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Jonathan Scores Diri High On Educational Policies, Dev

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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

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Niger Delta

Edo Chief Judge Seeks Collaboration Against Corruption

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The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has called on all court users to collaborate with the state judiciary in its fight against corruption.
Okungbowa made the call on Friday during a special court session held in Benin to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.
He commended the “Bail Is Free Campaign Organisation” for its continued support of the judiciary’s efforts to rid the system of corruption.
The opening ceremony provided an opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on the achievements of the past legal year and to outline goals for the year ahead.
According to the Chief Judge, key focus areas in the previous year included capacity building, administration of criminal justice, and staff welfare.
As the new legal year begins, Okungbowa emphasised the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the discharge of its duties.
In recognition of exemplary service, ten members of the state judiciary received the Chief Judge’s Award for being outstanding ambassadors of the institution.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, Mr. Idemudia Osifo, urged the Edo State judiciary to continue upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and judicial independence.
Osifo praised the judiciary for its industry, resilience, and steadfastness under the leadership of the Chief Judge, and also highlighted several persistent challenges.
He noted that many courts in Edo State still operated in dilapidated conditions and lacked modern facilities needed for effective justice delivery.
He lamented the prolonged duration of many court cases, which continued to erode public confidence in the system, and stressed the urgent need to improve the working conditions of judicial officers and support staff.
“The safety of judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and witnesses must be ensured”, he said.
The NBA urged the judiciary to invest in ICT infrastructure to enhance justice delivery, reduce delays, and increase transparency.
It also pledged its commitment to promoting access to justice and defending the sanctity of the legal profession.
As the new legal year begins, the association urged the judiciary to uphold the noble ideals of justice, fairness, and independence.

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Niger Delta

Oborevwori Felicitates Asagba Of Asaba, On First Coronation Anniversary

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, on the occasion of his first year coronation anniversary.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori lauded the monarch’s dedication to peace, unity, and the cultural advancement of Asaba.
He described Obi Azinge as a revered traditional ruler and academic whose leadership over the past year has brought renewed pride to the Asaba Kingdom and inspired confidence in traditional institutions across the State.
Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate Your Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, the Asagba of Asaba, on the joyous celebration of your first coronation anniversary.
“Your reign has already demonstrated a deep commitment to the values of peace, inclusiveness, and development.
“As an accomplished academic and respected traditional ruler, you have brought honour not only to the Asaba Kingdom, but also to the entire Delta State.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s support for traditional institutions and assured the Asagba of continued partnership in advancing the interests of the Asaba people.
He wished the monarch long life, wisdom, and a peaceful and prosperous reign.
Obi Prof. Azinge ascended the throne as the Asagba of Asaba in 2024, succeeding the late Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, and has since been recognised for his efforts in promoting cultural heritage, peace and community development.

By: Albert Ograka, Asaba

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Niger Delta

A’Ibom Inaugurates Nigeria Solar For Health Project

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The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to tackle the challenges of epileptic power supply to the health sector.
The State Governor, Umo Eno, stated this in his keynote address during the state launch on Friday in Uyo, saying that the project would be in collaboration with the EU.
According to the Governor, the project is to strengthen the state’s vision of universal, reliable and sustainable energy access for all communities, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Enyaenyi, stated that Akwa Ibom State has taken bold steps to domesticate the Electricity Act 2023 through its own Electricity Policy (2024) and Electricity Law (2024).
He said those two instruments mark a turning point in its journey toward a fully-fledged Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market (AKSEM), one that is state-led, private-sector-driven.
According to him, it will be inclusive in all ramifications and acutely focused on developing and sustaining the all-important off-grid sub-sector of the State Electricity Market.
“Electricity is not just a commodity, it is the foundation of healthcare, education, security, and prosperity.
“By establishing a credible electricity market and regulatory framework, we are creating a platform where on-grid and off-grid solutions can coexist, complementing each other to deliver reliable power to all sectors, including our hospitals and health centres”, Eno said.
The Governor further said the project would provide clean, reliable solar energy to healthcare facilities across the state; enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He added that it would reduce dependency on diesel and improve environmental sustainability; create local jobs and build technical capacity in solar maintenance and energy services.
Eno commended the state steering committee for taking up the important responsibility.
He said the committee, drawn from both the Ministries of Power and Health, would serve as the vital bridge between policy, implementation and progressive community outcomes.
“Let me assure our development partners, the EU, NTU International, and the REA, that the Akwa Ibom State Government will provide all necessary supports to ensure that this project becomes a model for sustainable energy access in healthcare, not just in our State but across Nigeria.
“This launch is more than a ceremony, it is a statement of intent”, he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Power, Mr. Robson Iniobong, said electricity is the very thing that guarantees and announces the functionality of every other sector.
Iniobong stated that the Governor had prioritised his interest in power and health sectors to provide quality services to the people.
In his remarks, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, said the project would establish solar mini-grids at approximately 19 Public Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Ogiehor added that the solar project would also reach the state central cold store, with a view to positively impacting healthcare delivery and boosting economic activities.
“Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of about 75 small businesses located within these facilities”, he said.

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