The Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, haz tasked the Niger Delta Development Company, NDDC, to find lasting solutions to the economic challenges currently plaguing the oil-rich region.

The Niger Delta has suffered environmental degradation in decades of oil and gas exploration.

Okonjo-Iweala gave the charge on Saturday during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the NDDC.

According to her, the neglect of the socio-economic prosperity of the region has led to widespread frustration, which has culminated in restiveness among the people.

The WTO boss urged NDDC to give special attention to the economic development of the Niger Delta.

“Let me first congratulate the NDDC for the work it has carried out for the people of the Niger Delta.

“If I’m a bit critical in my speech, you know me, I mean it for good, because I think you have done a lot, but you still have a lot to do.

“The NDDC was established in 2000 by former president Obasanjo, as a successor to OMPADEC, which had been in operation since the days of the military government. This was in response to the cries of marginalisation and underdevelopment by the people of the Niger Delta, where Nigeria’s oil and gas resources are concentrated,” she said.

Following media reports of the locking out of hundreds of persons from gaining access to the Edo State Government House during the celebration of Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate redeployment of security officers involved in the incident.

The governor who also ordered for probe on the incident, announced the constitution of an investigative committee to identify all those involved.

He assured the public that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.

He added that his administration would not tolerate acts that seek to ridicule or alienate the very people who stood by him.

OSUNDAILY NG had on Friday reported that hundreds of persons including members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, market women and youths were denied access to the Government House by security operatives who said they were acting on order from above.

The security personnel also alleged that it was only Very Important Personalities, VIPs, that were allowed into the Government House for refreshments.

Those to be redeployed include the Camp Commandant and security personnel who were on duty at the Government House when the incident happened.

The governor, who expressed deep regrets over the incident, described the action of the security operatives as unacceptable and inconsistent with his leadership style.

He said he remains a people-focused and accessible leader who holds the media and his supporters in the highest regard.

According to him, the exclusion of invited guests and supporters was not only unauthorized but also in complete contradiction to the spirit of the celebration.

“This decision did not originate from me, nor does it reflect my values. I will never knowingly authorize any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press.

“As a governor elected by the people, I remain committed to openness, inclusion, and respect for every stakeholder,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering an atmosphere of unity and transparency, assuring all supporters and stakeholders of their valued place in the journey to rebuild and reposition Edo State.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the FCT, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has called for mandatory psychological test for Nigerians seeking elective political offices.

Hayab, who also chairs the National Patrons Forum of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria (RAN), made the call on Saturday at the Royal Ambassadors Men’s Missionary Union summit held in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.

He noted that many leadership failures in the country are rooted in emotional and mental instability among office holders.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Higher Ground’, the cleric delivered a keynote address titled ‘Overcoming Evil Vices: A Guide for the Young Child’, in which he decried the erratic behavior of some politicians, a development he said often points to underlying psychological challenges.

“When you hear the way some of our leaders talk, you begin to question their mental fitness. Governance is too sensitive to be handed over to individuals who lack empathy, emotional control, or sound judgment.

“Just like we recommend psychological evaluations before marriage, we should apply the same principle to public service, where the actions of one individual can affect millions,” Hayab said.

He argued that untreated mental health issues not only wreck families but also endanger the stability of entire nations when left unchecked in leadership circles.

The CAN leader equally cautioned Nigerian youths against indulging in drug abuse, cybercrime, violence and other destructive behaviors

According to him, such vices erode the youth’s potential for greatness. “Drugs deceive and destroy,” he said.

He added, “Yahoo’ is not a career path. If you want to rise to higher ground, you must embrace discipline, hard work, and faith in God.”

Addressing gender concerns, he encouraged girls to prioritize education over early marriage and urged boys to respect and protect the dignity of their female peers.

“Education empowers the mind and prepares you to solve real problems. It is not just about securing a job but about building a purposeful life,” he added.

Hayab further advised young people to seek out mentors of integrity and surround themselves with positive influences that foster growth and godly values.

Earlier, Director of the Royal Ambassadors, Sabon Tasha Chapter, Mr. Pleni Thomas Magaji, commended Hayab’s forthrightness, describing his message as timely and courageous.

He noted that the annual summit was organized to nurture young Christians with Biblical principles and sound leadership ethics for national transformation.