Niger Delta

Wike, Others Get Nomination For Media Awards

Published

3 years ago

December 23, 2022

The organisers of an annual media awards in Bayelsa State called “Bayelsa Media Network Awards” (BMNA), says the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, is one of the nominees for the 2022 edition of the event.
The award, which is the 4th in series since it began about five years ago, is a yearly award put together by notable media stakeholders in the state to honour deserving private and public office-holders and others who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers and professions.
A statement made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, and host city of the award, by the Project Manager, Mr. Blessing Ozegbe, stated that the rationale behind the awards was the need to recognise and further boost the morale of Nigerians who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour and have impacted humanity.
Ozegbe noted that preparations for the 2022 edition of the awards have reached advanced stage, assuring that only credible individuals will be recognised and honoured.
He described this year’s awardees as “hardworking, competent, resilient, visionary and persons that have displayed exemplary leadership qualities and character”.
The Project Manager noted that the recipients were selected after an independent and transparent monitoring and investigative process which was devoid of any form of lobbying.
An elated Ozegbe, who was upbeat about a successful occasion this year, also gave the names of some of the recipients aside the Rivers State Governor as Dr. Gloria Diri, Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor; Senator Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State; Sen. Degi Eremienyo, Senator Representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District; and His Royal Majesty, King Biobelemoye Josiah, Ogbodo the (VIII), Amanyanabo of Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) Kingdom.
Others, according to the organisers, are; the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai; Chairman, Bayelsa State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Lambert Ototo; Executive Chairman, Ahoada-West Council area of Rivers State, Hon. Hope Ikiriko; and his Vice Chairman.
Also to receive awards are the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, and his counterparts from the Ministries of Health and Culture and Tourism, Dr. Pabara Igwele and Dr. Iti Orugbani, respectively.
The organisers also mentioned other awardees as H.R.H Sunny Jacob, Paramount Ruler, Edagberi/Betterland Community, Rivers State, Pst.Mercy Dan, H.R.H Egbekun Blessing, and Asp. Oguche Emmanuel.
The organizers noted that the ceremony would take place at the Ernest Sesei Ikoli Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat, Azikoro Road, Ekeki, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on December 26th 2022.
They urged all Journalists and well wishers to grace the event.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

10 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

10 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

10 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.