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Niger Delta

Deputy Governor Appeals To IPOB, Others Over Sit-At-Home

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Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has called on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other separatist groups in the South-East to reconsider their stand in the interest of peace and economic wellbeing of the region.
He also urged the church, particularly clergymen to be more sincere and fervent in seeking the face of God concerning the security, economic and political woes currently bedeviling the country.
Ewhrudjakpo made the call while granting audience to a delegation from the Trinity Theological College (TTC), Umuahia, Abia State, in Government House, Yenagoa.
The Deputy Governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, pointed out that the sit-at-home order and other measures being employed by the various non-state actors had caused collosal damage to the South East economy and the country in general.
Expressing displeasure over the pains the situation is inflicting on ordinary citizens, especially in the South East, Senator Ewhrudjakpo appealed to all good spirited leaders across the country and beyond to come together and proffer solution to the crisis.
According to the Bayelsa Number two Man, God still answers prayers and uses people in addressing problems that ordinarily seem beyond human comprehension and solution.
He, therefore, stressed the need for the church to always stand in the gap in prayers for the world and its leaders, particularly in troubled regions where war, turmoil and terrorism are holding sway.
”We need to talk about our society, because in Nigeria people pretend and when you pretend over your problem, it becomes hydra-headed. If you don’t solve that problem, it becomes two and multiplies from there.
“Unfortunately what is happening in the South East, we think it is only affecting the people of that region. No, it is gradually affecting the whole country indirectly.
“When you shutdown three states economy every Monday consecutively, you are not helping the society. So, those behind it should reconsider their position. What do you actually gain by inflicting pains on your own people?
“So, we really want to task you because there is nothing that is impossible with God. Anything God cannot do is not on earth. That is why the things God has done in the past and things that He is yet to do, are very many.
“I really want us to pray because I believe that prayers have helped countries and if there are people ready to pray, there is a God who is always ready to answer. But we must pray fervently and sincerely”, he said.
While thanking the delegation, which mainly consisted of students of the College for the visit, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, enjoined them to take their training seriously, stressing that a lot of spiritual and intellectual discipline is always required for one to become a thorough-bred orthodox priest.
He reiterated his appeal to gospel preachers not to emphasize prosperity at the detriment of salvation of man in their messages, adding that the pulpit should be used to promote morality in the best interest of God and society.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, Rev. Chukwuka Ekejiuba, said the college was established in 1974 solely for the training of Anglican priests but it is now open to other denominations for learning purposes.
He expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor for his open door policy and kind disposition towards them, and equally solicited the state government’s support to enable the College rehabilitate its dilapidated infrastructure as well as equip the information technology unit.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Tai Agric Sector Gets Emergency Attention …As Chairman Distributes Farm Inputs, Inaugurates Technical Team

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The Chairman of Tai Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. Matthew Nenu Bari Dike has declared a state of emergency in the agriculture sector of Tai local government.
Speaking while distributing farm implements and other agricultural support packages to the farmers at the council’s headquarters in Saakpenwa, yesterday, Dike challenged farmers to show their farms before requesting for financial assistance.
The council boss stated that as a government, they were committed to putting smiles on the faces of the people and assured that his administration would ensure that every person in the local government is happy.
“As a government we want to assure you that, we will stop at nothing to ensure you all are empowered and living happily”.
According to him, “the gesture is aimed at enhancing food production and security through agriculture, and enjoined all lovers of agriculture in the local government area to identify with the quest to redefine development through agriculture in the local government.
He encouraged everyone to cultivate the passion and return to agriculture, to guarantee self-reliance, maximum food production and security in the area.
His administration, he said, would purchase more yam seedlings in order to get greater production to encourage exportation beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“A boost in yam production will also empower farmers in the Local Government Area”, the elated chairman said.
In a related development, the Chairman has inaugurated a five, member Agricultural Technical Committee for the Local Government Area.
The committee is made up of Pst. Anderson Wariboko, Barr. Paul Newman,, Smith Nyor-Ue, Gladys Jumbo and Dr Keke Rammyson
Also speaking, the Director of Agriculture, Tai Local Government Area, Mr Anderson Wariboko revealed that the event was part of activities to mark the chairman’s 100 days in office.
Wariboko who led the chairman, and other leaders of the council on the distribution of the farm inputs to the farmers, was full of praises for the chairman, Hon. Dike whom he said has the interest of the people at heart.

Kiadum Edookor

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Niger Delta

Coalition Urges Politicians Not To Escalate Tension In A’Ibom 

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The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has urged politicians in Akwa Ibom State not to escalate political tensions in the state in order to ensure sustainable peace and development.
At a press conference, the National Coordinator, Mr. Franklyn Isong, said those already elected into leadership positions should be allowed to work.
Isong urged the political class to wait until ban on political activities was lifted  by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said it was too early to engage in unhealthy political activities, saying “2027 is still far, this early politicking can affect governance and development”.
The Coordinator said the coalition was aware of plots by some politicians to destabilise governance in Akwa Ibom State.
“As a body, we frown at this, and we are raising the flag against the plot to pile up unhealthy political climate ahead of the 2027 political season.
“Those involved in this plot should call themselves to order, their activities are capable of stifling governance in the state.
“We urge politicians across party lines to close ranks and work towards the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large”, he said.
Isong further said the coalition was committed to the sustenance of good governance, rule of law, transparency and accountability in the state.
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Commissioner Charges NYSC Members On Opportunities In Edo

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Edo State State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to see opportunities in difficult situations as they await their postings.
Addressing the corps members at the orientation camp in Okada, about 40 kilometres from Benin City, Paddy urged them to be focused, build strong networks, and embrace a mindset of value addition.
“If you can think it, you can achieve it. The story of Governor Monday Okpebholo is enough to inspire you that no dream is too big.
“Though the number of out-of-school children is rising, your resilience has brought you this far, and today, you stand as an NYSC member.
“Let this be a stepping stone to greater achievements”, he said.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of making deliberate choices in life, particularly in their careers and personal associations.
“You must choose your company wisely because it will determine who will accompany you in life. Do not surround yourself with dream killers.
“Take action with passion, and it will yield results. Above all, pray before venturing into anything”, he advised.
Paddy, however, expressed confidence in the corps members’ ability to contribute meaningfully to Edo’s development.
“I saw the youthful population, ready to act and contribute to society. I saw the energy and drive.
“Obviously, we expect you to bring your passion to improve our educational system and the state at large”, he said.
He assured the NYSC members of the state government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people through policy reforms and strategic partnerships.
Earlier in her welcome address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Frances Ben-Ushie, commended the State Government for its commitment to youth development.
Ben-Ushie said over 80 per cent of the corps members would be deployed to the education sector.
“These young men and women have undergone physical and intellectual training, leadership development, and specialised programmes such as the SDGs initiative, SERVICOM, and Safety Vanguard.
“They are ready to make an impact in their assigned communities”, she stated.
She further highlighted the importance of the commissioner’s visit, saying it provided corps members with direct interaction with a key stakeholder in the state’s education sector.
“This session is crucial because it allows the corps members to meet someone who is already making a difference in capacity building, philanthropy, and human capital development.
“It will prepare you mentally to serve effectively in the communities”, she added.
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