News
Diri Declares Seven-Day Holiday For Bayelsa Workers … As Flood Washes Up Corpses At Cemeteries
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has declared a seven-day break for civil servants following flooding across the state.
The governor, in a statewide broadcast, yesterday morning, said nearly a million people in over 300 communities in the state have been internally displaced while some deaths have been reported.
Diri, however, clarified that, the work-free week, does not cover workers on essential duty as they are expected to still do their jobs.
He said the state was facing a humanitarian crisis with over one million persons displaced across Sagbama, Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, Yenagoa, Nembe and Kolokuma Opokuma local government areas while businesses shut, properties lost and farmlands destroyed.
“I hereby direct all public servants except those on essential duties to be given time off from work for the next one week.
“Let me make a special appeal to vendors, particularly of fuel, food, water and pharmaceuticals not to exploit the situation. We must be our brothers’ keepers.
“Government has also observed that at such moments of distress, some miscreants take advantage of the vulnerable population to commit crimes. Let me make it clear that we will continue to have zero tolerance for crime and criminality.”
He said critical infrastructure like hospitals, roads, bridges and schools, including the state-owned Niger Delta University in Amassoma, the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, have been severely affected.
Diri added that without exaggeration, the sheer scale of the devastation was too much for the state to handle hence the call for federal assistance.
However, the flood ravaging Bayelsa State has washed up several corpses at Azikoro Government Cemetery in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The same same situation applies to other private cemeteries in the state capital.
The situation has raised health concerns from the offensive odour in the neighbourhoods.
The flood, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, had compelled the electricity company in charge of the state to shut down public power supply.
This was done out of safety concerns to avoid electrocution as most transformers had been submerged.
The Commissioner for Environment who doubles as the Chairman of Bayelsa Flood Committee, Mr. Iselema Gbaranbiri, confirmed that three floating corpses were recovered from the scene.
He said that the corpses were immediately reburied and the environment properly fumigated.
He explained that the ministry got a report that one corpse was washed up but officials dispatched to the scene found three.
“The floating of corpses was actually reported. I got the report of a floating corpse and I directed the Head of Health and Sanitation to get the corpse reburied. Two more corpses were recovered and reburied and the environment was properly fumigated,” Gbaranbiri said.
Meanwhile, residents near the area had appealed to the state government to relocate the cemetery to safeguard public health.
They also noted that the chemical applied to and stench from decomposing corpses pose serious health hazards to residents, calling on the government to provide relief for them and relocate the cemetery after the flood.
One of those who reside in the area, Jeremiah Owoupele, appealed to Governor Douye Diri to relocate the cemetery for health reasons.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
-
News5 days ago
Libya Deports 80 Nigerian Migrants Over Illegal Stay
-
Business4 days agoInsecurity, Poor Power Supply Hamper Business Activities – Survey
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Monarch Lauds Fubara Over Speedy Execution Of Projects In Rivers
-
Ict/Telecom4 days ago
Scientists Advocate Shared Responsibility To Boost Food Security
-
Business4 days ago
VivaJets CEO Urges Unified Aviation Reforms Across Africa
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Sexual Harassment: Court Sentences UNICAL Prof To 5yrs Imprisonment
-
Sports5 days ago
D’Tigress shift focus to W’Cup qualifiers, After Friendlies
-
Sports4 days ago
Neglect, Mismangement Responsible For 2026 W’Cup Mishap – Barr Green