Niger Delta

Jonathan Scores Diri High On Educational Policies, Dev

Published

4 years ago

February 9, 2022

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has restated the importance of Education and technology in nation building and advancement.
Jonathan, who gave the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Bayelsa State education summit in Yenagoa,the state capital on Monday also relived his educational policies as former governor of the state and former president of Nigeria, restating his commitment towards the development and advancement of the state and Nigeria through education.
The summit has as its theme, “Optimizing the delivery, performance and outcomes in the Education sector of Bayelsa state.”
The ex-president who also undersored the importance of a second language for self and national advancement, noted that it was time Nigeria made compulsory the learning of a second international language in schools in order to make communications easier and faster,saying Nigeria shares borders with mostly non-English speaking nations.
He commended the state government for its development- propelling educational policies, just as he described the governor Diri’s prosperity administration as one in the right direction.
He acknowledged the contributions of governor Diri during his time as state governor between 2005 and 2006, adding that Diri who served as Youths/Sports Commissioner worked assiduously in making the state better, reiterating that under his administration, the state executive council worked out similar modalities for repositioning education, but praise Governor Diri and his cabinet for achieving greater milestones in the educational advancement of the state.
“Between 2005 and 2006 when I was governor of Bayelsa state in which Governor Diri served as Commissioner for Youths/Sports, there was a shell scholarship scheme where we found out that no Bayelsan citizen was shortlisted as having qualified after taking the examination for the scholarship.
“And so I called for Diri and the then education Commissioner,Mr James Tobias and worked out modalities to make sure that henceforth Bayelsa’s would sit for examinations and never fail. I called for Diri and Tobias because I believe that this issue of scholarship affects more of the youths.
“From that day on we decided to set up two special schools for the very bests of the best students in our state,but before the commencement of these schools we also sent about 150 best pupils selected from all parts of state for admission into the best secondary schools in the country and luckily after their graduation from these schools, I was by God’s Grace and your grace as Nigerians Vice president, so the Presidential Amnesty programme sent them abroad to further their education in some of the best schools in the world to study on scholarship”, Jonathan said.
“When I was president I also thought there would be problem in Nigeria if the Almajiris weren’t sent to school to acquire Western Education in addition to the Islamic Education they’ve already acquired and so after my one of my aide from Anambra state went round the North on consultations with traditional rulers and Islamic clerics and we came up with the idea of building the Almajiri schools to deliberately solve the Almajiri problem.
“I also think that there’s nothing bad if as Bayelsans, as a people we pick one of our dialects and make it a central language which all of us can understand and speak. We can have that and still maintain our various dialects, because that would unite us better”, he added.
Also speaking as special guest of honour, Governor Diri said his educational policies were a direct fall out of his quest to better the lots of the educational advancement of state,noting that his administration would be working out a 15 years Educational plan for the state,subject to review in intervals.
Diri described education as the ‘bedrock of development’, adding that any government which does not take the education of its citizens seriously, is doomed.
The Bayelsa chief executive lauded the state Education Commissioner and the Ministry officials for putting the programme,promising that all decisions taken and solutions profered towards solving the setbacks in the state’s Educational problems at the end of the summit would be implemented to the latter.
“As a government,we inherited 13 special schools established by our predecessor’ administration where students are in boarding houses and fed by the state government,and because we’re Education friendly even upon paucity of funds,we’ve decided to continue with these schools. All the students there are fed, uniforms given to them by the government and free books too given to them by the Bayelsa state government”, he said.
Meanwhile,earlier in his opening address,the state Commissioner of Education Dr. Gentle Emelah commended the state governor for his timely interventions towards the advancement of Education in the state.
He thanked delegates and participants in the ongoing summit, promising to work with all relevant stakeholders in the sector to within the limits of his ministry ensure that the state is rated high amongst the educational friendly states in the course of formulating policies and taking decisions as it affects the sector.
The Tide reports that the Bayelsa state maiden education summit which began on Monday,7th, February is expected to end Thursday 10th February,2022 and is held as part of the activities commemorating the second year in office of the governor Diri’s administration.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Get Your PVC, Shape Nigeria’s Future, NDDC MD Tells Students

Published

4 days ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has urged students in tertiary institutions across the Niger Delta to embrace their civic responsibilities by registering for and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Ogbuku made the call at the launch of Project New Nigeria and a voter registration sensitisation programme organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he was represented by the NDDC Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone.

Describing the PVC as a critical tool for democratic participation, Ogbuku said it empowers citizens, especially young people, to influence governance and elect leaders who reflect their aspirations.

“The Nigerian youth remain the heartbeat of the new Nigeria we seek. Their energy, creativity and voice will determine the nation’s trajectory.

“However, for that voice to count, they must obtain their PVCs. It is through this process that they can shape decisions, influence leadership and demand accountability”, he said.

He added that the act of voting reflects citizens’ belief in the country’s potential for growth and progress, urging students to take advantage of the opportunity ahead of forthcoming general elections.

The NDDC boss further reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote civic awareness and youth empowerment, noting that the agency has sustained various transformation and capacity-building programmes across the region.

Earlier, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Mr Samuel Okani, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts at deepening democracy through voter education and civic orientation.

According to him, the programme, which is being implemented in universities across the Niger Delta, aims to broaden students’ understanding of the electoral process and encourage active participation.

“We are engaging students across institutions in the region to sensitise them on the importance of collecting their PVCs and participating in elections. This is one of the ways young people can influence governance and contribute to economic direction,” he said.

Okani expressed optimism that the initiative would be sustained in the years ahead to strengthen democratic values and youth inclusion in governance.

Niger Delta

Oborevwore Counsels Corps Members On Productive Service Year, Purposeful Future

Published

4 days ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwore, has urged corps members to participate in all programmes designed to instill discipline, resilience, and the practical knowledge required for a productive service year for a purposeful future.

Oborevwore said this on Friday at the Opening Ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream Il Orientation Course held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Issele Uku.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kingsley Emu, said this is an opportunity to strengthen themselves.

“An opportunity to tell yourselves that this is the last chance you have to be protected by the government.

“As a student, you enjoyed a lot of immunity. As corp members you are still going to enjoy a lot of immunity and after NYSC you are on your own, therefore, you must prepare to face the world.

“My dear corps members, as you embark on this national assignment, uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and patriotism.

“You stand at the threshold of a defining phase, one that calls for service, sacrifice, and meaningful contribution to national development.

“Embrace this experience, build friendships, deepen mutual respect, and strengthen the unity that remains the cornerstone of our nationhood.

“Delta State is peaceful, welcoming, and rich in opportunities. I urge you to make your service impactful and to leave your host communities better than you met them.

“Be law-abiding, respect the customs of your host communities, and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of this great nation. The future of Nigeria is, indeed, in your hands”, he said.

He, however, urged corp members to be serious in their Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, saying that it was the key to fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on white-collar jobs.

While noting that he was aware of the infrastructural challenges within this camp, he assured that the state government was taking deliberate steps to address these gaps.

“The construction of a perimeter fence to enhance security and the upgrade of critical facilities, these will receive priority attention”, he said.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. John Kwange, commended the Governor for his consistent and unwavering support to the NYSC scheme.

“The reconstruction of the camp’s perimeter fence, construction of the internal road network, and reticulation of water, among other projects, have greatly enhanced the security of lives and property, while also significantly improving the overall camp infrastructure”, he said.

He urged corps members to participate actively in all camp activities and abide by the rules guiding the orientation course.

“It is important to inform our corps members that the three-week orientation course is carefully designed to equip you with the necessary skills and right values for national development.

“The course is aimed at instilling discipline, leadership values, perseverance, humility, and endurance in all participants, with a view to promoting unity in diversity through peaceful coexistence”, he said.

The State Coordinator disclosed that a total of 2,611 corps members, comprising 1,203 males and 1,408 females, were registered.

Niger Delta

CSOs, Bille Community Urge Solution To Persistent Underwater Gas Eruption

Published

3 weeks ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the people of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State have called for government’s urgent intervention to end the suspected underwater gas eruption in the community.

The groups, under the aegis of the Environmental Rights Action and Social Action, made the call during their advocacy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), in Port Harcourt.

The Programme Manager of Environmental Rights Action, Mr. Kentebe Ebiaridor, said the visit was to seek clarity on the response efforts of the regulators to the development in the community.

Ebiaridor expressed concern over what he described as “inadequate response from regulatory agencies and the government concerning the incident”.

He said discussions with some officials revealed that there was still no clear timeline for action to address the situation.

According to him, in the absence of clear ownership of the facility linked to the incident, companies operating within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 should be held accountable.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) had in a statement issued on March 20 by its Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the commission had commenced an investigation into a gas bubbling incident in Bille Community.

Eyesan said the commission expressed concern over the development and assured residents of its ongoing efforts to address the situation.

Also, the Resource Justice Manager of Social Action, Dr. Prince Edegbuo, warned that the situation could escalate into a public health emergency, if urgent steps were not taken.

Edegbuo called on relevant authorities to release the results of the tests reportedly conducted in the area, stressing that residents had the right to know the condition of their environment.

He also said CSOs were prepared to intensify advocacy on the matter, urging the development of emergency response measures, including possible evacuation plans.

A legal practitioner and community stakeholder, Mr. Commission Deinbo, had, on March 20, said residents had continued to witness unusual signs on the waterways in the area.

Deinbo said the signs included boiling and bubbling from the ground and river, sometimes within residential areas, as well as fire outbreaks, which the residents had always managed to contain.

He appealed to relevant authorities to come to their aid and find a lasting solution to the problem.

In a response, the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of NOSDRA, Mr. Bello Augustin, assured the community that he would relate its concerns to the appropriate quarters.

Augustin also commended the CSOs for their advocacy and concerns to community development in the state.

By: Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick