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Group Lauds Wike, Others Over Nomination, Receipt Of Media Awards

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3 years ago

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The organisers of the fourth edition of the Bayelsa Media Network Awards (BMNA) have praised the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the Ahoada-West Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman, Dr Hope Ikiriko, for receiving their well deserved awards in the 2022 version of the awards which held at the Ernest Sesei Ikoli, NUJ Press Centre, Yenagoa.
It would be recalled that the Rivers State Governor on 26th December, 2022 received an award as the Best ‘Governor of the Year’, conferred on him by the organisers of the prestigious BMNA in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State.
The Ahoada-West Council boss, who also doubled as Chairman of the occasion, received the award on behalf of the Rivers State Governor.
In his speech, Ikiriko acknowledged the organisers of the annual awards for meticulously nominating qualified individuals who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers and professions as recipients of the awards.
He noted that he was not surprised that the Rivers State Governor was nominated as best Governor of the year for the awards.
Ikiriko said the Governor’s infrastructural revolution and other antecedents upon assumption of office underscore the reason he has received several awards in and outside Rivers State.
“If this awards were coming from certain groups, I’d not have been here in the first place, let alone becoming chairman of the occasion.
“But when the organisers first visited me in my office in the Ahoada-West council area, enumerated projects of the Rivers State Governor, the impact of these projects, and the Governor’s policies have had in the state, as well as my own efforts as council chairman in infrastructural development, I was convinced after thorough investigation that the awards were coming from a reliable group.
“Governor Wike, my boss emerging as the Best Governor of the Year, and me clinching the award of the best LGA Chairman in the South-South geopolitical zone in the 4th edition of the annual awards is a testament to the fact that in all that you do, whether as a public office holder or even in the private sector and otherwise, people unknown to you are watching,” he said.
“Personally, this award would spur me to do more for the people of Ahoada-West Council area”, Ikiriko said.
In their separate addresses to commemorate the 4th edition of the annual media awards, the Chairman, Organizing Committee for the 2022 edition of the event, Pastor Mike Tayese, and the Project Manager for the awards, Mr Blessing Ozegbe commended recipients and sponsors of the awards for making the event a reality.
He noting that the essence of the awards was to appreciate recipients’ contributions to societal development and progress.
Highpoints of the event was the unveiling and launch of a proposed N100,000,000million prototype event centre for the BMNA.
Recipients of various awards included: the wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr Gloria Diri, Royal fathers from both Bayelsa and Rivers States, Security personels, Captains of industry, notable media stakeholders, and serving Commissioners in the Bayelsa State Executive Council.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

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December 8, 2025

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A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.
The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.
Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.
In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.
The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.
Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.
By: Enoch Epelle
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Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

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3 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management  of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State
The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.
On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.
The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.
MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator,  Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.
LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama,  Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.
He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities
“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.
On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is  at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.
“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”
On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.
“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”
By: Chinedu Wosu
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Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

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6 days ago

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December 5, 2025

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The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians  to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

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