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NDDC Launches Controversial Food Plan, Challenges Oil Dependence

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(DDM) – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has unveiled a bold food‑security strategy aimed at transforming the Niger Delta into a major agricultural hub.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the initiative, titled “From Oil to Agriculture: Reimagining the Delta,” seeks to shift the region’s economic focus from crude oil to sustainable agriculture.

The plan outlines investments in irrigation infrastructure, agribusiness value chains, mechanisation support, and youth farming cooperatives across the Niger Delta.

A major objective of the strategy is to reduce over-reliance on oil revenues while increasing food production for domestic consumption and export.

The initiative also aims to create employment opportunities for youths and stimulate local economies in Delta State and neighbouring states.

Funding for the project will come from oil-derivation allocations, donor partnerships, and private-sector investments in agritech companies.

Community engagement and land‑reform support are promised as key components to ensure that local populations benefit from the programme.

Officials say the initiative represents a decisive step toward diversifying the Niger Delta economy and addressing persistent unemployment and poverty challenges.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the feasibility of the plan, citing past delays, mismanagement, and corruption allegations against the NDDC.

Some stakeholders fear that without strong oversight, the funding could be diverted, leaving the project under‑delivered as seen in previous NDDC initiatives.

Background

The Niger Delta region has long been heavily dependent on crude oil production, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s federal revenue.

Despite oil wealth, the region suffers from underdevelopment, environmental degradation, and high unemployment rates, especially among youths.

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Past attempts to diversify the economy have met with limited success, often due to lack of consistent policy implementation and accountability.

Agriculture has been identified as a viable alternative to oil dependency, given the region’s fertile land, favourable climate, and access to water resources.

The new plan aims to leverage these natural advantages while integrating modern agritech solutions to increase productivity and efficiency.

Implications

If successfully implemented, the NDDC’s strategy could transform the Niger Delta into a major food supplier for Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

The project has the potential to reduce youth restiveness by providing sustainable employment in farming and agribusiness.

It may also enhance food security, reduce inflationary pressures on staple foods, and boost local economic growth.

However, the success of the initiative will largely depend on transparent management, effective monitoring, and timely disbursement of funds.

Observers will also watch whether community-level engagement and land reforms are genuinely implemented or remain largely symbolic.

Looking Forward

The coming months will be critical as the NDDC begins rolling out the strategy across the Delta region.

Stakeholders, investors, and local communities will monitor how the plan balances oil dependence with agricultural transformation.

The project’s effectiveness could serve as a model for other oil-dependent regions seeking sustainable economic diversification in Nigeria.

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Economy

FairMoney MD urges digital access to drive $1tn economy

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(DDM) – The Managing Director of FairMoney Microfinance Bank Nigeria, Henry Obiekea, has called for a nationwide push towards fair and inclusive digital finance.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Obiekea made the statement during a recent financial sector forum attended by industry leaders, regulators, and government officials.

He emphasized that digital financial inclusion is a key driver for Nigeria to achieve the $1 trillion economic agenda outlined by the current administration.

Obiekea explained that the adoption of technology-driven banking services can accelerate economic growth by increasing access to credit, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He noted that despite Nigeria’s large population, a significant portion of citizens remain unbanked or underbanked, limiting their participation in the formal economy.

“Digital financial services must reach every Nigerian, regardless of location or income level,” Obiekea stated.

He highlighted that mobile banking, fintech platforms, and other innovative financial solutions can help bridge gaps in economic participation and drive productivity across sectors.

The FairMoney MD urged policymakers to implement supportive regulations that enable fintech growth while protecting consumers and ensuring system security.

According to him, collaboration between traditional banks, fintech companies, and government agencies is essential to create a resilient, inclusive digital economy.

Obiekea also stressed that financial literacy programs are crucial to empower Nigerians to take full advantage of digital financial tools.

He pointed out that digital access not only improves personal financial management but also boosts government revenue through broader tax compliance and formal sector engagement.

DDM reports that Obiekea’s call aligns with the administration’s economic diversification strategy, which prioritizes technology, innovation, and financial inclusion as pillars for sustainable growth.

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Industry observers note that expanding digital finance can help Nigeria unlock new markets, attract foreign investment, and enhance the efficiency of domestic trade and payments systems.

Obiekea concluded by urging stakeholders to act swiftly, warning that failure to embrace digital financial inclusion could slow the nation’s progress toward achieving the $1 trillion economy target.

He expressed optimism that with coordinated effort, Nigeria can harness technology to transform its financial landscape and create opportunities for millions of citizens.

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BREAKING: DDM, DAMA To Host Weekly Blockchain Forum On 2025 Crypto Market Trends

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(DDM) – Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), in partnership with the Digital Assets Management Academy (DAMA), has announced the continuation of its weekly online discussion series titled Blockchain World 2.0.

The upcoming edition, scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, will explore the topic “Is the 2025 Crypto Bullrun Over?” in what promises to be one of the most engaging blockchain conversations of the year.

DDM corespondent Amaechi okoro confirmed that the live program will begin at 11:00 a.m. Nigeria Time and 11:00 GMT, streaming simultaneously on Zoom and the official DDM YouTube Channel.

According to the organizers, the episode will analyze current trends in the global cryptocurrency market, recent fluctuations in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices, and the factors that may determine whether the ongoing bullrun has reached its end or merely paused.

Participants are expected to include blockchain educators, investors, developers, and policy analysts from across Africa, Europe, and North America.

The session will also examine the growing role of regulatory frameworks, the influence of institutional investors, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence and tokenized assets on the digital economy.

The Zoom meeting details have been made public to ensure open participation:

🔹 Meeting ID: 870 8562 4072

🔹 Passcode: 871871

🔹 Join Link: Click to Join

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87085624072?pwd=t3LNMzrRHuMzoYDABHzPbWXI6go9Ez.1

In addition to live interaction on Zoom, DDM confirmed that the event will be streamed live on YouTube via the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) channel.

The channel has become a hub for digital knowledge-sharing, focusing on blockchain education, digital transformation, financial literacy, and innovation across Africa’s emerging economies.

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Viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the DDM YouTube Channel for real-time notifications and updates whenever the weekly program goes live.

👉🏾 https://youtube.com/@ddmtvnews

The weekly Blockchain World 2.0 series has grown into a consistent platform for digital asset dialogue, bridging the gap between technology and policy while inspiring young Africans to explore blockchain’s potential beyond cryptocurrency trading.

The partnership between DDM and DAMA reflects a shared vision of empowering digital citizens with practical knowledge, policy insights, and exposure to global innovations in fintech, data governance, and asset tokenization.

Organizers noted that this week’s topic, “Is the 2025 Crypto Bullrun Over?”, is particularly timely given the recent volatility in the global crypto market following shifting liquidity patterns and evolving investor confidence.

Experts will provide projections on future price trends, decentralized finance (DeFi) developments, and the sustainability of blockchain adoption in Nigeria’s and Africa’s financial ecosystems.

The hosts encouraged professionals, students, and enthusiasts to participate actively by asking questions, sharing market experiences, and contributing to discussions that can influence Africa’s digital future.

The Blockchain World 2.0 series continues every Wednesday at the same time, offering reliable, research-driven insights into blockchain technology and the future of financial systems worldwide.

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Economy

Black Market Dollar To Naira Rate Holds Steady At ₦1,460

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(DDM) – The Nigerian Naira opened the new week on a relatively stable note in the parallel market, maintaining its position against the United States dollar after a brief appreciation last week.

According to data obtained by Investors King from major Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in Lagos and Abuja, the dollar-to-naira exchange rate stood at ₦1,450 per dollar for buying and ₦1,460 per dollar for selling as of Monday, November 10th, 2025.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the Naira’s resilience is being supported by increased remittance inflows, steady oil revenue, and reduced speculative trading across major trading centers.

Market analysts said steady dollar supply from oil exports and diaspora remittances has helped meet forex demand and stabilize liquidity in the market.

Between Friday, November 7th and Monday, November 10th, the Naira appreciated by ₦10, moving from ₦1,450 to ₦1,460 in the black market.

BDC traders attributed the sustained balance to consistent inflows from remittances, improved foreign exchange circulation, and moderate import-related demand.

However, official rates from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) remain higher, reflecting the persistent disparity between official and black-market values, a long-standing structural challenge in the Nigerian forex landscape.

Experts say the stability in the Naira’s value can be traced to five major factors:

1. Improved Dollar Supply – Driven by oil exports and steady diaspora inflows.

2. Reduced Speculation – CBN’s strict oversight has curbed panic buying.

3. Moderate Dollar Demand – Import activities have slightly declined.

4. Stable Oil Prices – Brent crude holding around $85 per barrel strengthens reserves.

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5. Improved Confidence – Renewed faith in the government’s monetary management.

Economically, this steady exchange rate is a mixed blessing. Importers and consumers benefit from lower import costs, potentially easing inflation pressures.

Investors also gain short-term confidence from forex stability, while students and travelers find tuition and travel expenses more manageable.

However, financial experts caution that long-term stability will depend on sustained non-oil export growth, increased foreign investments, and bridging the gap between the official and black-market rates.

Looking ahead, analysts forecast that the Naira will trade between ₦1,445 and ₦1,465 per dollar in the coming days if the current fundamentals remain unchanged.

This outlook signals cautious optimism for Nigeria’s economy as it navigates the pressures of inflation, forex demand, and global oil market volatility.

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