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OBJ Lauds Diri, Rebrands Bayelsa As Special State

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4 years ago

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Bayelsa State as a special state and pledged to continue to support its developmental efforts, which he said were on course.
The two-time Nigerian Head of State spoke yesterday at his Abeokuta, Ogun State residence during the visit of Governor Douye Diri to felicitate with him on his 85th birthday.
The Tide reports that the foremost elder statesman thanked the Bayelsa governor for the visit, commending him for steering the ship of the state in the right direction.
Obasanjo said despite being a small state in terms of population, his desire is to see a Bayelsa that is beautiful, powerful and that cannot be ignored.
“Bayelsa State is a special state. What I have coveted and strived for Bayelsa is what we are getting today. Small but beautiful, small but powerful, small but cannot be neglected. That is the hope that I have worked with. It has not been easy but with positivity and God directing, we have laid a foundation with your predecessors.
“For now, I want to say your state is comparatively quiet, peaceful, secured and we cannot know this and not sample it as an example for other states in Nigeria”, Obasanjo said.
“You have what it takes in human and non-human resources. You have what it takes in experienced people, men and women. You have what it takes even in people of Bayelsa in the Diaspora in terms of their enterprise and commitment. What we desire for your state and, by extension Nigeria, we pray they are realised”, the former president noted.
While thanking God for his life, the former president said it was a privilege and special grace of God to be born and to live up to 85 years in a country like Nigeria.
“Whichever way one looks at it, 85 years on earth in a country like Nigeria, born at the time I was born, in the situation I was born, one must regard it as the great grace of God. So, I thank you for being here to share with me in thanksgiving,” he added.
Earlier, Governor Douye Diri said as a father to all, the birthday of the octogenarian leader cannot be taken for granted by his children.
Diri explained that the purpose of the visit was to felicitate, rejoice and pray with him on his birthday.
“As your children, your birthday is something we cannot take for granted. So, we came to see you as our leader and to felicitate with you on your birthday.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy 

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6 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
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Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev 

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6 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

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6 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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