Niger Delta
VP, Others Praise Diri Over Leadership, Contribution To Education … As UNILAG Presents Book On Bayelsa Gov
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, have lauded the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, over his remarkable strides in the education sector through transformative initiatives.
They described the governor’s administration’s reforms and investments in the sector as visionary in driving a knowledge-based economy.
The Vice President and the others gave the commendation at the formal Book Presentation/Launch, Public Lecture and Institution of a Professorial Chair on Leadership and Good Governance in honour of Senator Diri at the University of Lagos on Wednesday.
They said, his book: “Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri” which was edited by Prof. Hope Eghagha and Sola Ojewusi under the UNILAG Consult, and the endowment of a professorial chair in the Department of Political Science were not only tributes to the Bayelsa governor, but also a masterclass in leadership.
Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the book captured the spirit of Diri’s leadership style, which he said was “refreshing, deliberate and deeply attuned to the oaths and aspirations of his people.”
Hamzat, who also spoke on behalf of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that Diri’s stewardship in Bayelsa in about six years had been characterised by a rare blend of compassion and competence and demonstrated that meaningful progress could be achieved through dialogue, inclusiveness and relentless effort.
“l congratulate Governor Douye Diri on this well-earned honour. This celebration is a testament to your unwavering service, examplary character and steadfastness to the principles of good governance.
“Bayelsa and Nigeria stand proud of your achievements and the inspiring values you uphold.
“This book captures the spirit of his leadership, core values and courage that define his path. It reminds us that leadership is not about self- aggrandisement but about the lasting impact we forge through lifting our communities and fostering peace and creating opportunities where none existed.
“It is more than a tribute in leadership transformation that he brings to the lives of his people”, the VP said.
Shettima expressed the hope that the book would serve as a beacon to inspire leadership across the country to lead compassionately and courageously.
The Keynote Speaker and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, described Diri as a great Nigerian, who has demonstrated in spirit and in letter the essence of leadership.
Mutfwang congratulated the Vice Chancellor and UNILAG Consult for documenting Diri’s achievements, which he described as a befitting and prestigious honour.
According to him, the Bayelsa Governor has demonstrated quality leadership in virtually every facet of development, particularly in areas of education, healthcare delivery, security and the ongoing effort to light up the state through its independent power project.
He also stressed the need for Bayelsans, the Ijaw nation and the South-South to unite and foster peace and development in the region.
“Several people have had the opportunity to be in leadership and have been forgotten. But l know that when Governor Diri vacates the scene, the drums will still be beating”, the Plateau Governor said.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the book provided an opportunity to examine ideas, experiences and reflections of a leader serving in one of Nigeria’s most complex and dynamic regions.
She noted that the Bayelsa Governor’s public life offered valuable insights into governance, conflict management and search for peace and development in the Niger Delta.
Ogunsola said the professorial chair in honour of Diri aligned with the institution’s mission to be a global centre of excellence in education, research and innovation.
She commended the Bayelsa Governor for investing in knowledge as it was one of the most enduring contributions any public servant can make to society.
Responding, Governor Diri said the honour would spur him and his team to work harder in service of the state.
He noted that the recognition was not only for him, but was for the entire Bayelsa, and expressed appreciation to the VC, the institution’s management, and the editorial team for acknowledging and compiling his administration’s achievements.
“Those in positions of authority must be accountable to the people and earn their trust without which confidence in governance will inevitably wane. It is in that spirit that l accept this book, which seeks to honour not only me, but the entirety of Bayelsa State.
“I accept to support the professorial chair and encourage scholarship that would be beneficial not only to Bayelsa State, but also to Nigeria”, he said.
The Tide reports that the book was reviewed by veteran journalist and anchor of the programme, Journalists Hangout, on Television Continental (TVC), Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.
More than one billion naira was pledged at the event as donations by national and state assembly members, government agencies, corporate organisations, members of the State Executive Council, local governments, private individuals and youth bodies, among others.
Dignitaries at the well-attended event included serving and former national and state assembly members as well as Senator Sunday Katung, representing Kaduna South, the immediate past Deputy Governor and Chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd).
Also present were the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali; Chairman/CEO of De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Egukawhore, who was the Chief Launcher; CEO of Pelfaco Limited, Chief Gesi Asamaowei; CEO of Century Energy, Mr. Ken Etete; as well as the Managing Director, Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Ebitimi Amgbare; and former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe.
Others were the Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; former All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon; Managing Director, Monimichelle Construction Limited, Mr. Ebi Egbe; the Ijaw Ladies Association; and various Niger Delta and Ijaw groups based in Lagos.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, has said the 850-bed hospital is overstretched, as it currently serves over five million patients.
He disclosed this on Friday during a media tour of the facility to showcase ongoing renovations and facelift in the hospital.
The CMD noted that, aside being the only tertiary healthcare facility servicing the state, UCTH also serviced neighbouring states of Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi.
He said the hospital also received referrals from neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic.
According to him, the 850-bed hospital faced persistent space constraints because of increasing patients inflow and expanding healthcare demands.
“This hospital currently operates 62 clinical and non-clinical departments as well as between 30 and 38 wards covering medical, surgical, paediatric, orthopaedic and specialised services.
“Most wards have undergone facelift, remodelling, or complete renovation to improve patient care and working conditions for healthcare professionals”, he said.
He disclosed that the hospital was constructing a new 106-bed emergency medicine facility to address the rising demand for healthcare services.
According to him, the facility will include trauma bays, intensive care units, neonatal wards, and three fully equipped trauma theatres.
Speaking on the remodeled wards, Ikpeme explained that they followed modern nursing principles, allowing one nurse to attend to a maximum of 10 patients.
He said relatives would be restricted to designated waiting areas to reduce interference with medical procedures and improve emergency response efficiency.
The CMD noted that the hospital had strengthened specialist services in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, obstetrics, radiology, and minimally invasive surgery.
“UCTH now performs hip and knee replacements, arthroscopy, sports medicine, and complex brain tumour surgeries.
“Our surgeons also conduct keyhole procedures for appendectomy, hysterectomy and other conditions with faster patient recovery periods,” he said
In power, the CMD said the hospital relied on solar power from a seven-megawatt plant, constructed by the Federal Government at the University of Calabar, as well as public power supply, and generators to sustain its operations.
He appealed to governments, organisations, and philanthropists to support infrastructure expansion, equipment procurement, and specialised healthcare projects.
The CMD said the hospital required additional incubators, ward expansions, and a stand-alone amenity facility for private healthcare services.
He used the opportunity to dismiss allegations of ethnic discrimination, insisting that the hospital does not reject workers or patients based on tribe or origin.
According to him, the institution recently honoured an Igbo pioneer physician by naming a ward after him in recognition of decades of service.
The CMD said the hospital maintained strict disciplinary procedures to address negligence, poor attitude, and unethical conduct among staff.
The Tide’s source reports that some of the units visited include, intensive care unit, Department of Radiology, Urology Clinic, and Opthalmology Clinic.
The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State says it has busted a child trafficking syndicate and arrested three suspects for conspiracy and unlawful sale of a newborn baby in the State.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfom John, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Friday, said the three female suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1900hrs.
She said a complainant reported that his wife gave birth to a baby boy on May 7 and shockingly, shortly after delivery sold the newborn child to one of the suspects for N145, 000.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives immediately swung into action, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the successful recovery of the baby boy.
“The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, while investigation has been expanded to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking syndicate”, John said.
She said the State’s Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led policing in the state.
The Akwa-Ibom State Government has launched a statewide crackdown on unregistered scrap dealers and scavengers, shutting down illegal operations and arresting operators accused of violating environmental and public safety regulations.
The enforcement operation, led by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), followed the implementation of the state’s Waste Metal Scrap Law 2026, officials said.
AKSEPWMA Chairman, Obong Prince Ikim, said the exercise was aimed at regulating the scrap sector, protect the environment, and prevent criminal groups from operating under the guise of waste collection and metal trading.
“If you want to do scrap business, you must register,” Mr. Ikim said during the operation in Uyo, the state capital.
“Many people now hide under scrap trading to perpetrate nefarious activities”, he said.
According to him, dump site operators and scrap dealers who failed to register with the government risked closure and prosecution.
Authorities accused some operators of involvement in vandalism of public infrastructure and indiscriminate waste disposal, adding that investigations had uncovered criminal activities linked to several dump sites across the state.
“Some people vandalise government facilities in the name of scrap business and encourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” Mr. Ikim said.
He added that the state government and security agencies would continue efforts to enforce compliance and maintain public order.
“The Commissioner of Police has zero tolerance for criminality, and the Governor wants Akwa Ibom people to sleep with their eyes closed. We will fish out every defaulter”, he said.
Police officials involved in the operation said investigations showed that some criminal suspects used scrap yards and refuse dump sites as cover for illegal activities.
CSP Okwuzulike Vincent of the Itam Police Station said some suspects pretended to be mentally unstable while hiding ammunition and other suspicious items in makeshift shelters around dump locations.
The police officer praised the environmental agency for what he described as proactive efforts to sanitise the sector and pledged continued cooperation between law enforcement and the agency.
Officials said some first-time offenders arrested during the operation were released after profiling and signing undertakings, while repeat offenders would face prosecution.
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