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Go Beyond Issuing Flood Alerts, Diri Tells FG …Reassures Bayelsans On Permanent Solution To Coastal Erosion
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to support states in tackling the menace of flooding instead of just issuing alerts.
Speaking in Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday, when he received the leadership of Obogoro community on a courtesy visit, Diri noted that tackling flood, erosion and other environmental challenges was costly and cannot be single-handedly handled by states alone.
The governor said almost all communities in the State were affected by constant flooding and erosion, stressing that the government was doing everything within available resources to address the issues.
Diri said as part of efforts to tackle flooding and erosion, his administration had set up a flood and erosion control agency to proffer holistic solution to the environmental issues.
He stated that the government was already addressing the coastal erosion in Obogoro community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, assuring the people that a lasting solution would be preferred to the menace.
The state’s helmsman thanked the leadership of Obogoro for toeing the path of dialogue instead of a protest planned by some persons in the community.
”When we heard stories of protest, I asked where are my brothers in that community? If there is one community that has benefited from this State and this administration, it is Obogoro. At the end of the day, the leadership of the community rose to the occasion and I appreciate you for standing up.
“On the issue of erosion, you all know that most communities in the State are threatened, including my own community. For now, Obogoro is receiving attention from government.
“When the action was too slow, I had to drag in the Deputy Governor and most of the issues are being resolved. There is no reason for anybody to resort to protest.
“In a state, it is the communities that make up the local government areas. So, if they have issues, we have issues too.
“We are not in the business of playing politics with development. I have heard your requests and we will certainly take steps to bring a lasting solution to the problem of erosion in Obogoro.
“Erosion affects almost all communities in Bayelsa. That is why we believe this is not a state government problem alone.
“We need the Federal Government to play key roles. Federal Government issuing warning or alerts to states is not enough. You know we do not have the resources to tackle this issue. We need the federal and international agencies to support us.
“Let me, however, appreciate the leadership of Obogoro community for engaging the government and for always listening to us”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Monday Igodo, the community’s paramount ruler, Barr. Francis Igodo expressed appreciation to the state government for projects sited in Obogoro, which include establishing a new secondary school, internal road, ongoing construction of a cottage hospital as well as appointment of sons and daughters of the community into positions of authority.
While describing the erosion in Obogoro community as an existential threat, he appreciated the state government for actions taken so far and suggested sheet piling as an option to solve the menace.
He assured the governor of the community’s continuous support and urged him not to relent in his effort to bring development to every part of the state.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.