Niger Delta
Bayelsa@ 28: Diri Calls For Sustained Support
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the people of the state to continue to rally round the Prosperity Government towards sustaining the prevailing peace and stability that had put the state on a steady path of development.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor stated this at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service in commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence Day and Bayelsa State at 28 anniversary at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.
Senator Diri, who attributed the peace and security being experienced in the state to the collective efforts of the various security agencies, equally appreciated the support of all Bayelsans that led to the achievements recorded by successive administrations.
According to the governor, Bayelsa State has made tremendous progress in the last 28 years of its creation considering where the state used to be in terms of development.
The governor who noted that Yenagoa used to be known as a one-road capital city, but today the state can now boast of at least three entry points into Yenagoa due to the commitment of government to embark on massive infrastructural development across the state.
“You can now see the roads we are constructing, including the ongoing three senatorial roads as well the by-pass are among several road projects being handled to open up the state.
“And so we’re only stating the obvious when we say we have done very well. Our state is not where it used to be. I urge our people to see the brighter side of life rather than the dark side”, he said.
On the issue of the planned October 1st nationwide protest, Senator Diri said the best option to resolving issues remains dialogue, and therefore, enjoined those planning the protest to shelve the idea especially in the state.
He noted that his administration was doing everything humanly possible to ensure that there was peace and development as evident in the various projects and programmes being put in place for the welfare of Bayelsans.
“Through protest we are likely to destroy the peace we have worked hard to achieve. So, l encourage them to sheathe their sword. Let us dialogue because a house that is divided against itself can never stand.
“It has to be dark before it becomes day breaks. And so, we hope and pray that we will pass through this dark period. So l want to encourage them to avoid the protest especially here in Bayelsa State. We are doing all that is possible to ensure that there is peace and prosperity for everyone.
“As Bayelsa celebrate 28 years anniversary, l offer the message of hope, courage and determination because we are closer to where we need to get to than where we started.
“The government of Senator Douye Diri is doing everything humanly possible to develop the state and the signs are there for all to see, and so, they should be hopeful”, he stressed.
In his sermon, titled, “A Shepherd ln The Imitation of Christ”, the Chaplain, Central Naval Command Headquarters, Bayelsa State, Rev. Father Ethelbert Owulu, urged leaders to see themselves as an instrument of God to render selfless service to mankind.
Rev. Father Owulu, who is also a commander in the Nigerian Navy, said just as God chose various prophets to deliver his people from hardship, those in positions of authority should see themselves as shepherds to improve the general wellbeing of the people.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo read the only lesson at the service which was taken from the book of Joel Chapter two, verse 23 to 26.
Intercessory prayers were offered for President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and their families as well as for the security, peace and stability of Nigeria and Bayelsa State.
Special prayers were also offered for the three arms of government and the people of Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta region and Ijaw land.
Dignitaries who attended the service included, Wife of the Governor, Dr Gloria Diri, the informer military governor of Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the immediate past deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, state lawmakers,
Others are, Secretary to State Government, Prof Nimbofa Ayaowei, the state Head of Service, Dame Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, Commissioners and other top government functionaries, service commanders, and royal fathers including the Chairman of the state traditional rulers council, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
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