Niger Delta
Flooding: Bayelsa Shuts Down Schools, Plans Palliatives
Following the devastation caused by flood, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has directed the immediate closure of all primary and secondary schools across the state.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said the directive took effect from October 19.
Governor Diri said the decision was taken to avert further danger to lives.
He gave the directive after leading a team of his cabinet members and other government officials on an on-the-spot visit to some of the flooded communities in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw local government areas.
Governor Diri’s spokesman said the Governor would visit more areas to ascertain the level of the floods soon,noting that the governor lamented the devastating effect of the flooding on the people and communities just as he said the prosperity administration headed by the Governor would not abandon the affected communities and people at this time of their needs.
The Governor stated that as a concerned government, palliatives would be sent to victims of the disaster as a temporary measure.
“Due to the devastating effect of the flooding that I have seen, I hereby direct the Commissioner for Education to immediately shut down all secondary and primary schools pending when the floods would abate. We do not want to lose lives and we do not want reptiles to cause injuries to our wards”, he said.
“Painfully, we have to take this decision because the schools were just resuming from COVID-19 closure and here we have another natural challenge arising from flooding”, he added.
“I will continue with this visit to empathise and sympathise with our brothers and sisters. Let me assure all of them that as a state we are with them”, the Governor reiterated.
Senator Diri called on federal agencies, particularly the National Emergency Management Agency,NEMA to come to the aide of the government and people of the state.
“We also appeal to Mr. President to immediately come to our aide, particularly with respect to the ecological fund and all other funds available to ensure that our people are not neglected”, he noted.
Governor Diri equally directed the Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University to immediately explore and ensure that a department be created for erosion control in the institution.
He emphasised the need for a permanent solution to the annual flooding challenges, saying the people have suffered enough.
The governor had a brief stop at the palaces of the Amananaowei of Amassoma Community and that of the Ebenibe of Epie Kingdom.
In separate interviews with journalists, the Amananaowei of Amasoma Community, Chief Graham Naingba, and the Ebenibe of Epie Kingdom, King Malla Sasime, thanked the governor for his concern towards the plight of the people.
They called on the Federal Government to join efforts with the state government to address the challenges associated with the flood.
Areas visited by the governor included the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Agudama- Ekpetiama and Igbogene communities as well as some parts of the state capital.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
