Niger Delta
Ewhrudjakpo Eulogizes Late Bayelsa Ex-Commissioner
Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has described a former Commissioner for Special Duties, late Chief Nelson Ayebakuro, as a good man, saying his legacies will continue to speak well of for a long time.
The state’s number two citizen stated this on Friday at a special valedictory executive session held in honour of the deceased at the state Exco Chamber, Government House, Yenagoa, which had former Deputy Governors, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), and Chief Peremobowei Ebebi in attendance.
Ewhrudjakpo said judging from the testimonies of the former commissioner’s colleagues who served in the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the state, Late Chief Ayebakuro served the people of Bayelsa East and the state creditably well as a public servant.
Urging other public servants to emulate the departed commissioner’s dedication to duty, he stressed that what matters most is the impact one makes while alive, and not how long one lived.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo enjoined the bereaved family to take solace in the exemplary life of their son, father and husband and thank God for the impact 61 years he lived on earth.
He seized the opportunity to appreciate the State Governor, Douye Diri, for institutionalizing the practice of holding special valedictory sessions in honour of Bayelsans who had served as members of the State Executive Council at different times before their demise.
“Thank God for the life he has lived. We not only look forward to what is missing. We must also look backwards that this same man was appointed as commissioner over several other qualified persons from Brass Constituency Three to be part of the State Executive Council.
“The impact you make is what people will talk about . Today, Chief Ayebakuro is spoken of in clear and glowing terms . The question is, if you leave, will the same be said of you?”, the Deputy Governor said.
He continued that “From the reports we have heard, Ayebakuro lived a good life. He was a good man. So, I wish to plead with the family to draw enormous strength from the comments of those who have served with him and those who did not serve with him .
“I will encourage you not to see the death as a loss, but as a gain that comes in this kind of relationship. The strength you should draw is that he has children with you and they are alive.
“Having said that, we need to also appreciate Governor Douye Diri for initiating this move that gives those who had served our state the opportunity of also being honoured before they are interred just as it is done in the judiciary and the legislature”, he added.
In his remark, former Deputy Governor and Chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), attributed the strong character and good spiritedness of the deceased to the late father who was a brave naval officer that saved several lives while in service.
Also speaking, former colleagues of the late executive council member recalled that Chief Nelson Ayebakuro was a simple, jovial, accommodating and hardworking man, who understood his purpose on earth and served humanity with dedication.
Those who spoke include the former Commissioner for Special Duties, Central, Chief Adolphus Forcados; former Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Onoye Ebitimi Beredugo; and the former Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Senator Degi Eremienyo.
Serving commissioners who also paid tributes to late Chief Ayebakuro were the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo; the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah; and the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.
The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.
It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.
In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.
She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”
According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.
Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.
She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.
The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.
In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.
She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.
Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.
Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.
The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.
Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.
Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.
Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.
Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.
The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.
“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.
“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.
Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.
He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.
Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.
He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.
The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.
The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.
Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.
According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.
Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.
Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.
Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.
The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.
Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.
The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.
Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.
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