The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bayelsa

  • NYSC lauds Bayelsa corps members for discipline, comportment

    NYSC lauds Bayelsa corps members for discipline, comportment

    The Director General, National Youths Service Corps, Brig.-Gen. Y.D. Ahmed, has commended the 2024 Batch A Stream 1 Orientation Course A corps members in Bayelsa State, describing them as good examples of discipline and comportment needed to sustain the tempo of service to the nation.

    Ahmed said that from the reports available to him by the management of the Orientation Camp in Bayelsa, the corps members had displayed a high degree of discipline and encouraged them to sustain the tempo throughout the service year.

    The NYSC Director General, who made this known yesterday during his working visit to the  Permanent Orientation Camp in Boro camp in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of the state, also commended them on successful  completion of their studies from various institutions of higher learning.

    He urged them to always obey all camp rules and regulations as well as participate actively in camp activities.

    Ahmed urged them to maximise the opportunities presented by SAED to achieve self-reliance and become wealth creators, assuring them that good business proposals from them would attract grants from funding Institutions that are partnering with the NYSC.

    Read Also: Firm donates 100 mattresses to NYSC in Ogun

    He encouraged them to learn skills that would give them financial freedom and advised them not to request for relocation to avoid thwarting the purpose of God in sending them to the state.

    He stated: “I wish to advise (you) corps members to pay strict attention to security and to follow all security tips given to you during lectures.

    “We want you to live in peace with your host communities and respect their culture and traditions.”

    He further admonished them to continue to be law-abiding and contribute their quotas to nation building, warning them against involvement in activities that would portray the image of the scheme in bad light.

    Earlier in her speech, the state Coordinator, Mrs. Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, welcomed the DG and his entourage to the camp and briefed him on the development and activities within the area.

    Highlights of the event were the presentation of cash gifts to corps members by the Director of Special Duties, Mrs Bona Fasaki, and donation of three fat cows to corps members by the DG to celebrate their graduation from their various institutions.

  • Ex-Bayelsa youths’ leader exonerates police SWAT from illegal bunkering

    Ex-Bayelsa youths’ leader exonerates police SWAT from illegal bunkering

    A former Leader of Nembe Youth Federation (NYF), Mr. Theophilus Iruo, has said the allegations of illegal oil bunkering and violence levelled against the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police deployed in Nembe-Bassambiri, Bayelsa State, are false, unfounded, mischievous and wicked.

    He described the allegations as another wide one that defied reasoning and logical thinking by some criminals in Nembe Local Government uncomfortable with the SWAT’s presence, whose ulterior motives were to unleash mayhem on the people, destroy properties and cause breakdown of law and order.

    Iruo in a statement yesterday said the SWAT team deployed on August 12, 2023 in the area by the Inspector- General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had been the saving grace that rescued the people from the descent to anarchy.

    He said the presence of the police deployed from Abuja, who ensured they could not be compromised, had made certain elements uncomfortable, hence they started spinning falsehoods to discredit their noble roles of protecting the lives and property of the indigenes and residents alike.

    Iruo said: “The allegations of illegal oil bunkering against the SWAT is part of the grand plot to force the IGP to withdraw the police and pave the way for the invasion of the community by retrogressive forces.

    “We hereby call on the police and other security agents to beam their searchlight on the activities of some members of the youths’ leadership, who were ‘sacked’ as it pertains to their visits to militant camps and threats of attack on the SWAT team.

    “We equally urge IGP Egbetokun to investigate allegations against those former leaders and their sponsors, to ensure they face the full wrath of the law for the atrocities they have committed in Nembe-Bassambiri.”

    He debunked reports by a former youth president of the community, Mr. Moses Ayerite, over allegations of vandalism and destruction of houses in the community.

    Read Also: Govt sues for calm between Bayelsa communities

    He maintained that there were no factions in the NYF, claiming that the leadership of Ayerite was duly sacked and replaced in line with the guidelines of the community because of its alleged incompetence, high-handedness and reign of terror during which several houses were destroyed in the community and many people sent on exile.

    According to him, there was no iota of truth in the allegations that loyalists of Dr. Kojo Sam, a foremost entrepreneur from the area, were involved in any untoward activities in the community.

    Iruo, who described Kojo as a peace-loving man that desired the development of Nembe-Bassambiri through his development and empowerment programmes, warned Ayerite to desist from his campaign of calumny.

  • Govt sues for calm between Bayelsa communities

    Govt sues for calm between Bayelsa communities

    Bayelsa State Government has called on the people of Kabeama Community in Sagbama Local Government and their counterparts at Amatolo in Southern Ijaw Council to be calm in the wake of the tragic incident that occurred last weekend.

    Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo said government had been briefed on the incident and appropriate measures were being taken to ensure justice was served.

    Sen. Ewhrudjakpo, who condemned the dastardly act whereby an indigene of Kabeama allegedly beheaded his girlfriend last Saturday, described the sad development as unacceptable.

    Read Also:Tight security as Bayelsa rerun polls hold in seven units

    He said security agencies had swung into action, in line with government directives on the matter.

    He urged the chiefs and people of the two communities to avoid utterances and actions that would escalate the issue, but should rather cooperate with the government and security agencies to ensure an amicable settlement of the matter.

    The deputy governor advised the youth of Amatolo not to take the law into their hands by carrying out reprisals on Amatolo community.

    He expressed the condolences of the state government to the bereaved family and assured them of justice.

  • Tight security as Bayelsa rerun polls hold in seven units

    Tight security as Bayelsa rerun polls hold in seven units

    There was impressive security presence around the seven units in four registration areas as Bayelsa State Yenagoa Constituency II Assembly re-run held in Gbarain and Ekpetiama areas.

    The exercise, which began around 9am across some of the affected seven polling units, was  conducted amidst tight security provided by soldiers, policemen and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed for the elections.

    The accreditation and voting were observed at Polling Unit 6, Ward 7, Gbarain, for the run off.

    Read Also: Assembly launches probe into Bayelsa health insurance scheme

    Voters were also seen exercising their rights at polling unit 9 in Ward 8, Yenagoa LGA, for the candidates of their choice.

    It was observed that the voters and party agents were conducting themselves peacefully as the polls went on.

  • Assembly launches probe into Bayelsa health insurance scheme

    Assembly launches probe into Bayelsa health insurance scheme

    Bayelsa State House of Assembly has launched a probe into the activities of the Ministry of Health, Bayelsa State Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS) and its service providers.

    The lawmakers claimed that the BHIS, which was inaugurated in July 2013 as a social security programme by the state government was witnessing lackluster performance and issuance of fake drugs to beneficiaries.

    At the legislative session yesterday, the members of the state Assembly passed a one-point resolution to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the activities of the BHIS.

    In the motion of urgent public importance, Hon. Daniel Charles (Brass Constituency 1) informed the House of Assembly that the BHIS was designed by the state government whereby health care services of enrollees were paid for from the common pool of funds contributed by the beneficiaries.

    Charles said that despite the fact that both the beneficiaries and other contributors like the state government were doing their best to ensure the efficiency of the scheme, the service providers were grossly underperforming.

    Read Also: Bayelsa urges hospitals to key into its Health Insurance Scheme

    The lawmaker further informed the House that apart from failing to provide the necessary care needed by beneficiaries of the scheme, service providers usually dismissed some of them, arguing that they were not qualified to be provided with secondary and tertiary treatments that include minor surgical procedures.

    Also speaking in support of the motion, Hon. Tare Porri (Ekeremor 1), Hon. Douglas Sampson-Awudulu (Nembe 3), Hon. Oyinke Godbless (Sagbama 1) and Hon. Ebizi  Brown (Sagbama 3) complained that some of their constituents have been victims of the activities of the service providers who dispense inferior drugs to beneficiaries not minding the health implications.

    In their separate contributions, Hon. Ben Victor Selekaiye (Southern Ijaw 4), Hon. Living Mitin (Ekeremor 2) and Rt. Hon.Monday-Bubou Edwin Obolo (Southern Ijaw 2) agreed that the scheme was initiated with the best of intentions for the health needs of the people.

    The members of the Adhoc Committee are Hon. Charles Daniel, Chairman; Rt Hon. Monday-Bubou Edwin Obolo, Hon.George-Braah Oteigbanyo, Hon. (Dr) Oyinke Godbless, Hon. Ebizi Brown Rosemary, while the Secretary of the House Committee on Health would serve as the Clerk of the committee.

    The committee is expected to report back to the House in three weeks.

  • Stop bush burning, NOA warns Bayelsa residents

    Stop bush burning, NOA warns Bayelsa residents

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Bayelsa State residents to stop bush burning, to avert its dangerous and deadly effects on the environment, human health and communities.

    Bayelsa State Director, NOA, Mr. Ellis Nria Dappa, made the call yesterday when a non-governmental organisation, the Women Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), visited him in his office at the Federal Secretariat, Yenagoa.

    He said the call was in line with the agency’s efforts to address major environmental issues in Nigeria, especially in Bayelsa, to sustain national values through collaboration with civil society organisations.

    He said the collaboration between the NOA and organisations such as WOMAN underscored the importance of joint efforts in promoting environmental sustainability and upholding national values.

    “The call to stop bush burning in Bayelsa aligns with our broader commitment to environmental advocacy and collaboration with relevant stakeholders,” Dappa said.

    Read Also: Tinubu to University unions: prioritise dialogue to avoid frequent strikes

    He, therefore, sought the support of NGOs to mobilise communities, raise awareness and implement sustainable strategies to prevent and manage bushfire burning in Bayelsa.

    The President of WOMAN, Lady Eunice Nnachi, lauded the NOA’s advocacy, sensitisation and awareness creation initiatives, which she said focused on the value of wetlands and the need to prevent destructive practices such as bushfires and burning of tyres.

    Nnachi noted that smoke inhalation from bushfires could result in respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues and other health complications.

    She, therefore, called on residents to seek another means of clearing their bushes instead of bushfires, saying they could lead to air and water pollution, respiratory issues and poor water quality.

  • Stop bush burning, NOA warns Bayelsa residents

    Stop bush burning, NOA warns Bayelsa residents

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on the residents of Bayelsa state to stop bush burning in the state to avert its dangerous and deadly effects on the environment, human health, and communities.

    Bayelsa state director, NOA, Ellis Nria Dappa, made the call on Thursday, February 1, when a non-governmental organization, the Women Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), paid a courtesy visit to his office at the Federal Secretariat, Yenagoa.

    Dappa said the call was in line with the agency’s efforts to address major environmental issues in Nigeria, especially in Bayelsa, to sustain national values through collaboration with civil society organisations.

    He said the collaboration between the NOA and organizations such as WOMAN underscored the importance of joint efforts in promoting environmental sustainability and upholding national values.

    Dappa stated: “The call to stop bush burning in Bayelsa aligns with our broader commitment to environmental advocacy and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.”

    He, therefore, sought the support of NGOs to mobilize communities, raise awareness, and implement sustainable strategies to prevent and manage bushfire burning in Bayelsa.

    In her response, the President of WOMAN, Lady Eunice Nnachi, lauded the NOA’s advocacy, sensitization, and awareness creation initiatives, which she said focused on the value of wetlands and the need to prevent destructive practices such as bushfires and burning of tyres.

    Read Also: CBN, FAAN’s dept relocation: Bayelsa APC lambasts Nabena over comments

    Nnachi noted that smoke inhalation from bushfires could result in respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and other health complications.

    She, therefore, called on residents to seek another means of clearing their bushes instead of bushfires, contending that they could lead to air and water pollution, respiratory issues, and poor water quality.

  • CBN, FAAN’s dept relocation: Bayelsa APC lambasts Nabena over comments

    CBN, FAAN’s dept relocation: Bayelsa APC lambasts Nabena over comments

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayelsa State chapter, has distanced itself from a statement credited to a former national deputy publicity secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena, on the federal government’s plans to relocate some departments from Abuja to Lagos.

    The party in a statement on Sunday, January 28, by its publicity secretary, Doifie Buokoribo, said Nabena spoke for himself and insisted that “he is on his own.”

    The Bayelsa APC spokesman said Nabena neither consulted the party nor any state leader of the APC before making his statement, noting that his position was at variance with the policy thrust of President Bola Tinubu.

    Buokoribo said the APC in Bayelsa remained in full support of President Tinubu’s policy directions, especially the plan to decongest Abuja.

    He warned against attempts to politicise the president’s sincere efforts to reset the country.

    Buokoribo said: “The Bayelsa State APC dissociates itself from political statements issued by a former National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena.

    Read Also: Nigerian Customs harps on collaboration with stakeholders

    “The state chapter has for some time taken note of Nabena’s recent remarks that curiously seem to be at odds with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy directions.

    “The state chapter affirms that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s time in office so far has yielded the expected results, which are nothing short of excellent and thus his Presidency is one which we boast of as the true ideals of our party are gloriously exhibited.

    “As a party, we fully support the President’s policy directions as they are designed to reset the country for economic prosperity. We warn against any attempts to politicise the sincere efforts of the Federal Government to reset the country.

    “We wish to inform the general public that Nabena’s utterances represent only himself, not our party in Bayelsa and our leaders.”

  • Bayelsa govt to stakeholders:  Ekeremor-Agge road will be ready

    Bayelsa govt to stakeholders:  Ekeremor-Agge road will be ready

    • Dickson seeks peace, unity in Bayelsa West

    Bayelsa State Government has assured political stakeholders and the people of West Senatorial District of Governor Douye Diri’s commitment towards completing the ongoing Bayelsa West Senatorial Road.

    Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo gave the assurance when an enlarged delegation of Bayelsa West political stakeholders visited him at his country home, Ofoni, in Sagbama Local Government, to mark the New Year at the weekend.

    Speaking briefly at the carnival-like visit, Senator Ewhrudjakpo said the next phase of the critical Bayelsa West Road from Ekeremor to Agge would be launched this year during the official opening of the completed section of the road covering Toru-Orua to Ekeremor main town.

    He thanked the political stakeholders for their support so far, especially during the 2023 governorship election, which ensured victory for the governor and himself, describing their support as the secret of his strength.

    Ewhrudjakpo, who noted that the people deserved a thank-you-tour for massively voting for the PDP, however, assured them that there would be improvement in the area of appointments in the second term of the Diri-led prosperity administration.

    He said: “I appreciate our leaders for their support. It is your support that is my strength. We saw this clearly from the November 11 governorship election, which gave a landslide victory.

    “This senatorial district is an impregnable stronghold of the PDP and will ever remain so. The Prosperity Administration appreciates your support.

    “The next phase of the Bayelsa West Senatorial Road will be launched during our official inauguration of the completed section of the road from Toru-Orua to Ekeremor. And by the grace of God, the road will get to Agge before the end of our second term in office.”

    Speaking earlier, former governor Senator Seriake Dickson said the political stakeholders of Bayelsa West were impressed with the performance of the deputy governor, and congratulated him and Governor Diri for their electoral victory.

    Read Also: Tinubu to grace Uzodimma’s swearing in ceremony Monday

    Senator Dickson, who led the delegation on the visit, commended the stakeholders for their maturity, tolerance and demonstration of good leadership, and called on them to collapse political boundaries to achieve greater cohesion and unity in the senatorial district.

    Eulogising the deputy governor on his positive virtues of loyalty, dedication and patience, Dickson remarked that he was a quintessential role model for the youth of the senatorial district to emulate.

    While underscoring the need for the Prosperity Administration to take Bayelsa West Senatorial Road from Ekeremor to Agge in the next four years, he called on the people to allow the administration focus more on governance in order to take Bayelsa to the next level.

    Senator Ewhrudjakpo has consoled the mother of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Madam Eunice Jonathan, on the demise of her daughter, Obebatian Jonathan.

    Condoling with the bereaved at the home of the former President at Kpansia, Yenagoa, Ewhrudjakpo said it was lamentable that Obebatian Jonathan died at this time, leaving behind her aged mother in deep and inconsolable grief.

    Citing the tragic loss of the Biblical Job, the Deputy Governor encouraged the elderly Madam Jonathan to look unto God for grace to overcome the huge burden of bereavement on her shoulders.

  • Stakeholders kick over Tantita’s claims on seizure of vessel in Bayelsa

    Stakeholders kick over Tantita’s claims on seizure of vessel in Bayelsa

    Elders and youths from the six states of the Niger Delta have faulted the claims by the private oil pipelines security provider, Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) that it impounded an ocean-going vessel laden with stolen crude oil in Bayelsa State.

    The stakeholders under the aegis of the Movement for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta (MSDND) said the claims by the TSSL were shrouded in lies, deceit, fraud and an open attempt to manipulate the Federal Government to hand over the Bayelsa corridor to the company to manage the multi-million dollars crude oil and gas pipeline surveillance contract.

    The National Coordinator, MSDND, Chief Ayebatekena Olodi, said in a statement on Saturday via electronic mail that there is no place known as ‘Offshore Sokebolou field’ in Bayelsa State.

    Olodi said: “Every oil station, field, block or oil well has its name mapped out and a simple Google search will reveal that there is no such place as offshore Sokebolou field and that the seizure and towing of the purportedly seized vessel to Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State is very convenient for the private security company to fabricate lies in order to manipulate public opinion.

    Read Also; Outrage as kidnappers kill one of six siblings abducted in Abuja

    “The management of TSSL has become desperate to frame up the state following the recent national publications of the position of the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Senator Douye Diri on the need to review and decentralise the crude oil and gas pipeline surveillance contracts awarded by the Federal Government across states in the Niger Delta.”

    Olodi stated that instead of TSSL to follow the legally required protocol, “they have resorted to making unfounded claims and taking over the responsibilities of the anti-corruption agencies.”

    He also stated that the purported vessel seizure and the sudden announcement showed signs of desperation by the private security company owned by a former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to hoodwink the Federal Government, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the board and management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to renew his contract as sole security contractor of the crude oil pipeline in the region.

    The MSDND boss, however, called out the management of TSSL to clear the air on the allegations of wrongdoing and theft levelled against some of its operatives by the Nigerian Navy.

    He said that instead of resorting to unconfirmed and unverifiable stunts, the security company should answer questions raised by the Nigerian Navy on the numerous arrests of Tantita operatives involved in crude oil theft which had dented its credibility and mode of operations in the region.

    The TSSL had on Friday claimed that it impounded an ocean-going vessel laden with stolen crude oil in Bayelsa state.

    It had said that the crew and their local accomplices were siphoning crude oil into the vessel from Offshore Sokebolou field in Bayelsa State and that the vessel had already loaded with an unspecified thousands of metric tonnes of crude oil, named MT Kally.