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Tag: Bayelsa

  • Bayelsa begins groundwork for construction of new stadium

    Bayelsa begins groundwork for construction of new stadium

    The proposed new stadium in Bayelsa State has received a major boost following the advanced stage of excavator clear out at the site.

    Paying a routine monitoring tour to the site in Yenagoa on Monday, the Honourable commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali commended the level of work done so far

    Igali stressed that the speedy work rate was necessitated by the determination of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, to assist talented young people with a world class facility in different sporting events, to fully actualise their potentials.

    According to the World and Olympic champion, the new 25,000 seater capacity multipurpose stadium will give the state a new chapter as it’s prepared to take sports to a new level.

    He said: “As you can see, we’ve started clearing of the site for the Stadium, it’s a total area of about 40 hectares, and we’re hoping that within 24 months, this project would be completed.

    “It’s a multipurpose Stadium, we are going to have two practice pitches in addition to the main bowl of the Stadium, we will have swimming pool and a diving pool with a practice pool, Basketball, Volleyball and Tennis courts and also different halls for other sports.”

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    “The stadium will be VAR complainant, and we want to thank His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, for his passionate drive and massive support for sports development, especially upgrading sports facilities in the state.” Igali noted.

    The chairman of Ama-Ebi Consultants Ltd, Ama-Ebi Stow who is handling over 50 percent of the clearing of the site expressed that the early stage of the clearing has been smooth and in no distant time his company will be done with the contractual part.

    “I have to say that the environment is a good one, very suitable for a project like this. Today is like the 8th day we came to the site, and we’ve done about 16 hectares out of 25 contracted to us, and I’m sure within next week we should be done.” Stow noted.

    In their separate remarks, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs Grace Alagoa and the Director of Sports Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi heaped praises on the State Government led by Senator Douye Diri for implementing such an iconic project in the sector which will serve as an avenue for the state’s budding athletes to practice and showcase their skills.

    The tour was attended by the ministry’s Director of Human Resource management, Micheal Alakere and Director of Finance and Accounting, Mrs. Funke Ayah, among other high ranked Ministry and Sports Council staff.

  • Ex-IYC boss seeks additional 10 LGAs for Bayelsa

    Ex-IYC boss seeks additional 10 LGAs for Bayelsa

    A former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, has called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to create additional 10 local government areas for Bayelsa State.

    Eradiri described the existing eight local government areas in the entire Bayelsa as abnormal, insisting that the state deserved more numbers.

    Eradiri, a former Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa, said the state where crude oil was first found in commercial quantity had been suffering injustice since it was created with only eight local government areas by the late former Head of State, Gen. Sanni Abacha.

    He wondered why different administrations and various sessions of the National Assembly had carried on over the years as if all was well with Bayelsa’s constitutional composition in terms of the number of local government areas.

    Eradiri, a former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa, called on the National Assembly, especially the state’s caucus in the Assembly, to correct the abnormality by creating additional 10 local government areas for the state.

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    Eradiri in a statement in Port Harcourt,.Rivers State, on Friday, argued that the National Assembly could seize the window provided by the ongoing legislations for the creation of additional states in the country to increase the number of Bayelsa’s local government areas.

    Eradiri noted that among all the states in the country, Bayelsa remained the only state with eight local government areas despite its landmass being greater than others like Lagos and Southeastern states that have more local government areas.

    He said: “This issue has continued to agitate our minds and it is high time various authorities like the National Assembly and the Federal Government considered it as a matter of urgency.

  • Ex-IYC boss seeks additional 10 councils for Bayelsa

    Ex-IYC boss seeks additional 10 councils for Bayelsa

    A former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, has called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to create additional 10 local government areas for Bayelsa State.

    Eradiri described the existing eight local government areas in the entire Bayelsa as abnormal insisting that the state deserved more numbers.

    Eradiri, a former governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa, said the state where crude oil was first found in commercial quantity had been suffering injustice since it was created with only eight local government areas by the late former Head of State, Gen. Sanni Abacha.

    He wondered why different administrations and various sessions of the National Assembly had carried on over the years as if all was well with Bayelsa’s constitutional composition in terms of the number of local government areas.

    Eradiri, a former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa, called on the National Assembly especially the state’s caucus in the Assembly to correct the abnormality by creating additional 10 local government areas for the state.

    Eradiri in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, argued that the National Assembly could seize the window provided by the ongoing legislations for the creation of additional states in the country to increase the number of Bayelsa’s local government areas.

    Eradiri noted that among all the states in the country, Bayelsa remained the only state with eight local government areas despite its landmass being greater than others like Lagos and Southeastern states that have more local government areas.

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    He said: “This issue has continued to agitate our minds and it is high time various authorities like the National Assembly and the Federal Government considered it as a matter of urgency. 

    “There is no justification for Bayelsa State to still have only eight local government areas. The state’s quantum contributions to the country’s economy and it’s large landmass as well as increasing population qualify Bayelsa for 10 additional local government areas.

    “We are here by calling on the National Assembly and Bayelsa State caucus in the Assembly to do the needful by capitalising on the ongoing moves to create more states to increase the number of Bayelsa’s local government areas”.

    Eradiri appealed to the state Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to constitute a team from within and outside the state to push for the demand in the National Assembly.

  • How I turned down rituals offer to become Governor — Diri

    How I turned down rituals offer to become Governor — Diri

    Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has claimed his absolute faith in God earned him the sobriquet ‘Miracle Governor.’

    Speaking during the KOLGA (Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area) Annual Day of Thanksgiving held in Sampou, his community, Diri revealed how in 2020, a senior citizen invited him to Abuja and advised him to perform certain rituals to be governor.

    But Diri claimed that he turned down the rituals offer.

    He had challenged the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 2019 governorship poll as winner and the matter was then pending at the Supreme Court.

    Diri told the crowd at the gathering that the senior citizen flew in some marabouts from Senegal to perform the rituals. 

    He stated that when he bluntly rejected the offer, the man demanded a refund of the money spent to transport them into the country and he had to pay $10,000.

    He explained that his unshaken faith in God made him decline the advice to look elsewhere for help, saying God, against all the odds, proved that He is always faithful.

    He emphasised the need for politicians to learn from his experience and put their trust in God rather than in man

    Diri averred that the KOLGA people had reasons to be thankful to God given the level of development they had witnessed, and thanked the council for giving the thanksgiving day a legal backing through legislation.

    The Governor also expressed gratitude to Apostle David Zilly Aggrey, the convener, and those who have sustained the programme.

    Diri said: “I thank God and also thank Apostle David Zilly Aggrey because he started this event. And because his prayers were heard, God made it possible to bring me in and today, it is by law that all Kolokuma/Opokuma people can gather to praise God.

    “Let me reveal to you why it is important to thank God and have faith in Him. Sometime ago, a senior citizen of this country invited me to Abuja and asked me to perform certain sacrifices but I declined. I told him my faith in God would not allow me to do it. He got angry and told me I would never become governor. 

    “He told me that he had spent $10,000 to bring the people for the sacrifice and asked for a refund, which I obliged.

    “When the Supreme Court’s pronouncement came, the man was shocked and could not call me. Sadly, he passed on after some time.

    “The story I have narrated was witnessed by my deputy and a friend in Abuja as both of them accompanied me to visit the senior citizen.

    “Kolokuma/Opokuma people have every reason to thank God. As a state, we do not want anybody to be harmed in the name of politics because we do not know who God has destined for greatness. So, I call on all of us in the political game to be very civil and recognise that there is God who rules in the affairs of man.”

  • Bayelsa’s ‘human shields’

    Bayelsa’s ‘human shields’

    • The authorities must outwit oil thieves

    Governor of Bayelsa State Douye Diri was reported saying he recently received a report that “at illegal bunkering sites, they now have children and women, which is a dimension I have never heard of before.” According to him, “Sometimes, when the military are authorised to destroy those camps and they get there on reconnaissance, they discover that children and women are used to shield those places… There was a situation where the military moved in and discovered that children and women were there and had to withdraw.” In recent times, security forces have intensified their fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, resulting in the destruction of many illegal refineries.

    The governor made this known during a meeting with local government chairmen and traditional rulers at the Government House, Yenagoa. He noted that the trend was noticeable in riverine communities such as Brass, Ekeremor, Nembe, and Southern Ijaw local government areas. He urged them to educate the people on the health and environmental dangers of oil thieves and their illegal business.

     This account by the governor indicates that the bunkerers see attempts by the Nigerian military to stop their activities as a declaration of war. Also, they use the children and women as human shields to thwart the military’s efforts and seem to have achieved some level of success.

    This raises a number of questions. Are the children and women voluntary shields who are sufficiently self-motivated to act as collaborators with the bunkerers? This question arises since acting as shields under such circumstances could result in financial and other forms of reward for the voluntary shields. Alternatively, are they involuntary shields who were in those high-risk locations in order to forestall punitive action from the bunkerers?

    Federica Marsi, in a November 2023 edition of Al Jazeera, defines human shields as “civilians or other protected persons whose presence is used to render military targets immune from military operations.” He identifies three kinds of human shields: “Voluntary shields are people who willfully choose to stand in front of a legitimate target as a means of protection; Involuntary shields are people who are coercively deployed as bargaining chips or as a means to thwart an attack; and proximate shields are civilians or civilian sites that become shields or are cast as shields due to their proximity to the fighting.”

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     Importantly, he also notes, “The use of human shields is forbidden by Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions and is considered a war crime as well as a violation of humanitarian law.” This means that the bunkerers using human shields against state actors are in violation of law.

    The expression “human shields” is part of the language of war or war-like situations. According to Brian Michael Jenkins, in a November 2023 issue of Rand.org, “terrorists, and increasingly rogue states, take hostages to free imprisoned comrades, extort ransoms and protection payments, demand political concessions, end sanctions, prevent peace, and create crises… Hostages are sometimes held as human shields.”

    The use of human shields by bunkerers to prevent attacks on illegal oil sites should be countered with the sophisticated use of human intelligence, and the engagement of members of the local community who often have invaluable local knowledge, and therefore know when, where and even how to strike for optimum effect. It is noteworthy that the state government had directed local government chairmen to establish vigilante groups to tackle oil theft in their areas.

    Considering the very deleterious effect of illegal oil bunkering on the economic health of the nation, the effective deployment of these and other strategies is essential towards ameliorating the effect of the activities of oil thieves.

  • Govt orders indefinite closure of forest activities in Bayelsa

    Govt orders indefinite closure of forest activities in Bayelsa

    The Bayelsa State government has officially announced the immediate and indefinite closure of all forest activities within the state’s forests, effective from 1 January 2025.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, stated that the government’s decision was in line with Section 41 of the Forestry Law, CAP F5 Laws of Bayelsa State 2006.

    The commissioner said the directive aimed to preserve the state’s forest resources and promote sustainable environmental practices.

    Ololo stated that, as a result of this directive, all forms of logging within the forest reserves are suspended.

    He also noted that the transportation of logged timber through waterways is banned, emphasising that any movement of timber and related forest products outside designated areas is forbidden.

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    The commissioner said the Ministry of the Environment had directed that no individual or organisation is permitted to extract or engage with forest products, including wood, without prior authorisation from the relevant authorities.

    He asserted that the purposes of the closure were to protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of Bayelsa State, rehabilitate degraded forest areas, and regulate and manage forest resources for sustainable use in the future.

    Ololo, therefore, urged all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to comply with these regulations, stressing that the authorities would monitor compliance and impose penalties for violations as deemed necessary.

    He expressed the government’s appreciation for the cooperation of the public as it undertakes these necessary measures for the conservation of its natural resources and the overall health of the environment.

    The commissioner equally warned that any person or group caught violating the order would face severe consequences, including apprehension, confiscation of vehicles or vessels, and prosecution. 

    “The Ministry of Environment is committed to protecting and conserving the state’s forests, and this closure is a significant step towards achieving that goal,” he stated.

  • Boat crash: Navy rescues eight policemen, one civilian in Bayelsa

    Boat crash: Navy rescues eight policemen, one civilian in Bayelsa

    Eight policemen and a civilian who were onboard an ill-fated boat that capsized in Bayelsa on Christmas eve were rescued by operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN).

    The speedboat said to be going to Yenegoa, the Bayelsa State capital, capsized around Agbura community after hitting a submerged wreck.

    A statement on Monday, by the Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said three service rifles belonging to the policemen were also recovered from the accident scene and documented.

    Adams-Aliu said: “On 24 December 2024, Nigerian Navy Personnel deployed around Agbura community Bayelsa State successfully conducted a search and rescue operation and rescued the nine passengers comprising eight Police Officers and one Civilian along with three rifles belonging to the police officers.

    “The officers were enroute Yenagoa, when their speed boat hit a submerged wreck and capsized. Subsequently, first aid was administered to those injured and were subsequently transferred to the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa for further medical treatment. 

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    “However, the submerged wreckage that caused the incident was noted and marked to prevent further occurrences. The recovered weapons were documented and secured awaiting proper handing and taking over to the Nigeria Police Force Bayelsa State Command.

    “This successful rescue operation underscores the synergy and collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and security agencies. The Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring safety on the nation’s waterways and fostering collaboration with other security stakeholders to enhance national security. 

    “The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reiterates the Navy’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians within the maritime domain. The CNS also commended the swift response and professionalism of the personnel involved in this operation.”

  • Crimes: Ex-militant leader emerges head as Bayelsa Park launches security outfit

    Crimes: Ex-militant leader emerges head as Bayelsa Park launches security outfit

    The AbiriBobo Central Motor Park at Tombia Roundabout, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has launched a new 30-member security outfit to address rising crime in the Tombia and Etegwe areas.

    This initiative, it was gathered, was aimed at complementing the efforts of other security forces in tackling crime, particularly during the evening and night hours when passengers and pedestrians are frequently robbed.

    ‘General’ Stanley Abiri, also known as “Faceless,” who is the leader of the new security team and a Third Phase Amnesty State Coordinator, emphasised the importance of collaboration with government security agencies.

    He explained that the outfit was formed to fill gaps in security, particularly in areas where transporters lack designated motor parks, making passengers vulnerable to theft.

    He also criticised some transporters for making it easier for criminals to target commuters by loading passengers at unsecured locations.

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    Abiri urged members of the security team to maintain high discipline and work in harmony with other security outfits to ensure the safety of citizens and their property.

    He praised the strategic cooperation between various security agencies in the state and expressed confidence that this new initiative would help reduce crime in the Tombia and Etegwe areas, ensuring a more secure environment for residents and travelers.

    Abiri lauded other security agents in their leading roles in maintaining the peace in the state, promising that the new security outfit would strengthen internal security of the busy Tombia roundabout.

    “We are committed to improving the internal security in the Tombia and Etegwe areas in the Yenagoa metropolis,” he stated.

  • Patoranking, Nyanya, Spyro, others storm Bayelsa for Okpoama Beach Carnival

    Patoranking, Nyanya, Spyro, others storm Bayelsa for Okpoama Beach Carnival

    A former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, has applauded the emerging global status of the yearly Okpoama International Beach Carnival at the Brass Island, saying it has added to the steady growth of the country’s entertainment industry.

    Sylva particularly applauded the performances of Patoranking, Nyanya, Spiro, and other emerging musical and comic artistes that stormed Bayelsa and thrilled guests, tourists and residents that attended the carnival.

    The former Minister of State for Petroleum described the event as beautiful sights and sounds from this year’s Okpoama International Beach Carnival. 

    He said: “The best of our country’s musical talents performed and enjoyed the ambience of Brass Island”, he said.

    “Indigenous musical prospects were given the chance to perform alongside Internationally recognized stars in a deliberate act of raising their stock. 

    “Ultimately, the dream of making Okpoama a proper globally recognized tourism destination is in sight”.

    Okpoama International Beach Carnival has always paraded top musical and comic artistes yearly and attracted multitude of tourists from within and outside the state.

    In the time past, Timaya, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage are among the top artistes that identified with and thrilled visitors at previous events.

    The event has always presented an indispensable opportunity for people outside the state to enjoy Bayelsa hospitality and savour local state delicacies. 

    The 2025 Okpoama International Beach Carnival, which MC Senibo coordinated as the Master of Ceremony is usually organized by Sylva’s team and political associates including Kojo Sam to highlight the potential of Okpoama and Brass Island as a destination of choice for tourists.

  • BREAKING: Bayelsa gov candidate, running mate, others dump Labour Party

    BREAKING: Bayelsa gov candidate, running mate, others dump Labour Party

    The governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last election in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri and his running mate, Commodore Benjamin Nathus (retd) have announced their resignations from the party.

    It was gathered that most of the local government chairmen of the party in Bayelsa joined Eradiri and Nathus to dump the party.

    Eradiri, who was recently conferred Fellowship by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) sent his resignation letter to the state chairman of the party in Yenagoa.

    In the letter dated December 8 and titled, Letter of Withdrawal as Labour Party Member, Eradiri said he took the decision to enable him to pursue his political career on a platform ready and prepared to provide the kind of leadership that Bayelsa deserves.

    Eradiri appreciated members of the party, who believed in his vision for a better Bayelsa and allowed him to be the governorship candidate.

    “But unfortunately, we couldn’t scale through the intrigues and challenges implanted in the party leadership”, he said.

    Eradiri noted that it was a great moment working together politically and traversing the nooks and crannies of the state in the quest for leadership.

    Eradiri, who came third in the governorship poll, said his decision was supported by his loyalists. 

    Also in his letter of withdrawal, Nathus said the move was borne out of his decision to seek a platform committed to a leadership that would propel Bayelsa towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

    He said: “I am profoundly grateful for the support and camaraderie of the party members who have shared in our vision for a thriving Bayelsa and graciously provided me the opportunity to serve as a deputy governorship candidate. The journey has been enriched with invaluable experiences and insights”.

    Nathus said he was honoured to work with dedicated colleagues and engage deeply with communities in the pursuit of transformative governance.

    Eradiri, who confirmed his resignation from the party, said he was undergoing serious consultations to decide the next political platform that would enable him to provide service to the people.

    “We are consulting seriously and engaging all stakeholders to know the next political party to join. Our next party of interest will be such that will enable us to provide service to the people and mice Bayelsa forward”, he said.