Niger Delta
Ex-Milad Declares Bayelsa Second Home At 70
Former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd) has declared the state as his second home, describing it as a land of hospitality and divine blessings.
Captain Olubolade, who made the declaration at a state dinner to mark his 70th birthday at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, said the story of his life would not be complete without a copious mention of Bayelsa State.
The Ekiti-born retired naval officer described his appointment as military administrator and subsequent posting to Bayelsa as divine.
According to him, he was guided by integrity, selflessness and passion to develop the state to record his achievements within one year, stressing that without serving Bayelsa he would not have been appointed as Minister of Federal Capital Territory and Police Affairs by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Expressing gratitude to the government and people of the state for the honour done him, Olubolade called on Bayelsans to be united and always support government to build the state.
“Every position I have ever held in life, I never dream of it including my appointment and posting to Bayelsa as a military administrator. I was in the shop when they called me.
“But one thing I do is that I give my best to every position given to me. I don’t think of the gain, but just the best I can give. That was exactly what I did when I was brought here as an administrator.
“I was guided by some personal principles, and particularly what my wife told me: ‘Don’t steal the people’s money; If you don’t steal the people’s money, you will have progress and peace of mind. You can walk with your shoulders high any day, anytime.
“Bayelsa will remain my home because without Bayelsa I don’t think I would have been appointed as a minister twice. Little did I know that some day a son of Bayelsa State would become a President and appoint me as a Minister”, he said.
In his remarks, the Acting Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that Bayelsa would continue to appreciate the former military administrator for laying the developmental foundation for successive administrations to build upon in the state.
He stated that Olubolade saw Bayelsa as his own state and did a lot within the space of one year in tackling the seemingly daunting challenges of governance and development at the time he superintendented over the state.
Describing Olubolade as a Bayelsa citizen, Senator Ewhrudjakpo said Bayelsans owe him a lot of gratitude for his worthwhile contributions to the development of the state and bringing the celebration of his 70th birthday to his adopted home.
He said: “I want to commend you for your courage. The foundation you laid is what all the successive administrations have been building upon.
“Much of the foundation from which Bayelsa had grown was laid by your military administration. The first commissioner for lands has just told us that the survey of the now dualised Yenagoa -Mbiama Road was done while you were in office.
“So we owe you a lot of gratitude. They say your first state is Ekiti. But you have decided to celebrate your birthday here in Bayelsa State. We don’t take it as light honour. It is a major honour to us. And not just any birthday, but your 70th birthday which is a major milestone”.
“He is a man of destiny. He is a man that rose to be a federal minister in two ministries – FCT and Police Affairs. That is a man of destiny. Three key, identifiable appointments at state and federal levels, and he did not disappoint”, he said.
On his part, Chairman of the occasion and the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, said Navy Captain Olubolade did a great job in Bayelsa as one of its pioneer military administrators and had continued to identify with the state long after his service years.
Some dignitaries who served under Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, including the then Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Ayebaesin Dienagha, and his Agriculture counterpart, Prof. Sinikiem Steve Azaiki, also paid glowing tributes to the celebrant.
The ceremony had in attendance wife of the celebrant, Mopelola Olubolade; General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle Zilly Aggrey; the pioneer Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Joshua Igbugburu; Dr. Josephine Igodo, serving and former House of Assembly Members, Commissioners, and other top government functionaries.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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.