Niger Delta
Eid-El Kabir: Diri Hosts Islamic Leaders

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, defied the heavy rains to host the Muslim Ummah in the State to a special Salah Day banquet as part of the Eid-El Kabir celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, which was held at Government House in Yenagoa, Governor Diri said Nigerians from all walks of life need to live harmoniously in love, peace and brotherliness in order to build a united and progressive country.
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said both the Lord Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed preached love, peace and togetherness.
According to him, love and peacefulness are the two major attributes that will enable people to identify who a true Christian or Muslim is in society.
He insisted that all the crimes and killings being perpetrated in the country were as a result of the lack of these virtues.
He tasked Nigerians, irrespective of their religious persuasions and ethical backgrounds, to promote peaceful coexistence as they are all creatures of God Almighty.
The Bayelsa helmsman, who faulted the argument that Nigeria’s major problem was its ethnic diversity, noted that the country’s diversity should be exploited for positivity, saying that the real problem is lack of love for one another.
“Everybody should plant a seed of love wherever you are. I want all of us to be agents of peace wherever we are. Some people say it is because we have diversity, that is why we have insecurity.
“No, that is not true. That is a lazy man’s excuse. Nigeria’s diversity should be exploited for positivity. I do not believe that diversity is our problem. Our problem is lack of love and peace”, he said.
He continued that, “the message from Governor Douye Diri is that, we should extend the love we show to our children and close family members to every other neighbour. Once we do that, Nigeria will be peaceful.
“Here in Bayelsa, it is because of the love the Governor is spewing or radiating, that you see the seamless and very pleasurable relationship between Muslims and Christians.
“We celebrate together and share the same emotions. And the most important thing is that we are all working towards the progress and prosperity of Bayelsa State.”
In his welcome remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. GodspowerAsingba, said the State Government believes strongly in the secularity of the country and would continue to promote religious tolerance.
Asingba, who described the Governor Diri’s administration as detribalized and non-discriminatory, said the Muslem community in the State was happy with the administration for supporting them to celebrate the 2022 Eid-El-Kabir in a grand style.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Community, the Secretary General of the State Council for Islamic Affairs, Mr Mohammed Erefagha, expressed appreciation to the Governor for organizing what he described as an unforgettable Eid-El-Kabir get-together, despite the downpour.
Erefagha, who specially thanked government for appointing two of their members into the Bayelsa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, reminded the Governor of his promise of providing a bus for the Council in the State.
Highpoint of the celebration was the serving of food by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to more than a hundred Muslim faithfuls who attended the banquet.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.