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  • Diri, cabinet mourn Olubolade, former Bayelsa military administrator

    Diri, cabinet mourn Olubolade, former Bayelsa military administrator

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has described as shocking the sudden demise of one of his predecessors, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd.).

    Olubolade, who was the military administrator of the state from June 27, 1997, to July 9, 1998, died on Sunday, May 11.

    Diri, who spoke during the 163rd state executive council session in Government House, Yenagoa, said the news of his death was received with profound sadness by the government and the people, considering Olubolade’s indelible contributions to the development of Bayelsa during the state’s formative years.

    A minute’s silence was observed by the state cabinet in honour of the late former administrator.

    The Bayelsa governor described Olubolade as selfless, an astute administrator, and a man of exceptional humility.

    Read Also: Security: Diri lauds agencies, armed forces team for synergy

    He particularly expressed sadness that late last year, the state celebrated Olubolade’s 70th birthday in Yenago, and that he was full of life at the event.

    Diri said out of office, the former military administrator, identified with the state through the years, and was one of the key supporters of his administration.

    He extended the condolences of the government and people of the state to the Olubolade family and prayed God to grant them and his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Move Ijaw to APC now, Eradiri tells Diri, Dickson

    Move Ijaw to APC now, Eradiri tells Diri, Dickson

    A former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, has called on the state governor, Douye Diri, and his predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, to integrate the Ijaw nation into the government at the centre.

    Eradiri, in a statement on Wednesday, told the two political leaders that there is no better time than now to move the Ijaw nation into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Describing the current period as the time of political realignment, Eradiri, who is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineering (NSE), said the Ijaw could experience political alienation if the leaders failed to adapt to the political reality.

    He specifically said Diri and Dickson should decisively join the APC to create the required opportunity for the Ijaw to play crucial roles in the corridors of power.

    Eradiri, a former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, argued that taking such a political decision would attract more infrastructural and manpower development.

    He insisted that the Ijaw would gain nothing by being in opposition to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but would only be left to wallow in the political wilderness.

    He appealed to Diri and Dickson to forego personal interest, LS, and see the bigger picture, insisting that their joining the APC would be for the overall interest of the Ijaw nation.

    Eradiri, a former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa, reminded the two leaders that their past political fathers, living and dead, used to align with any government at the centre.

    Eradiri said, “The time for political realignment for the Ijaw Nation is now.

    The current political equation in Nigeria presently will alienate the Ijaw race if we don’t re-strategise immediately and take a decision to join the ruling party.

    “I am calling on Senator Seriake Dickson and Governor Douye Diri to join the APC now to guarantee the Ijaw Nation a place in decision-making at the centre.

    Read Also: Security: Diri lauds agencies, armed forces team for synergy

    “This is no longer the time for bravado. There is nothing or no point in being in opposition to President Tinubu’s government, as it will only alienate Ijaws politically.

    “Our fathers had always aligned with the centre, and Ijaws, no matter how bad, had always had some say in government. But today we have no voice in the APC-led federal government.

    “Dickson, being a former governor and now senator, and Douye Diri, a former senator and now governor, will give the Ijaws a voice at the national government if they heed this clarion call and move to the APC.

    “I, however, call on them to jettison every personal interest and other selfish sentiments and take this step, which I believe will be for the overall interest of the Ijaw nation.

    “Ijaws cannot be onlookers. Our resources sustain Nigeria, so we must be strategic to advance the development of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation”.

  • PDP tackles Diri for sacking aides involved in mega rally

    PDP tackles Diri for sacking aides involved in mega rally

    The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised Governor Douye Diri for dismissing some of his political appointees who participated in a rally organised by the NEW Associates, a political group loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In a statement signed by the publicity secretary of the PDP caretaker committee in the state, Derri Wright, the party described the governor’s action as “an alarming demonstration of intolerance and high-handedness” that runs contrary to democratic principles.

    “We strongly condemn the sacking of these political appointees, who identified with the NEW Associates political group and participated in the mega rally held in solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike,” the statement read.

    The PDP further described the move as regrettable, noting that the affected individuals are card-carrying members of the party who played vital roles in securing victory for the PDP during the last governorship election, which returned Governor Diri to office.

    The party urged the governor to reconsider the decision in the spirit of internal democracy and party unity, warning that such actions could deepen divisions and weaken the PDP’s cohesion ahead of future elections. 

    The statement said: “The PDP is deeply concerned about the level of intolerance and abuse of public power exhibited by Governor Diri. It is important to note that neither the government of Bayelsa State nor the treasury of the state belongs personally to Governor Diri.

    “Rather, they are public assets that should be used to serve all citizens equitably and without sentiment or emotion. The party is saddened that the sacked aides committed no known offence that would warrant their dismissal.

    “Sacking these political aides, who believed in our vision as a party and worked diligently to promote inclusivity and civic engagement, represents a severe breach of trust and an affront to democratic participation, which are alien to the PDP.

    Read Also: Diri approves 35% salary structure for Bayelsa civil servants

    “It sends a chilling message to political office holders and citizens alike, discouraging them from aligning with movements that promote positive change and political accountability. Such actions have no place in a democracy and betray the ideals of leadership that we expect from our elected officials.”

    The party called on Diri to reconsider his decision and to embrace the principles of inclusion, respect, and open dialogue.

    The party said: “Our leaders must foster an environment where diverse opinions and grassroots movements are welcomed rather than stifled. Democracy thrives on debate, collaboration, and unity, not on division and fear.

    “We urge all stakeholders, political leaders, and citizens to join us in advocating for a more tolerant and inclusive political culture that honours the contributions of all who seek to uplift our beloved Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole”.

  • 2027: I will sack impatient appointees, Diri vows

    2027: I will sack impatient appointees, Diri vows

    Bayelsa state governor, Douye Diri, has warned his appointees to desist from engaging in political activities ahead of the yet to be released 2027 election guidelines by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Diri said any of his appointees found engaging in political activities at this time would be sacked.

    He issued the stern warning on Wednesday during the 162nd session of the state’s executive council meeting inside the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.

    Diri, who wondered why some persons decided to heat the polity when it was not yet time for politicking, noted that although everyone had the right to aspire to any political office, it should be done in line with the INEC stipulated guidelines.

    Diri said his administration was focused on governance and on programmes that would develop the state and should not be distracted by unnecessary political activities.

    He urged people of the state to engage in other profitable ventures rather than politicking when it was not yet time to do so.

    The governor stated: “I would like to advise politicians to follow the guidelines of political activities as enunciated by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Even the Bible tells us that there is time for everything. This is the time for governance, and we have started hearing public statements on radio about who was contesting for one office or the other.

    “I advise all of us to refrain from politicking and wait for INEC’s guidelines, particularly for political appointees. If you want to heat the polity, please resign.

    “Going forward, any political appointee who goes on air to talk about 2027 politics will be sacked.

    “Any political appointee, no matter his office, who goes on air or does political activities when it is not yet time and it is brought to my knowledge, consider yourself sacked.

    “For non-appointees, please look for other economic activities that will bring development to our dear state. We cannot as a state be doing politics from January to December every year.

    Read Also: Diri approves 35% salary structure for Bayelsa civil servants

    “Elections are in 2027, but some want to play God when they do not even know if they will see 2027. I am not praying for anybody’s death.

    “Those who want to take whatever offices, please, there is law and order in this country. There is a timetable for political activities to commence.

    “I always say that power comes from God. So, sheathe your swords for now or remove the powder from your gun and wait. When INEC releases the guidelines for political activities, everybody will be free to play politics.

    “As a political appointee, that has to stop today. Everybody is put on notice that if any of those social media political comments are seen, action will be taken.”

  • Diri approves 35% salary structure for Bayelsa civil servants

    Diri approves 35% salary structure for Bayelsa civil servants

    The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the 25 percent and 35 percent salary structure for all categories of civil servants in the state.

    The approval takes effect from November 2024.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement in Yenagoa.

    Mrs. Koku-Obiyai added that the newly approved structure would be implemented from May, 2025, while arrears arising from the new structure from November, 2024 will be spread and paid accordingly. 

    The Information Commissioner added that the approval of the 25% and 35% Salary Structure further demonstrated Governor Diri’s love for the civil servants and commitment to the welfare of workers.

    While commending civil servants for their services to the state, Koku-Obiyai urged them to reciprocate Diri’s commitment to their welfare with diligence and hard work to ensure that the Bayelsa public derive the full benefit of the government’s prosperity assured agenda of the administration.

    The commissioner also congratulated the civil servants on the May Day celebration and urged labour to include quality service delivery in their advocacy.

    She assured them that government would continue to introduce policies and programmes to motivate the public service for quality work output.

    It was learnt that the new salary increment was an addition to the minimum wage approved last year.

    Also, the Bayelsa State Government said it has given approval for more medical laboratory scientists and doctors to be employed in its ongoing civil service recruitment exercise.

    The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy visit by the Bayelsa branch of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) to his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

    Senator Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, said the current recruitment drive was aimed at addressing manpower needs in some critical sectors, including health, to improve service delivery in the state.

    The Deputy Governor, who noted that no profession in the health sector was superior to others, stressed the need for cooperation among workers in every health facility to achieve optimal results.

    He assured them that a good number of certified and competent medical laboratory scientists as well as other medical and health practitioners would be employed based on the needs assessment indices at government’s disposal.

    While appreciating their contributions to quality healthcare service delivery, he said the government was ready to collaborate with the Association and other critical stakeholders in the sector to make health services more affordable and accessible to people of the state.

    He said, “We are making progress in the health sector in Bayelsa. But we also admit that there is still much room for improvement.

    Read Also: Diri receives Niger Delta Sports Festival’s  winning trophy

    “As you are aware, applicants are applying to the state civil service, and some employment slots have been approved for medical doctors and laboratory scientists to be employed.

    “We need competent and highly qualified personnel to be employed in the service to provide quality services.

    “Every health worker has a role in health promotion. No profession in the health sector is superior to another. We are ready to collaborate with you to make health services more affordable and accessible to all Bayelsans.”

    Earlier in her presentation, the State Chairman of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Eunice Ayamaere Lelei, said there was need for government to employ more qualified laboratory scientists, and provide modern laboratory equipment in all its medical facilities across the state. 

  • Insecurity: NEC defers state police talks

    Insecurity: NEC defers state police talks

    The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday deferred discussions on the proposed establishment of state police due to time constraints during its extended meeting at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

    The council, which held a minute of silence to honour victims of recent violent attacks in Plateau and Benue states, emphasized the growing urgency of addressing the state police initiative amid escalating security concerns nationwide.

    It would be recalled that the last update on the proposal came during the December NEC meeting, when it was announced that all states had expressed support for the idea.

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri confirmed that the matter was on Thursday’s agenda but could not be discussed due to the limited time available.

    “State police was part of our agenda today, but unfortunately, because of time demands… the presentations took a long time. We were unable to get to that bit of it. I can assure you that in our next meeting, that issue will be exhaustively discussed”, Governor Diri told reporters during the post-NEC media briefing. 

    Governor Diri, alongside his counterparts—Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti—and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, briefed the press under the coordination of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

    The briefing shifted focus to other agenda items tackled during the meeting, particularly in the agriculture sector. 

    Governor Abdullahi Sule addressed lingering concerns surrounding the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), a key initiative aimed at curbing farmer-herder conflicts through modern ranching systems.

    Sule, whose state hosted the most successful pilot of the NLTP, explained that the programme encountered significant setbacks related to funding, which prevented its broader implementation across the federation.

    “Perhaps you will realize that NLTP was actually a programme owned by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the government of the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the NLTP had some challenges at take-off, especially in terms of funding between the government of Netherlands and the Ministry of Agriculture. That issue lingered into the 2023 elections and affected its expansion”, Sule explained.

    He added that a new initiative under the current Minister of Livestock Development is being introduced to address some of the earlier hurdles.

    “I’m happy to tell you that the ministers were informed about this. It didn’t go down as a waste. Many of the trainees have transitioned into other programmes like the RUGA projects and are now training others”, he explained.

    Read Also: Sule pays NECO fees for over 24,000 students in Nasarawa

    Sule also clarified reports of land encroachment at the pilot ranching site in Nasarawa, stating that locals were permitted to resume farming in the area temporarily to prevent the land from falling into disuse.

    “It was not an encroachment in the strict sense. The land would become difficult to cultivate again if left idle, so the communities who used to farm there were allowed back for agricultural use”, he said.

    Governor Diri also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of modern solutions to the longstanding farmer-herder conflicts. 

    “What the ministry equally presented today as a follow-up to the NLTP shows that the sector is being modernized. More importantly, emphasis is being placed on cattle ranching and peacebuilding. We believe that the ministry’s presentation on cattle ranching is a modern solution to these issues”, he said. 

    The Thursday NEC meeting, though unable to address all its planned items, served to reaffirm the Council’s commitment to tackling national security and food security concerns. 

    As anticipation builds for the next NEC session, all eyes will be on whether the long-awaited conversation around state police will finally take center stage.

  • Diri, Lokpobiri, PANDEF, others celebrate Bayelsa monarch at 90

    Diri, Lokpobiri, PANDEF, others celebrate Bayelsa monarch at 90

    Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, have praised the virtues of Pa Jonathan Alagba, the Amananaowei of Ikibiri town in Ekpetiama Kingdom, Yenagoa Local Government Area, as he marked his 90th birthday.

    The celebratory event, held in Yenagoa, also drew tributes from other prominent figures including the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Boladei Igali, and the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo.

    Governor Diri, in his remarks, lauded the nonagenarian for his remarkable service as a teacher, community leader, and exemplary father. 

    He noted that Pa Alagba’s legacy of discipline and godly upbringing is reflected in his children, who are contributing meaningfully to the state and nation.

    The governor affirmed his administration’s commitment to honoring elders and leaders who have made positive impacts on society, and encouraged Bayelsans to emulate Pa Alagba’s life of service and values-driven parenting.

    Diri said: “Pa Alagba does not look 90 years. It is like he is just five years my elder brother.

    “As a state, we should celebrate our fathers and elders that brought up their children in the way that they should go and will not depart from it when they grow up.

    “For instance, you brought up your son, Tonye, very well as a teacher and that is why he and his siblings are where they are today.

    Read Also: Diri expresses satisfaction with ongoing projects in Bayelsa

    “I use this opportunity to call on all Bayelsans, particularly our mothers and fathers, to emulate this family. When you give birth to children, please do not abandon them. Train them up and give birth to the number of children you can train.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Pa Alagba’s celebration as important to him saying it was wise to honour and celebrate those that had advanced in life and in age.

    Lokpobiri appreciated God for blessing the celebrant with good health and sound mind, and particularly acknowledged that the record of the monarch’s son in the oil industry was a testament to his father’s great attributes.

    The minister emphasised that he could judge the success of the celebrant by what he knew about his son, Dr. Tonye Alagba, the Managing Director of NNPC Engineering & Technical Company Limited (NETCO), whom he described as the best gift to the country’s oil industry, particularly the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). 

    In his remarks, chairman of the event, Dr. Boladei Igali, eulogised Pa Alagba, noting that to live up to 90 years translated to being a perfect gift from God.

    Igali, who is the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), wished the monarch a long reign on the throne and described his children as a pride to the state. 

    In separate goodwill messages, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and his predecessor and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, congratulated the celebrant on attaining the milestone age, which according them was no mean feat.

    Responding, the celebrant, Pa Alagba, thanked Governor Diri, his entourage and everyone that attended the event for sacrificing their time to honour and celebrate him and prayed God to honour all of them with long life and good health.

    The governor was accompanied to the event by the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, her Environment and Youth Development counterparts, Hon. Ben Ololo and Alfred Kemepado, General Manager of the state Housing and Property Development Authority, Hon. Tonye Isenah as well as other top government functionaries.

  • Diri appoints gospel artiste Ijaw language ambassador   

    Diri appoints gospel artiste Ijaw language ambassador   

    Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has named gospel musician, Asu Ekiye, Ijaw Language Ambassador. 

    Speaking in Yenagoa during Ekiye’s musical concert and album launch tagged, ‘Ebikamo Experience,’ Diri said the appointment was in recognition of his effort to preserve Ijaw language through his music and that this was in line with his administration’s vision to ensure the language does not go extinct.

    Describing the musician’s passion for preserving the language as commendable, he said his administration had trained Ijaw teachers and would do more to promote the language.

    The Governor also stated that Bayelsa was peaceful because the Ijaw people were peaceful in nature and solicited their continuous support for his administration to initiate more development projects across the state. 

    Diri stated: “I would have been here earlier but was told that the place was not ready. When it started raining, I told the Chief of Staff and SA Religion  to represent me. 

    “But immediately I made that decision, the rain stopped. 

    Read Also: Wike’s mega rally for Tinubu can’t ignite crisis in Bayelsa, PDP’s scribe replies Diri

    “On behalf of our government of Assured Prosperity, I want to say a big thank you to you and your team. They say a prophet is not recognised in his hometown but here you are acceptable. When you are blessed by God, nobody can take it. Haa Izon! is a call for unity and not a call for war.  

    “I am happy with your success story as an Ijaw gospel musician and I have, therefore, appointed you as Ambassador of Ijaw Language. My office will write you. 

    “I challenge everyone, particularly parents, to teach their children our language and urge them to join hands with the government in our drive to preserve the language from extinction.

    “My dear people of Bayelsa,  our state is peaceful because Ijaw people are peaceful. Let us support the state government and the federal government. 

    “We have started proving that the best place to live in is Bayelsa. The way we have given Nigeria oil and gas, Bayelsa is also the cradle of marine and blue economy and this is what Nigeria is missing in Bayelsa. So, we thank the federal government for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.”

    Ekiye thrilled the audience with his songs and energetic dance steps, which attracted the governor to the dance floor. 

  • Diri pledges support for Bayelsa Table Tennis Association,

    Diri pledges support for Bayelsa Table Tennis Association,

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said it is pleased with the continuous progress and the development of table tennis in the state in the last five years of the administration. 

    Diri stated this at the official inauguration of the newly renovated Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association Training Hall at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    He said government would support the association to achieve its aim ahead of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta Ogun State, emphasizing that the target for Bayelsa was to surpass the performance of the last sports festival in Asaba, Delta State.

    Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow had made his presence felt since he took charge of the association.

    The governor, who described Stow as a good example to the youths of the state, asserted that the gesture by the chairman would forever be remembered, stressing that his commitment towards the development of table tennis would make the game more popular and rewarding 

    According to the governor, the government is satisfied with the rise of table tennis and the Prosperity Administration would do everything possible for the tennis association’s chairman to actualize his goal for the sports.

    Diri seized the opportunity to charge the state’s table tennis team preparing for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) sports Festival to come up tops, assuring them that government would give the logistics and moral support they need to excel in the games.

    Read Also: Boniface reacts to boy who sold gifted boots for $100

    He said: “We came here to score two points: First, to show our commitment to our athletes and to also commend those who are doing very well, because the best way to encourage a child learning to walk is to clap for the child. 

    “So, we want to commend you our sports men and women. The Chairman has made a lot of promises, and we shall support him to make sure that those promises are fulfilled. “

    He added: “I believe the young man has done well. He is a good example for youths; he is a good example for our citizens. And I can assure you that Bayelsa State will never forget what you have done.

    “I am sure that your prowess will continue to soar for you to become President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation because you will do better with the small we have seen you demonstrate at the state level”

    Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, attributed the significant successes the state had made in sports in recent times to the special attention being given to sports by the present administration, and called for more collaborative effort from all stakeholders to take sports to a more enviable level.

    In separate goodwill messages, Chairman House Committee on Sports, Barrister Tare Porri and Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, also appreciated Mr Ama-ebi Stow for his transformative initiatives and investments in developing table tennis in the state, and called on other Bayelsans to emulate him.

    Also speaking, Mr. Amaebi Stow, the Bayelsa Table Tennis Association Chairman, said the rehabilitated table tennis hall would serve as training facility for U-16, Paralympic and deaf athletes.

    He equally said that the training facility for the senior athletes at the Oxbow Lake, called the “Fortress” would be inaugurated in two weeks’ time to prepare the state’s athletes for the National Sports Festival in Ogun State later in the year.

  • Diri pledges media partnership to promote transparency in Bayelsa

    Diri pledges media partnership to promote transparency in Bayelsa

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the media as strategic partners in promoting transparency, accountability, and openness in governance.

    Diri made this pledge yesterday when the newly elected leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, led by Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Yenagoa.

    Congratulating the NUJ executives, the governor recognized journalists as crucial agents of democratic accountability and assured that his Prosperity Administration would collaborate with them to enhance good governance and fulfill his prosperity agenda.

    He urged journalists to maintain objectivity in their reporting, emphasizing the need for balanced coverage that fosters development, peace, and unity rather than divisive narratives.

    As part of his support for the media, Diri directed the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiwou Koku-Obiyai, to work with the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, to renovate the NUJ Secretariat and address flooding issues at the premises. 

    Read Also: Governor Diri calls for urgent action on oil spill in Bayelsa community

    He also pledged his support for the proposed Bayelsa Media Summit, the first of its kind by any state NUJ council in Nigeria.

    In response, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, assured that the union would continue collaborating with the state government and media stakeholders to positively project Bayelsa’s image and attract investors and tourists.

    He emphasized the media’s role in societal development and stated that the new NUJ leadership in Bayelsa aims to be actively involved in state affairs in line with its responsibilities.

    Yemoleigha praised the government’s ongoing three senatorial road projects, highlighting their potential to drive socio-economic transformation and harness Bayelsa’s Blue Economy. 

    He also commended the newly constructed and rehabilitated roads for enhancing the capital’s aesthetics and expressed hope that the administration would sustain its urban renewal efforts.

    He further noted that journalists, like other Bayelsans, eagerly anticipate the arrival and installation of gas turbines, which he believes will significantly boost the state’s economy.