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Niger Delta

Bayelsa Dep Gov Warns Against Disturbances On Western Senatorial Road Project

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4 years ago

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Bayelsa State Government has warned youths of the area against unnecessary interference with ongoing projects funded by the state, in particular the Sagbama-Ekeremor road project in the state’s West Senatorial district.
The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who issued the warning at a meeting with traditional rulers and youth presidents of some communities in Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Area in Government House, Yenagoa, recently urged the youths to refrain from collecting illegal taxes from contractors.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, the Deputy Governor was quoted expressing his displeasure over the alleged harassment of truck drivers conveying materials being used for the construction of the road by youths demanding different kinds of revenue.
The state’s number two citizen warned youths involved in such acts in any part of the state to either desist from the unwholesome practice or face the wrath of the law.
He directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to issue letters of authority to truck drivers supplying raw materials to Setraco, the contractor handling the road so as to enable them enjoy tax waivers and unfettered movement.
Addressing the community leaders, the deputy governor maintained that government attaches high premium on taking the road to Ekeremor Town before the end of this year, noting that government would not tolerate any bottleneck that will slow down the pace of work, just as he constituted a 20-member patrol taskforce to check the issue of illegal tax collection on the road.
Members of the Taskforce include, the Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area, Mr Alale Embeleakpo and the Divisional Police Officers in charge of Sagbama Town, Ekeremor Town and Aleibiri Federated Community.
Other members are one representative each from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Sagbama, Aleibiri and Ekeremor as well as youth presidents of Adagbabiri, Sagbama, Ofoni, Ayamasa, Isampou and Ekeremor communities.
Other members are, the paramount rulers of Angiama, Aleibiri, Ofoni, and a nominee from the Amananaowei of Ekeremor, His Royal Highness Agbodo Gbaseimo.
The Tide reports that the taskforce, which is divided into two to patrol the road from the Adagbabiri and Ekeremor ends to Bulou Orua Bridge, also has the state Government Revenue Agent, Mr Doubara Kumokou, and the Chairman of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in charge of Bayelsa West and Oporomor Clan as members.
“You will be divided into two. Some of you will patrol from Adagbabiri to Bulou Orua bridge, while the other group is to patrol from the Ekeremor/ Aleibiri end to the Bulou Orua Bridge also.
“You will be mobilized to carry out this task effectively because government will not tolerate any situation that will slow down the pace of work on that project.
“Henceforth nobody should go to any of our project sites to do any ‘marching ground thing’ with our contractors because the money we give them does not include that. We know of things you will ask from contractors that are your legitimate rights.
”But certainly not collection of money from truck drivers supplying stone base and other materials for our contractors. That must stop forthwith, “The deputy governor said.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Surveyor Moses Teibowei, called on people of the area to play supportive role to enable the present administration achieve its set target on the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road project.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

A’Ibom Unveils Industrial Park For Manufacturing 

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6 days ago

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January 2, 2026

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The Akwa-Ibom State Government has announced the completion of its industrial park which is well equipped with modern amenities to fast-track entrepreneurship that would create hundreds of jobs in the state.
Located on a 250-hectare facility with a dedicated customs checkpoint and a logistics hub, it has reduced the cost of moving goods to port by up to 30 percent.
The State Governor, Umo Eno, made this known while declaring open the 18th Annual General Meeting of the Cross River/Akwa Ibom States branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Uyo, the state capital.
He said in the state’s portal, which he described as a “one-stop-shop”, the state government has streamlined company registration, tax incentives and permits, adding that since its launch, the average time to obtain a business licence has fallen from 45 days to just 7 days.
“In partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Industrial Engineers and local universities, we have introduced a dual training programme that places 2000 youths annually in apprenticeships within manufacturing firms, ensuring a pipeline of skilled labour tailored to industry need”, he said.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Iniobong Ekong, said the state’s industrial policy 2024-2029 offers a 5-year tax holiday for new manufacturing enterprises, a 50% reduction in electricity tariffs for energy-intensive plants, and a matching grant scheme for research and development projects that has achieved a 15% increase in productivity.
He urged MAN to “partner with the state government by investing in the industrial park, tap into our incentives and bring your innovation to our shores.
“Together we can create a robust ecosystem where raw materials are transformed into value-added products, jobs are generated and our economy diversifies beyond oil.
“To the Federal Government, we seek continued support in the form of fiscal measures that encourage local production as well as the swift implementation of the national industrial policy which aligns closely with our state initiatives.”
In his welcome address, the Branch Chairman of the association, Inalegwu Adoga, lauded the governors of the two states for their commitment to improving infrastructure, stabilizing the business environment, enhancing security, and supporting local enterprises which, he said, has gone unnoticed.
“The manufacturing community deeply appreciates the platforms you have created to make both states more attractive for investment and industrial growth”, he said.
In a goodwill message, the Zonal Coordinator of Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-industry Development Initiative (NAADI), Howard Usen, expressed readiness to ensure a robust agribusiness and agro-industrial development across the country, particularly in the resource-rich South-South region.
“We recognize that the future of Nigeria’s economy is intrinsically linked to a strong manufacturing sector, especially one that leverages our abundant agricultural resources”, Usen said.
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Niger Delta

Oborevwori Weeps over Senator’s Death

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6 days ago

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January 2, 2026

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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has described the death of Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi as a great loss to the State, the Anioma nation and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, on Friday, Oborevwori said Nwaoboshi was a proud son of Delta and a courageous defender of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building would remain indelible.
He recalled the late senator’s impactful service at the National Assembly, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs.
The Governor said his voice and advocacy for the development of the Niger Delta and Delta State stood him out as a committed and passionate leader.
“Nwaoboshi’s political journey and rise to prominence were anchored on a rich political pedigree, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy, which also saw him serve meritoriously as a two-time Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.
“The late lawmaker devoted his life to the service of his people, the party and the nation, leaving behind a legacy of courage, loyalty and dedication to public service”, he said.
Oborevwori, said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Anioma nation, members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and all those whose lives he touched.
“I pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.
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Niger Delta

Nasarawa D’Gov, Others Condole Diri, Ewhrudjakpo Family

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6 days ago

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January 2, 2026

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Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe and the Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Seriake Dickson, have also condoled with the Bayelsa State Government and family of the late Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the deceased as an outstanding patriotic public servant.
In a letter addressed to the Ewhrudjakpo Family signed by the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor he expressed deep sadness over the sudden passing of his Bayelsa colleague on Thursday 11th December, 2025.
Dr Akabe acknowledged the high intellectual capacity and commitment of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo to public service and development of Bayelsa State as well as improvement in the governance system of the country.
Describing the sad development as a collective grief, the Nasarawa deputy governor sympathised with Governor Douye Diri, the Ewhrudjakpo Family, alongside the Government and people of the State, and prayed God to comfort them.
“I’m deeply shaken by the sudden and tragic news of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and my contemporary. Anyone who followed his trajectory in public service could clearly see a man deeply committed to the development of his state.
“He was widely regarded as a workaholic and a technocrat who brought intellectual rigour to governance. I will definitely miss his pieces of advice and his many proverbs”, he said.
Meanwhile, the former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Seriake Dickson, has urged the people of the state to honour the memories of their departed deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, by emulating his lifestyle of loyalty and commitment to promoting the common good.
Senator Dickson made the call when he paid a condolence visit to the Ewhrudjakpo Family and the people of Ofoni Community at the country home of Senator Ewhrudjakpo at Ofoni in Sagbama local government area of the state.
Accompanied by his wife, Professor Rachel Dickson, and a large retinue of political associates, Dickson lamented that the sudden demise of the Bayelsa Deputy Governor has created a gaping hole not only in Ofoni but also the entire state in several areas including politics.
According to him, the Senator Ewhrudjakpo he maintained close ties with for over thirty years, embodied total loyalty, selfless service and dedication to worthy causes aimed at making society a better place.
Describing the passing of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as a great iroko tree that had fallen, the former Bayelsa Governor expressed worry that it would be difficult to have another committed, loyal and dedicated leader of Ewhrudjakpo’s ilk in a short while
He, however, encouraged the bereaved Ewhrudjakpo family and the entire people of Ofoni community to take solace in the positive and riveting legacy left behind by their illustrious son, and prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed deputy governor.
“The story of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo is now spreading like wild harmattan fire. He was a good man who rendered selfless service with integrity, compassion and loyalty. We can not completely tell his story in one day.
“There are two types of loyalty: loyalty to good causes and loyalty to persons. Lawrence had both. Younger people and even elders in this political business should know that it is about mentoring and being mentored. Lawrence knew it all and followed. How do we replace Lawrence?
”Even though we are all pained, we still have to thank God for giving him to us through your family and community. We do so because we can not question God. But I want to let you know that there are so many things we will institute in his name.
“We will not allow the name of this great and good man to go down because he has ceased to breathe. I am calling a lot of friends and all of you to be part of it”, Dickson said.
Responding on behalf of the Ewhrudjakpo family, Dr. Oyovwhi Osusu, thanked Senator Dickson for the condolence visit and his kind words of encouragement to the immediate bereaved family and Ofoni community in general.
Dr. Osusu, who expressed  profound sense of loss and grief of the community over the death of their son, however, assured Senator Dickson of their readiness to  collaborate with him, the State Government and every critical stakeholder to give the deceased a befitting burial.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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