bill 2026 seeks to create a regulatory framework that would facilitate the development of debt factoring as an alternative means of financing for domestic and international trade in Nigeria and provide an enabling environment for it to thrive.”

He added: “The bill makes provisions for factoring contracts between the seller and the factor, sets out the relationship between the creditor and the factor, and defines their respective rights and obligations.”

The Senate Leader noted that the legislation had successfully passed through all legislative stages in the House of Representatives and had met all procedural requirements for Senate concurrence.

Supporting the bill, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, described the measure as a major intervention for small businesses struggling with liquidity constraints.

Abiru explained that the proposed law would enable enterprises to convert credit sales into working capital without resorting to conventional loans.

He said: “In simple terms, what this bill seeks to do is provide a regulatory framework to support financing arrangements that will help most of our micro, small and medium enterprises convert their credit sales into immediate cash and provide liquidity and working capital.”

The Lagos East senator noted that factoring had become a major financing instrument across Africa, especially through the activities of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

According to him, the African factoring market is currently worth more than $50 billion, but Nigeria accounts for less than one per cent of the market.

Abiru said: “The size of that market today is in excess of $50 billion, and Nigeria’s share is under one per cent.”

He added: “Countries like Egypt and Morocco have benefited largely from this, and passing this legislation will support our MSMEs in converting credit sales into cash without resorting to conventional borrowing arrangements.”

Following unanimous support from lawmakers, the bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole for clause-by-clause consideration after which it was passed.

The legislation is expected to improve access to finance, modernise commercial transactions and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

END