Niger Delta

Bayelsa@ 28: Diri Calls For Sustained Support

Published

1 year ago

October 4, 2024

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

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

4 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

4 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

4 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.