The Niger Delta Development Commission has urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and residents across the Niger Delta to take collective responsibility for protecting public infrastructure against vandalism and theft.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, made the call at a Stakeholders’ Forum on Public Infrastructure and Vandalism Prevention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Ogbuku, who was represented at the event by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, said the government had a responsibility to provide basic infrastructure, but communities must ensure that such facilities are protected after they are delivered.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Sealed Thompson-Wakama, Ogbuku said the destruction of public infrastructure places additional financial pressure on government and slows the pace of development.

He explained that funds that could have been used to provide new infrastructure were often diverted to repair facilities that had already been constructed but were vandalised.

“The aim of the government is to focus on infrastructure, but after building, how do we protect it? Where public infrastructure is vandalised, money meant for new projects is diverted to repair what has been built, thus limiting infrastructure progress.

“Security is an important factor in society. Development strengthens security and security protects development,” he said.

The NDDC boss urged community leaders to regard government-funded projects in their areas as community assets rather than facilities belonging exclusively to the government.

He called for increased awareness among residents to encourage them to protect infrastructure and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

“There is a need to create awareness and educate citizens that projects executed by the government are the property of the community, and they should protect it.

“We should move to building a culture where vandalism becomes socially unacceptable,” Ogbuku said.

He urged residents, traditional institutions, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to take ownership of public infrastructure and work together to prevent vandalism and theft.

Ogbuku also highlighted the need for greater community involvement in protecting roads, bridges, electricity facilities, water projects, schools, healthcare centres and other development projects established across the Niger Delta.

He said protecting such facilities was essential to ensuring that communities continued to benefit from government investments.

Also speaking at the forum, the NDDC Director of Community and Rural Development, Theophilus Alagoa, expressed concern over the destruction of government facilities in communities, noting that in many cases, no one takes responsibility for protecting them.

Alagoa said the forum was aimed at educating residents and stakeholders about the need to safeguard public infrastructure.

“This event was organised to inform and educate everyone that government projects are our property and it is imperative to take care of the investment,” he said.

He warned that vandalising, destroying or stealing government infrastructure constituted a serious crime and an act of economic sabotage.

According to him, vandalism and theft of public facilities not only result in the loss of government resources but also disrupt the delivery of essential services to residents.

He added that deliberate destruction of infrastructure increases the cost of maintaining and replacing facilities, thereby placing additional pressure on public finances.

The event facilitator, Ibiyekaribo Inko-Tariah, said the programme was organised as part of efforts to protect government-funded projects and ensure that critical infrastructure continued to serve the communities for which they were provided.

• The stakeholders’ forum underscored the importance of community participation in protecting public investments and sustaining development projects across the Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, on his 72nd birthday.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined the Oyedepo family, members of Living Faith Church Worldwide, the Christian community and the cleric’s admirers in celebrating his life and decades of service.

Tinubu commended Oyedepo for his contributions to the moral and spiritual development of individuals and communities, particularly his emphasis on integrity, discipline, diligence, responsibility and excellence.

The President also highlighted the cleric’s contributions to education and human-capital development through institutions established by his ministry, including Covenant University and Landmark University.

According to Tinubu, Oyedepo’s influence extends beyond the pulpit into education, publishing, leadership development and humanitarian service, while noting the international presence of the Living Faith Church.

“For over four decades of ministry, Bishop Oyedepo has become a prominent Nigerian voice on faith, leadership, integrity, education and human development,” the President said.

Tinubu also praised the social-development initiatives associated with Oyedepo’s ministry, including schools, healthcare facilities and humanitarian interventions.

He further acknowledged the activities of the David Oyedepo Foundation, particularly its support for education and assistance to people in need.

“Bishop David Oyedepo has devoted decades to preaching faith, promoting integrity and encouraging excellence, while investing substantially in education and the development of human capacity,” Tinubu said.

The President prayed for continued wisdom, strength, good health and renewed grace for the cleric as he continues his service to God and humanity.

“On this auspicious occasion of his 72nd birthday, I celebrate his life of service and pray that Almighty God will continue to grant him wisdom, strength, good health and renewed grace as he advances the cause of faith, education, morality and human development,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu wished the Bishop many more years of fulfilment, good health and continued service.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, have joined dignitaries from across Nigeria at the coronation of King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, as the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State.

The former President and his wife arrived at the coronation venue in Opobo Town at about 11:15 am on Saturday, September 26, 2026, alongside other prominent guests.

The colourful ceremony has also attracted traditional rulers, political leaders and government officials who gathered to witness the formal installation of the new monarch of the historic kingdom.

Representing Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at the event is the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu.

Also present are former Rivers State Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, and his wife, Dame Christie Toby.

Among the traditional rulers attending the ceremony are the Igwe of Onitsha, King Nnaemeka Obi, and the Olu of Warri, who joined other monarchs and dignitaries at the historic event.

King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja was elected in December 2025 as the new monarch of Opobo Kingdom, following the death of the former occupant of the throne, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.

The late monarch, who also served as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, died in 2025 and was buried in April 2026.

The coronation marks the formal commencement of the reign of King Charles Douglas Jaja as the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.

Ahead of the ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Opobo Council of Chiefs, Princewill Dappa, said extensive preparations had been concluded for the coronation.

Dappa disclosed at a news conference in Port Harcourt that several activities had been scheduled as part of the programme leading to the grand coronation.

He said the events were designed to mark what he described as a historic occasion for the people of Opobo Kingdom.

The grand coronation is being held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Opobo Town, headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The event has brought together members of the royal family, traditional institutions, government representatives and guests from different parts of the country to celebrate the emergence of the new traditional ruler.

The coronation also formally ushers King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja into the throne following his selection in December 2025 to succeed the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.