Niger Delta
Wike, Nsirim, Others Bag Awards, As Bayelsa Publisher Marks Anniversary
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, former Military Administrator of old Rivers State and Chairman,Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinius Nsirim, amongst others, have received awards from a Bayelsa State-based journalist and publisher,Gesi publications.
The award ceremony was part of activities held to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the publishing company.
In his speech, Chairman of the occasion and Paramount Ruler of Sabagreia Community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Council Area of Bayelsa State, Bokumor Orukari acknowledged the development strategies employed by former Rivers State Governors, Navy Commander,Alfred Diete-Spiff(rtd) and the late Senator Melford Okilo respectively.
The royal father asserted that through the selection of capable hands into the state executive council, the two former Governors were able to bequeath enduring legacies to both the people of the old Rivers and the present day Bayelsa State.
Giving special remarks on leadership and development in the old Rivers State under the Diete- Spiff’s administration, pioneer cabinet member of the administration, Ambassador Lawrence Ekpebu maintained that it was sacrosanct to give public appointments based on merit.
The erstwhile Nigerian Ambassador to the Ivory Coast reiterated that the panacea to enduring legacies by government in Nigeria is the political will by leaders to embark on deliberate infrastructural development of their states by bringing into leadership qualified manpower.
“In the Spiff’s era, our names as commissioners were written and sent to General Yakubu Gowon for screening before our appointments were approved. So the Diete-Spiff’s led administration had qualified manpower appointed on merit, hence, the success”, Ekpebu said.
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University, Professor Solomon Ebobrah has faulted the Federal Government on its inability to provide infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Ebobrah, citing relevant legal authorities, harped that it was the function of the government to build infrastructure in all parts of the country,hence the absence of infrastructure in the Niger Delta region is a deliberate attempt by the federal and state governments to undermine the processes of development in the area.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Akpan, who died on August 2 at the age of 63, was buried after a funeral and thanksgiving service attended by journalists, family members, friends and community leaders.
The Tide’s source reports that the service was held at the community playground in Ekpeneobo, Esit Eket Local Government Area.
The State Governor, Bassey Otu, described the deceased as a thoroughbred professional whose contributions to journalism and the state would remain indelible.
Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, spoke at the funeral, highlighting Akpan’s years of professional service in Cross River.
He said the journalist, an indigene of Akwa Ibom, had lived and worked in Cross River for years, making Calabar his second home.
The Governor’ commended Akpan for upholding journalistic ethics and maintaining balance, objectivity and fairness when sensationalism was becoming increasingly common.
“His reports gave voice to the Niger Delta, projected our developmental challenges and celebrated our people.
“Cross River has lost a friend, a bridge between the state and the media, and a patriotic citizen who used his pen to promote good governance”, he said.
Otu urged the bereaved family to alists. draw comfort from Akpan’s enduring legacy, which he said would continue to inspire younger journalists.
He also prayed for strength for the family to bear the loss.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Alhassan Abdullahi, described Akpan’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession.
Abdullahi, represented by the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River Council, Mr. Archibong Bassey, said the deceased was a dedicated professional committed to information dissemination.
He said Akpan’s dedication to keeping the public informed remained an important part of his professional legacy.
In his sermon, Pastor Tunde Olaghende of Living Faith e positive legacies.
Church, Akwa Ibom State, urged Christians to live meaningful lives and leave positive legacies.
Olaghende encouraged people to be remembered for their good deeds, stressing the importance of making meaningful contributions to society while alive.
A former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, also described Akpan as a balanced reporter whose objectivity earned him widespread respect.
Some of Akpan’s former secondary school classmates recalled their lifelong friendship with him, praising his humility and professionalism.
Akpan retired from The Guardian Newspapers before establishing his own media platform. He was based in Calabar until his death.
The council chairman, Hon. Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba, announced the curfew in a statement issued on Friday after a security council meeting.
The development follows recent violent clashes between rival cult groups in the area, which have resulted in renewed security concerns.
Ogorugba said the decision was necessary to restore peace and order, protect lives and property, and enable security agencies to conduct thorough operations to bring the situation under control.
According to the statement, all motorists, commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, and residents of Ozoro and its environs are directed to remain indoors between 7:00pm and 6:00am daily, effective Friday, October 23, 2026, until further notice.
The council chairman appealed to residents to comply with the curfew and provide security agencies with useful information about suspected security threats.
He also directed security agencies to ensure that those involved in the cult-related violence are apprehended and brought to justice.
Ogorugba assured residents that the council was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal for calm and I urge parents and community leaders to caution their wards to desist from all forms of criminality and cult-related activities”, he said.
The governor’s approval is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Asaba, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Friday.
Ehimen’s appointment was sequel to the retirement of Mrs. Minimim Oseji, who would be out of the State Civil Service on October 28.
Until her appointment, Ehimen was the Permanent Secretary attached to the Office of the Head of Service, and was previously Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal.
According to Emu, the swearing-in of the new HoS will be announced in due course.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during his post State Executive Council meeting briefing, conveyed Oborevwori’s appreciation for the outgoing HoS, Dr. Minimim Oseji.
According to Aniagwu, the Governor, who presided over the council meeting, announced a new succession policy for the office of the HoS.
He said the policy was aimed at repositioning and to bring about institutional understanding and experience in the appointment of HoS.
“Oborevwori lauded the outgoing HoS for her reforms and tenacity.
“Henceforth, whoever will succeed the HoS must spend a minimum of six months in that office as Permanent Secretary (PS) to understudy the processes and procedures in the management of the career of public officers”, Aniagwu said.
The outgoing HoS succeeded Mr. Reginald Bayoko, who occupied the office for almost nine years.
Oseji was sworn-in as the 12th Head of Service on April 10, 2025.
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