The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Douye Diri

  • I’m not responsible for Nengi’s pregnancy –  Governor Diri

    I’m not responsible for Nengi’s pregnancy –  Governor Diri

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed social media rumors alleging that he fathered a child with Big Brother Naija star, Nengi Hampson.

    The speculation, which recently gained traction online, claimed that Nengi had given birth to the governor’s child, with some reports even suggesting he has four wives.

    However, Governor Diri has categorically denied the claims, describing them as baseless and unfounded.

    Nengi herself had taken to her X handle to debunk the claims, stating, “As much as I believe social media lies aren’t worth my time, I’ve come to accept that we live in a world where people are quick to spread lies without limits so let me be clear, I’m not pregnant for any Governor.

    I’ve chosen to speak coz this isn’t just an attack on me, it involves people I hold in the highest regard, and I won’t allow a beautiful, personal part of my life be turned into something ugly.

    While I continue to mind my own business and enjoy my pregnancy in PEACE, I wish y’all Love and a happy Valentine’s weekend”.

    Read Also: Key to Nigeria’s economic revival, by Olawepo-Hashim

    The governor’s Director-General on New Media, Samuel Kolawole Oredipe, attributed the rumors to the governor’s political enemies, stating that they are “spreading falsehood” to distract from the governor’s accomplishments.

    He wrote: “Political enemies of His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, are at work again. What a wicked set of people spreading falsehood on a day the Prosperity Administration commenced activities marking its 5th anniversary.

    “Nengi Rebecca Hampson has no personal relationship with the governor. Nengi has come out on social media to debunk the lies. This is a distraction, and some of us are very justified in the many reasons offered to regulate the use of various social media.”

  • We won’t have abandoned projects by end of Diri’s administration — Bayelsa govt

    We won’t have abandoned projects by end of Diri’s administration — Bayelsa govt

    Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to complete all initiated projects and ensure that no infrastructure development is left abandoned in Governor Douye Diri’s second term.

    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Maxwell Ebibai, made the disclosure yesterday while addressing concerns about project execution and funding at the monthly transparency briefing held at the Treasury Building in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

    He emphasised that all projects under the Diri administration are meticulously planned, ensuring that funds are available for their completion before they are even initiated.

    The Finance Commissioner noted that capital payments for government projects are released periodically based on certification, ensuring that no project is stalled due to lack of funds.

    He further explained that the administration had deliberately created savings to cover outstanding certificates when they become due, preventing financial constraints from hindering progress.

    He also stated that the government was focused on embarking on projects that are not only necessary but also carefully structured within a broader development framework and assured the people that by the end of the administration, there would be no abandoned projects in Bayelsa.

    Ebibai stressed that while some projects might still be ongoing, the state government was making provisions to ensure that sufficient funds are reserved for their eventual completion.

    He reiterated that Governor Diri remained committed to prudent governance, prioritising only projects that had been thoroughly assessed, planned for, and had guaranteed financial backing.

    This, he said, set the Diri government apart in its approach to sustainable development and infrastructure growth in Bayelsa State.

    He said: “The governor has always reiterated and emphasised at different points that the projects of a prosperous government are planned in a manner that the state will have the capacity to complete these projects and we won’t have abandoned projects.

    “You see periodic heavy capital payment when certificates are presented. Our own certificates are not yet due. There are savings to take care of those certificates when they are presented because we are planning for the completion of those projects to ensure that those projects are completed.

    “So, the government of Senator Douye Diri, as governor of Bayelsa State is very prudent in trying, not just in embarking on projects that cannot be completed, but projects that he has planned for and knows how these projects will be completed.

    Read Also: Tragedy inspired upgrade of Maku Police station to Area Command – Oyo CP, ALGON Chair

    “They are not just projects coming up like that but they are projects that are part of a puzzle and we are picking and completing the puzzle gradually bringing up projects that are very relevant and completing the puzzle.

    “So we hope that by the end of the government, there will be no abandoned projects. They may be ongoing projects and there will likely be savings for those projects to be completed.”

    While reeling out government’s incomes and expenditures from the month of October 2024 to December 2024, the finance commissioner said the government spent N163.4 million to upset the allowances of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) corps members serving in the state for three months.

    Ebibai also said the total inflows to the state between the three months were over N200 billion.

    In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the government would remain accountable at all times in its project’s execution.

  • 2023 poll: Diri commends outgoing GOC’s non-partisanship

    2023 poll: Diri commends outgoing GOC’s non-partisanship

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has given kudos to the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major. Gen. Jamal Abdusalam, for maintaining neutrality during the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state.

    Diri also commended the professionalism of Gen. Abdusalam, the military and the other security agencies during the poll.

    He gave the commendation yesterday when Abdusalam paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

    The governor said the role played by security operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army, contributed largely to the peaceful and credible governorship poll in the state.

    Diri expressed the appreciation of the state government to the outgoing GOC and his team for working closely with other sister security agencies to maintain law and order in the state, noting that his leadership was exemplary.

    Read Also: FG, states, LGAs share N1.424trn in January 2025

    The governor stated: “On behalf of the state government, l thank you profusely for being a fine officer and a thoroughbred professional. I particularly want to appreciate you and your team of officers for ensuring that you were non-partisan during our 2023 governorship election in the state.

    “Bayelsa is peaceful and secure because you have been working with other security agencies to keep the peace in the state. You have done well and l hope your successor will continue in your stead and even do better.

    “As you move on to other responsibilities, we see you as an ambassador of Bayelsa State and we urge you to portray our state in a positive light.”

    In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Abdusalam said he had been posted to the Nigerian Army Headquarters having accomplished his task at the Division.

    He expressed gratitude to the state government for its support to the command, which he said enhanced their operations, particularly in the building of accommodation blocks in the barracks and other logistics support.

    Highlighting some of the division’s achievements, he said upon assuming office in April 2023, the country’s crude oil production was 998,000 barrels per day but at the end of last year, it increased to 1.88 million barrels per day.

  • Diri hails Etete at 80, describes ex-minister as patriotic

    Diri hails Etete at 80, describes ex-minister as patriotic

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has paid tributes to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Dan Etete, on his 80th birthday.

    Diri, in a statement on Friday issued by his spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, described Etete as a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious son of the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

    He recalled the significant role Etete played in the movement for the creation of Bayelsa State as well as the foundations he laid for the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

    Diri stated: “The government and people of Bayelsa State proudly celebrate a distinguished son of the Ijaw Nation, Chief (Senator) Dan Dauzia Loya Etete, on his 80th birthday.

    “We honour not only your remarkable achievements but also your unwavering dedication to the development and uplift of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

    Read Also: FG, UN strengthen ties to tackle humanitarian crisis

    “As we reflect on your illustrious journey, we cannot forget your pivotal role in the creation of Bayelsa State — a milestone that gave the Ijaw nation a home to call its own and a platform to assert its cultural, political, and economic identity.

    “Beyond this, your contributions to the oil and gas sector as a former Minister of Petroleum laid the groundwork for greater indigenous participation and economic opportunities, which continue to benefit Bayelsa State and the entire Niger Delta.

    “Your legacy of resilience, vision, and patriotism is an inspiration to all who seek to serve their people selflessly.”

    Diri prayed to God to continue to bless the octogenarian and elder statesman with good health, peace, and the joy of seeing his dreams for Bayelsa and the Ijaw Nation flourish.

  • Diri mourns tragic death of Bayelsa paramount ruler in road crash

    Diri mourns tragic death of Bayelsa paramount ruler in road crash

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, is deeply saddened over the fatal accident that claimed the life of the Amananaowei (paramount ruler) of Ofoni Federated Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, HRH Auditor Onakpohor, on Friday.

    The sad incident occurred along the Sagbama-Ekeremor road as the vehicle conveying HRH Onakpohor and about 12 other traditional rulers somersaulted and skidded off the road into the bush around Sagbama community.

    The occupants of the vehicle were rescued and taken to the Sagbama General Hospital where the injured were administered first aid while those with more serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri.

    Unfortunately, the Ofoni monarch, who was part of the Bayelsa West delegation on the New Year visit of the immediate past governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West senatorial district, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, to Governor Diri at his country home, Sampou, passed on.

    Read Also: Why we had to remove fuel subsidy, by Tinubu

    Immediately the governor was informed about the incident and loss of life, he directed that the event be cancelled.

    Governor Diri has been briefed by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who also hails from Ofoni, and on behalf of the state government expresses sincere condolences to the paramount ruler’s family and the people of Ofoni Federated Community.

    He also extended his sympathies and that of the government to the other victims of the accident and their families just as he prayed for their quick recovery.

    The governor equally commiserated with his predecessor, Senator Dickson, who was leader of the delegation.

  • Oil thieves use children, women as shields, says governor

    Oil thieves use children, women as shields, says governor

    Oil thieves are now using human shield to evade discovery of their illegal activities.

    Surrounding their illegitimate refineries with women and children is also to hoodwink troops.

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri made this known yesterday in Yenagoa during a meeting with local government chairmen and traditional rulers.

    The governor said the ugly situation was discovered by security operatives on reconnaissance operations.

    He urged royal fathers to educate their subjects on the dangers of the illegal theft business to human health and the environment.

    Diri said: “The report I received recently is that at illegal bunkering sites, they now have children and women, which is a dimension I have never heard of before.

    “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. So, we all have to work together in our domains to educate our people.

    Read Also: Troops arrest 29 suspected oil thieves, destroy 42 illegal refineries

    “There was a situation where the military moved in and discovered that children and women were there and had to withdraw.”

    He urged the monarchs and council chairmen to take steps to curb the menace, which he said, was prevalent in Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass and Nembe, four out of the eight local government councils in Bayelsa State.

    The governor also charged the monarchs to report oil bunkering sites in their domains, stressing that the ugly trend could be addressed through collaborative efforts.

    Many illegal oil refineries are being destroyed in the Niger Delta as a result of the renewed onslaught by security agencies in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s zero tolerance for stealing of petrol and crude oil.

  • Diri rewards wrestling classics champions

    Diri rewards wrestling classics champions

    Gold medallists get N500,000 each

    Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri has rewarded wrestlers from the state that won medals at the 13th  National Wrestling Classics held last weekend at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    Bayelsa emerged overall winners of the wrestling championship, which was the third sponsored by Governor Diri. Each gold medallist got N500,000, silver medallists N200,000 and bronze medallists N100,000 each.

    Diri presented the cash rewards to the winners on Thursday shortly after the weekly Prosperity Walk programme at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex.

    He also rewarded Team Bayelsa with the sum of N2 million while the Dynamite Wrestling Club in the state that came third got N1 million.

    Read Also: Libyan ordeal: Legends highlight lessons for NFF, Nigerian clubs

    The Bayelsa governor said the gesture was to encourage and motivate athletes to continue to excel in future championships.

    He directed the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, who is also President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation, to haunt for young talents at the grassroots in the quest to produce future champions.

    He said: “l congratulate all winners in the wrestling championship. Wrestling is indigenous to Bayelsa State. So it should continue to maintain its first position. All of our competitors must come tops at national events, especially in wrestling and other combat sports.

    “Government is appreciating all our gold medallists in the wrestling competition with the sum of N500,000, silver medallists N200,000 and bronze medallists N100,000.

    “I have been talking with Blessing Oborududu, the Olympic silver medallist, who has made a mark in wrestling, to mentor and train young ones that will take over from her upon retirement.”

    The governor noted that his administration had already reached out to top athletes, including Oborududu, to fish out talents across the local government areas in order to train them to win laurels at state, national and international levels.

    In his remarks, Hon. Daniel Igali said 25 states and 11 clubs participated in the national wrestling classics.

    Presenting the winners and their trophies, Igali said Bayelsa came first in Greco-Roman and freestyle categories as well as in the female category.

    He added that the state also came tops in all categories while a Bayelsa wrestler emerged as the outstanding competitor in Greco-Roman style.

  • A rare privilege to be Bayelsa Governor — Diri

    A rare privilege to be Bayelsa Governor — Diri

    Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has said he is determined to leave lasting legacies in infrastructure development as he considers it a rare privilege to govern the State.

    Diri stated this during a gala night organised by the State Government in honour of members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

    The event rounded off the three-day 20th All-Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) held in the state capital.

    Diri said he treats issues of development of the State seriously as he is aware that constitutionally he is allowed only two terms in office.

    He promised that with his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, they would keep doing their best in the remaining three years for Bayelsans to feel the impact of their service to the state and to the country.

    He said: “For us, it is a rare privilege to serve our people. Opportunity like this does not come often. By the constitution of Nigeria, I am barred from contesting again as governor of Bayelsa State.

    “So, the only thing that will speak for me, my deputy and most of us in this administration, is the legacy that we leave in terms of both human and material infrastructure.

    “Developing the state is now in our hands and we will keep doing our best in the remaining three years so that when we leave, the state will continue to feel our impact having travelled this eight-year journey in service to people of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.”

    While responding to remarks of the NGE president, Governor Diri approved the request to institute an annual lecture to honour and immortalise a foremost nationalist and pioneer editor of Daily Times, late Mr. Ernest Sesei Ikoli, an indigene of Bayelsa State, beginning from 2025.

    Read Also: Kwankwaso’s visit to Otti sparks possible alliance in 2027

    He also granted an appeal by the Guild’s president for two interns at the state-owned Niger Delta Television (NDTV) who missed out when the Governor directed the employment of 13 of their colleagues when he visited the station last year.

    NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for being a perfect host and for recognising the essential roles editors play in shaping the society.

    Anaba also stated that the support of the gotvernor during the conference was an indication of the importance he attached to a free and responsible press.

    While highlighting the various project sites visited, he expressed appreciation to the governor particularly for constructing an iconic media complex named after Ernest Ikoli.

    Bayelsa Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, commended the Guild for promoting excellence in journalism and for successfully organising the 20th ANEC.

    Highpoint of the night of glitz and glamour was the presentation of an award to Governor Diri by the Guild and the induction of 12 new members.
    Two initiators of the ANEC, Halilu Baba Dantiye and Angela Agoawike were also honoured by the Guild.

  • Bayelsa demands reparation, environmental cleanup over oil pollution

    Bayelsa demands reparation, environmental cleanup over oil pollution

    Bayelsa  Governor, Douye Diri, has demanded reparations and an extensive environmental cleanup to address decades of ecological devastation caused by crude oil exploration in the State. 

    Speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting between Bayelsa’s political and traditional leaders and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Diri highlighted the severe environmental and health crises facing his state due to unchecked oil activities.

    The Bayelsa leaders said they were paying a thank you visit on the President for the appointment of one of their daughters, Mrs. Didi Lawson-Jack, as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, among other important appointments from the state. 

    Diri, who presented the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission Report to Tinubu during the meeting, pointed to the extensive damage in the state’s rivers and rural areas, where oil pollution has permeated the waterways, damaging the ecosystems and local economies. 

    The Governor also raised concerns over the alarming rise in cancer cases and other unusual illnesses among Bayelsa’s residents, linking these health crises to prolonged oil pollution. 

    The report he referenced traces these health issues directly to the oil industry’s operations, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive response. 

    He stressed that the livelihoods of Bayelsa residents, many of whom rely on fishing and farming, have been devastated by widespread pollution. 

    Diri urged the Federal Government to prioritise environmental restoration, similar to ongoing efforts in Ogoniland through the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

    Diri noted that oil companies must assume responsibility for the damage, regardless of whether it was caused by equipment failure or acts of sabotage, pointing out that international laws hold companies accountable for pollution resulting from their facilities and equipment.

    Read Also: Bosso urges  state gov’t to support Bayelsa United

    “Well, the report is there. If you’re asking for the recommendations, they are not just one. They are not two. But what is more important there is the issue of our environment and in that recommendation, they are talking about the clean-up, you know about the Ogoni situation, and HYPREP, and our environment is totally gone. 

    “If you go into the rivers and the rooflets of Bayelsa state, you will be perceiving oil, economic activities of our people have been grounded, and up until today, you still have oil pollution all over the state. 

    “So the number one thing is, first of all, restore the environment, clean up the environment, and of course, you have to pay reparations, and those who have caused these damage, most times they say, Oh, it is as a result of sabotage. 

    “But international law doesn’t recognize sabotage. You own those facilities and equipment, whether the oil spillages were as a result of sabotage or ageing equipment, which is most times the case, equipment failures, reparations have to be paid. 

    “As I speak with you today, issues about cancer are now almost like a normal thing in Bayelsa state, and this report has traced it to the activities of the oil companies, oil exploration and all other types of very bizarre types of sicknesses that were not hitherto known to the people of Bayelsa”, he said.

  • Wrestling Federation  urges  coaches  to understand  updated rules

    Wrestling Federation  urges  coaches  to understand  updated rules

    3rd  Governor Diri classics begin in Yenagoa

    As the 3rd  Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics gets underway, coaches and officials have been advised to update  themselves with the latest rules about the sport.

    The Technical Director Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Ohaike Darmian,  said as much during the clinic and technical meeting ahead of the Wrestling Classics holding  in Yenagoa , the Bayelsa State capital.

    Darmian advocated for officials to always shun complacency as there is always room for improvement, adding coaches and officials should at all times abreast themselves with the rules

    “This clinic is very important because sports policies are the rules and guidelines that govern the activities and operations of sports organizations and events. They are essential for ensuring safety, fairness, quality, and accountability in the sports sector,” he noted.

    He continued: “However, sports policies are not static and need to be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the changing needs, expectations, and challenges of the sports environment. If you do not follow the foregoing, global practices will leave you behind.

    Read Also: Super Eagles: Okumagba urges NFF to employ local coach

    “So we call on coaches and officials to always equip themselves to current rules and regulations.” Darmian emphasized.

    The President Nigeria  Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, in his remarks, added that rules and guidelines are regularly reviewed based on the findings and recommendations from the previous steps.

    Igali maintained that officials should prioritize the most urgent and important issues, which are the rules and can be found on the United World Wrestling website or official magazines from UWW.

    He urged them to communicate updated rules to their athletes and ensure that they are aware and understand them as he reiterates athletes are what they are thought.

    Alongside the President to oversee the technical meeting were the Federation’s Vice President, Chris Amkpila, the Secretary General, Mohammed Maigidansanma, among other stakeholders.

    Meanwhile, today’s schedule will see the Wrestling Federation hold its Annual General Meeting and the first bout in Junior/Cadet in Gre-Roman and women and freestyle wrestling expected to take place.