Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, and the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri have underscored the need for true fiscal federalism as the key to resolving the national question of sustainable unity and development in the country.
The two leaders made the assertion during the public presentation of Elder Braeyi Ekiye’s book titled, “Redefining Nigeria: Essays on State, Nation, Leadership and Democracy”, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Government House, Yenagoa on Thursday.
The Tide gathered that the author, Elder Ekiye was Speech Writer to Second Republic Governor of Old Rivers State, the late Senator Melford Obienne Okilo between 1979-1983.
In his remarks, Jonathan described the book as a bold and timely contribution to the national discourse, emphasizing that the work was a testimony of a life dedicated to service and the development of the nation.
Jonathan, who was represented by the former Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Boni Haruna, said Elder Braeyi Ekiye had served Bayelsa and the country in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom, diligence and distinction, noting that the book was a product of experience, and pivotal to national discourse.
“Since independence, the nation has been in search of a true definition of who we are and what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people”, Jonathan said.
He noted that the footprints of the book, which revolves around state, nation, leadership and democracy, were the exact issues Nigeria has been grappling with today as a nation, maintaining that no nation could grow beyond the quality of the conversations it has about itself.
“This book represents a bold and timely contribution to our national discourse. At his age, if Elder Braeyi Ekiye could still find the energy and clarity to write and publish a book such as this, it is a testimony of a life dedicated to service and national development.
“He has served this state and this nation in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom and distinction. This book, therefore, is a product of experience and not just theory.
“The title, Redefining Nigeria, is profound and timely. We are gathered here to discuss how to redefine the Nigerian state. Of course, since independence, Nigeria has been in search of a definition – who we are, what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people.
“The state we have is not yet the nation we desire, and the nation we desire cannot emerge without a purposeful leadership, and a purposeful leadership cannot thrive without deepening our democracy”, the ex-President added.
Diri, who spoke at the event through his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, stressed that Brayi Ekiye’s book asked questions every serious-minded citizen should ask, noting that the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy were fundamental to building a just, equitable and progressive nation every patriotic Nigerian deeply yearns for. According to the Bayelsa helmsman, the issues raised by the book resonated in the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which stands as a reference point for justice for the Niger Delta that continues to carry much of the nation’s economic burden.
He described the evolution of the book as quite timely, and maintained that engagements which strengthens democracy, good governance and nation-building were always encouraged by his administration.
“Redefining Nigeria asks questions that every serious-minded citizen must confront. What binds us together as a nation? How should power and resources be shared among the various units of our federation? What does a citizen owe the state and what do leaders owe the people who entrust them with power?
“These are the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy that the subtitle promises, and the author approaches them not as an outsider but as one who has watched our national journey closely and cared about where it leads.
“For us in the Niger Delta, these are not idle questions. Our region has carried much of the nation’s economic weight while bearing its heaviest environmental cost. Our creeks, farmlands and fishing waters tell that story more eloquently than any statistic.
“We have insisted that the restoration of our environment and the dignity of our communities must be at the centre of any honest conversation about the future of Nigeria, and why the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission remain a reference point for justice in our region. Our people have earned a voice in shaping the federation, and books such as this one help to make that voice heard”, he said.
In his presentation, the book Reviewer, Prof. Godini Darah, described Elder Ekiye’s 413-page work as encyclopedic and thought-provoking and emphasized the need for people to document their experiences and knowledge to guide others.
According to him, the 413-page book, which has three sections, highlight issues arising from petroleum resources in the Niger Delta, examines Nigeria’s democracy and managing the polity in the interest of the people.
Making reference to a comparison drawn by the author between political elites of the South East Asian countries and those of Nigeria, Prof. Darah opined that the nation has failed to make appreciable progress due to lack of real patriots and nationalistic leaders.
“The Asian elites are developing their countries to meet up the standard of America, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy and so on. So, their politics is concerned about how their own multinational companies can match Julius Berger, Coca-Cola.
“In contrast, the Nigerian political elites are not struggling to put our products in the world market. They are rather struggling to be agents of Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and they are ready to sell this country for nothing”, he alleged.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, Amb. Godknows Igali, praised the author for translating his reflections about the country into a book which will outlive him and benefit posterity.
While underscoring the deprivations the Niger Delta region has suffered despite its huge contributions to the national coffers over the years, Amb. Igali expressed hope that Nigeria could be built as a united and prosperous country on the basis of equity, fairness and justice.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Forum, who doubled as Chairman of the occasion, also congratulated Elder Ekiye on his efforts and stressed the importance of books towards the development of individuals and nation-building.
In his remarks, the author of the book described his work as part of ongoing efforts to chart a progressive course of the evolution of a new Nigeria that could proudly stand as a united, secured and prosperous nation in the world.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, represented by Chief Kelvin Tawari, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Majesty Peremobowei Erebulu, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, were among notable figures that launched the book.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged youths of the state to explore opportunities in the agricultural sector as a source of empowerment, saying farming is a blessing and not a punishment.
He stated this at this year’s World Food Day (WDF) celebration with the theme: “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa Governor said the global theme could not be more fitting and called on the youths to embrace agriculture as a career, instead of staying idle and waiting for white collar jobs.
He also encouraged civil servants and families to take up backyard farming and urged financial institutions to make credit accessible to smallholder farmers in the state.
While appreciating the grant beneficiaries and agripreneurs who shared their success stories, Diri described them as living proof that agriculture in Bayelsa was not only a way of life, but also a business that could create jobs and wealth.
According to him, the State was blessed with water and fertile land and that his administration has secured some strategic partnerships to ensure food security.
He noted that the State flagged-off its maiden dry season farming programme at its Otuasega Farm in Ogbia Local Government Area, and in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria installed rice mills at the Niger Delta University and the Federal University, Otuoke.
The Governor explained that the intention was to enable made-in-Bayelsa rice move from the fields to the markets and that thousands of farmers from across the eight rm inputs.local government areas of the State have received seedlings and farm inputs.
The Bayelsa helmsman further stated that through partnership with the CSS Integrated Farms, young people have been trained in modern farming methods.
He, therefore, encouraged the youths to embrace innovation considering the state’s peculiar terrain, plant flood-tolerant seed varieties, as well as apply modern aquaculture to complement the wild fisheries that pollution has depleted.
Diri also tasked them to engage in soilless farming, partnerships, ensuring processing, storage, and cold chains to prevent food wastage.
He commended the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the LIFE-ND programme for building agribusinesses among young people, as well as the Peremabiri Farmers Cluster for demonstrating what well organised and innovative farmers could achieve.
On the need to protect farmers, the Governor cautioned herders against attacks on farmers in the state, saying that the state’s law which criminalises open grazing was still in force.
Commending the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for organising the celebration, the Governor charged it to work towards meeting the targets set by the government to enable the people of the state buy Bayelsa rice during this year’s yuletide season.
“Let me be frank, government cannot do it alone, and it should not try to do so. Our role as a government is to create an enabling environment and provide access roads.
“Our focus on roads cannot be derailed. We must construct bridges to farms and support farming settlements. We must also continue to improve security for farmers and their crops.
“The actual farming must be done by our people. I, therefore, call on our youths to see agriculture as a career, not a punishment.
“We are already witnessing some changes. In fact, many people from outside the state are taking advantage of the beauty and productivity of our soil, and are engaging in fishing and farming.
“We are calling on our youths in Bayelsa to return to agriculture and increase their participation, so that they can also account for a significant proportion of those registered under the relevant agricultural programmes.
“The grant beneficiaries and agripreneurs sharing their stories with us today are living proof that agriculture in Bayelsa is not only a way of life but also a business that can create wealth and jobs”, he said.
In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, said since 2020, more than 17,300 farmers have received direct support through various programmes, including the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, Diri BOOST, and the Prosperity Farmers Grant Scheme.
He noted that this year alone, 2,106 farmers, fishers and processors across all eight local government areas have received grants and that beneficiaries were expanding their cultivation efforts and laying a strong foundation for statewide agricultural prosperity.
According to Prof. Sese, the state’s 410-tonne-a-day rice milling plant was now fully operational and performing at optimal capacity, turning paddy into polished, made-in-Bayelsa rice.
“We are cultivating 106 hectares of rice and buying paddy from the communities we supply, so that while you plant, you know a buyer is waiting.
“The Bayelsa rice plant is currently undergoing laboratory analysis for food and nutritional certification and will soon be launched into the market.
“The Governor has charged us to produce 300,000 kilogrammes of made-in-Bayelsa rice by the end of 2026, so that Bayelsa can feed Bayelsa, and we are, of course, working towards that goal. Bayelsa is indeed strengthening its drive towards food sufficiency and economic prosperity”, the Commissioner said.
In his remarks, National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi, said the association was pleased with the State Governor’s strides in the agricultural sector .
Accordingly, Dr. Mudi, on behalf of AFAN, presented an Award of Excellence to the State Governor as the Best Governor in Agricultural Connectivity and Farmers’ Support in the country.
He explained that the award, launched in August, was being presented by AFAN to 12 state governors, two from each geopolitical region after conducting its research and assessment of the state governments agricultural programmes.
Dr. Mudi also presented a crown-shaped trophy to Diri, stating that it was being presented to only six governors in the country, and urged all communities and farmers’ associations that have not registered to do so and become members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to establish a special task force aimed at tackling truancy, street hawking, and non-enrolment in school across the state.
This move comes as the government intensifies efforts to improve its education outcomes and enforce compulsory education laws.
The State Governor, Umo Eno, revealed the initiative during a media parley at Government House in Uyo, emphasising his administration’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to quality education.
The task force will be empowered to intercept children found loitering or engaging in street hawking during school hours, with their parents facing penalties for non-compliance.
Comprising representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, and various security agencies, the new body will work to identify out-of-school children, facilitate their enrolment, and ensure consistent school attendance.
The governor underscored the importance of this measure in addressing the growing concerns around educational standards and child development in the state.
Eno reiterated that education in Akwa Ibom is both free and compulsory, a policy he says his administration is determined to uphold.
He stated that the state has witnessed an influx of students from neighbouring regions, drawn by the quality of educational opportunities, which has put additional pressure on existing facilities.
“The task force is intended to streamline efforts to cater for these students effectively while bringing local children back into classrooms, enforcing compulsory education amid national challenges.
He said the initiative aligns with his broader “ARISE Agenda”, specifically its focus on human capacity development.
”A key component of this agenda involves investing heavily in education to equip the youth with necessary skills for future economic participation.
“By curbing truancy and street hawking, the government aims to create a more conducive learning environment and improve overall academic performance.
“Nigeria faces a significant challenge with out-of-school children, estimated by various international organisations to be in the millions, making interventions like Akwa Ibom’s critical.
”Street hawking, often driven by economic hardship, frequently takes children out of school, trapping them in cycles of poverty and denying them fundamental educational rights.
“The Akwa Ibom government’s approach seeks to address both the supply side (school access and quality) and the demand side (enforcement of attendance).
“Earlier this year, the state government demonstrated its commitment to education by paying N100 million in West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for students.
“This financial support aims to alleviate burdens on families and encourage students to complete their secondary education. Additionally, the administration has invested in improving school infrastructure and teacher welfare, recognising these as crucial pillars of a robust education system.
“The establishment of this task force marks a decisive step by the State Government to ensure that its investments in education yield tangible results.
“This government is set to finalise the operational guidelines and launch the task force in the coming weeks, with a focus on immediate implementation across the state”, the Governor explained.