Niger Delta

Diri Identifies Knowledge, Intellect As Sustainable Dev Enablers … Praises Wills On Bayelsa’s History Documentation

Published

3 months ago

March 30, 2026

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said knowledge, intellectual capital and history are veritable tools for promoting sustainable development and effective governance.

He stated that in an era in which history is distorted, fragmented or misinterpreted, the importance of deliberate documentation cannot be overemphasized.

The Governor stressed this recently in Yenagoa, the state capital, at the launch of a book titled, “When The Tide Turns: Reflections on Bayelsa’s Historic Odyssey,” authored by the pioneer State’s Commissioner for Works, Engr. Numoipre Wills.

Represented at the event by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, Diri stated that human civilization does not consist in the building of physical infrastructure alone, but also in what a people preserve and understand about themselves.

He said it was in recognition of this that his administration would continue to pursue infrastructural development, promote the culture of documentation that encourages effective leadership, and intellectual capital development.

The State Chief Executive described the publication as an “authoritative account that safeguards memories, reinforces identity and guides future generations”, and commended the author for bringing his experiences to public knowledge.

According to him, the book serves both as a mirror reflecting the state’s journey, and as a compass directing its path towards unity, development and sustainable progress.

”Across key sectors, we are witnessing progress; from strategic road infrastructure connecting communities, to power initiatives unlocking industrial potential, and the development of the Blue Economy as a pathway for sustainable growth.

“But beyond infrastructure, the Prosperity Administration recognises that true development is anchored not only on what we build, but also on what we preserve and understand about ourselves.

“Knowledge, history and intellectual capital remain essential tools for sustainable development and effective governance.

“This publication aligns seamlessly with that vision, promoting a culture of documentation, encouraging reflective leadership and strengthening the intellectual foundation of our society.

“Engineer Wills has accomplished what many have contemplated, but few have executed with such clarity. He has gathered the fragments of our collective experiences and woven them into a coherent instructive narrative.

“To Engr. Wills, I extend warm congratulations and deep appreciation. The completion of a work of this magnitude demands vision, discipline and conviction. You have demonstrated all with distinction.

“This work is not merely a book, it is a legacy document, an investment in preserving our identity and ensuring that the story of Bayelsa is neither lost nor distorted over time.

“In an era where history is often fragmented or misinterpreted, the importance of deliberate documentation cannot be overemphasized”, he stated.

The Governor used the opportunity to urge citizens to be vigilant against individuals who thrive on misinformation and divisions, warning against the influence of sycophancy and disruptive elements within society.

Earlier, former President of Nigeria and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, eulogized the author for his foresight, discipline, and commitment in documenting the history from a standpoint of experience and service.

Dr. Jonathan, who was represented by Chief James Tobias, noted that the author’s contributions to the growth of Bayelsa, both in public service and in literature, are worthy of recognition and emulation.

Reviewing the 247-page book, the Chairman of the state Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) Board, High Chief Fidelis Agbiki, described the publication as not only a descriptive literary work, but also written in simple and straightforward style that makes for an interesting reading.

The Book Reviewer noted that although the book is not a chronicle of Bayelsa’s founding fathers, the author uses firsthand information to highlight critical contributions of a few of them as well as the difficulties encountered in the administration of the state at its inception.

On his part, the author of the book, Engr. Numoipre Edward Wills, explained that the book was not merely a collection of words, but a journey shaped by experience, service and a profound connection and love for his state.

He added that his decision to write the book was borne out of a simple but urgent realization that, “if we do not tell our own story, others will tell it for us, and not always with accuracy or sincerity.”

He recalled the rare privilege of serving in the executive councils of the old Rivers State, and that of Bayelsa, informing that he was one of the two commissioners deployed to the state following its creation in 1996.

The event attracted a distinguished audience, including the Chief Launcher, Chief Gesi Asamowei, who was represented by the Member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Hon. Fred Agbedi, his Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency counterpart, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, and former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi.

Also in attendance were: the Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Degi Eremienyon: Members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly: Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; Commissioners and other top government functionaries.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Pro-Chancellor Hands Over Okey Onuchuku Peace, Conflict Institute Building

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

History was made on Wednesday 17th June, 2026 when the Okey Onuchuku Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies building was handed over to Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE).

Speaking during the hand over ceremony, which attracted an array of personalities from various works of life, the 13th Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman of IAUE, Chief Chinyere Igwe, commended the Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, for giving back to the University with the institute’s building project.

While affirming that Government cannot do it all, he encouraged individuals, corporate organizations, institutional partners to ensure the growth of University education in Nigeria.

He praised Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for sustaining University Education in Nigeria, and called for good initiatives and support “that will not only benefit the University, but put IAUE on the map of academic excellence in Nigeria and beyond.”

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Onuchuku, expressed gratitude to his wife, Mrs. Chika Onuchuku, and family for all the support given for the vision achieved.

He also thanked his close associates, political friends, well-wishers, and others who donated generously towards the building project.

“The growth of Universities all over the world”, Professor Onuchuku said, “comes from personal efforts of individuals, alumni associations and others.”

He noted that donations as being witnessed is the best way to go and called on all to invest in the Nigerian education system and immortalize their names with worthwhile donations and contributions..

The Okey Onuchuku Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies building, he further stated, “is donated as a Professorial Chair with the Dean of Postgraduate School, Professor Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, also a Professor of Peace Studies, as the occupant of the Professorial Chair.

Giving his address, the Director, Okey Onuchuku Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, Professor Kingdom Elendu Ohia Nwaenyi, lauded Professor Okechuku Onuchuku for sacrificing his hard earned salaries, allowances and funds raised from two volumes of textbooks in his honour and titled “Perspectives on Nigeria’s Development”, launched on his 60th birthday.

He noted that the project is the first legacy to be accomplished by any serving Vice Chancellor in the institution.

Professor Nwaenyi stated that the Institute mounted five programmes: Peace and Conflict Studies; Peace Building and Development; Peace Building and Security Studies; Peace Building and Conflict Management; and Peace Education.

The institute, he explained, has birthed over fifty students running programmes in Postgraduate Diploma, M.A, M.Sc, M. Phil, and PhD.

Thirty students are in the PhD programme, fifteen are admitted into the Masters and M.Phil, and eight in Postgraduate Diploma Programme.

He expressed hoped that the Institute would check litigation and provide alternative dispute resolution.

In a vote of thanks, the Chairman, Okey Onuchuku Peace and Conflict Studies and Dean of Postgraduate School, Professor Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, thanked God for His grace and enablement.

He prayed for the donor and Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, and further expressed his gratitude to Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, the third most cited Peace Scholar in the world, for his collaboration in developing a world class curriculum.

While thanking all who supported and celebrated with the University in this regard, Professor Nwobueze assured the public that the Okey Onuchuku institute of Peace and Conflict Studies will emerge as a centre of excellence, contributing meaningfully to scholarship, policy formulation, community engagement and the promotion of peaceful coexistence within Nigeria, Africa and the global Community.

The Institute, he stated, is willing to partner with the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) in line with its mandate to promote peace studies, Peace building, Conflict Management and sustainable development.

The institute has over four lecture halls with sixty to one hundred and twenty capacity, a befitting conference hall, offices for staff and a library.

A donation of one million naira was made during the event for the best two graduating students of the institute by Barrister Nyema Wagbara, the Leader of Dynamic Development Club of Port Harcourt based in Rumuolumeni.

Each of the two best graduating students will get the sum of five hundred thousand naira.

The event featured goodwill messages from Professor Isaac Albert, Professor Alwell Nteegah, the Chairman of Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Rivers State Chapter, Dr. Benjamin Ibietonye.

Dr. Emem Nyewene presented the goodwill message of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice National.

Others who gave goodwill messages are Ambassador Green Isaac, the Country Director, Relief International Africa, and Comrade Levi Zachariah George, Chairman Postgraduate Students Association.

The event also featured rendition for Professor Okechuku Onuchuku by Dr Maria Abidiak.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Commends Police Over Arrest Of Electric Cable Vandals

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday commended the State Police Command for the arrest of two suspected electric cable vandals and the recovery of vandalised cables, describing the operation as a major step in protecting critical public infrastructure across the state.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori praised the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, officers and men of the Command for their prompt response and sustained commitment to combating criminal activities, particularly the vandalism of government-owned facilities.

He also commended the local vigilante group for their support and corporation with security agencies in the state, adding that the arrest demonstrated the government’s resolve to safeguard public assets and ensure that investments in infrastructure continue to serve the people without disruption.

The Police in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives of the Kwale Police Station, working in collaboration with members of a local vigilante group, acted on credible intelligence on June 25, 2026, and stormed the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road where suspected vandals were allegedly dismantling and stealing electric cables.

The suspects reportedly attempted to flee on sighting the security team, but were apprehended during the operation.

One of the suspects sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, while the other remains in police custody.

The suspects were identified as Osakwe Sunday, 28, and Ekene Obocha, 34. The vandalised electric cables were recovered as exhibits.

Commending the operation, the Governor urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid in the fight against crime.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all Deltans.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, warned criminal elements to desist from vandalising government critical infrastructure and other public assets, stressing that the Command would continue to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.

He also appealed to members of the public to sustain their cooperation with the police by volunteering useful information capable of preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.

Niger Delta

We’ll Study INC’s Reconciliation Committee Report – Diri

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration would study the recommendations of the Reconciliation Committee of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and consult widely before implementation.

He expressed optimism that the recommendations of the committee would foster peace, progress, stability and reposition the Ijaw nation for greater relevance in Nigeria.

He stated this at the weekend while receiving the report from the eight-man committee in Government House, Yenagoa.

The Tide gathered that the report followed its inauguration by the Governor on May 26, 2026 with the mandate of reconciling aggrieved interests in the INC after a disputed presidential election.

Diri lauded members of the committee for painstakingly putting the report together within the stipulated timeframe of one month, saying nothing less than excellence was expected.

He added that the committee delivered a report that speaks to the divisions and future possibilities of the Ijaw people, describing the INC as the highest institutional expression of the identity and historic aspirations of the people.

“We cannot stand aloof while such a vital institution drifts without direction. The Congress and the people rise or fall together.

“You were given a sacred mandate: to find reasons to stay together. You have discharged it with diligence and courage. You have given us not just a report, but a pathway back to trust and collective purpose.

“When I inaugurated this committee, I said the destiny of the Ijaw Nation was too precious to be left unattended. You heard that urgency. You responded to it.

“Given the high calibre, sterling pedigree and unimpeachable integrity of this committee, nothing less than excellence was expected. You have delivered a report that speaks to our divisions and to our future possibilities”, he said.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the reconciliation committee, Dr. Mathew Seiyefa, said they interacted with all contestants in the INC elections, including members of the electoral committee, the INC executive and also received memoranda from various zones of the INC and other critical stakeholders of the Ijaw nation.

Dr. Seiyefa, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services, noted that the expectation of the committee was that the INC would speak for the Ijaw nation, its people and their causes.

According to him, the resurgent INC will be more consultative and inclusive, giving primacy to its role as a platform for advocacy, which will enable the body gain greater traction and resonance in the lives of the people.

“A common trend, which permeated this interaction, was the overwhelming passion for not just the survival of the INC, but its renewal and reinvigoration.

“There was a yearning for an INC that would rise to the challenges of the moment with respect to the cause of the Ijaw nation and its people. This sentiment was a key driver in the deliberations of the committee and has informed the recommendations that we have made”, Dr. Seiyefa said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa