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Showing posts from June, 2023

Top Scrabble Players Vie For Gov Diri Prize Ahead World Championship

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Former World and African champions are among top Nigerian players that will slug it out at the third edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship. The two-day event hosted by the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA) in Yenagoa, the state capital, is slated for July 8 and 9 at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall. The governor’s tournament serves as the final preparation for the Nigerian contingent to the World Scrabble Championship holding in the United States from July 15. Expected to participate in the masters category are former world champion, Wellington Jighere, current African champion, Enoch Nwali, his compatriot and defending champion of the tournament, Nsikak Etim among other top-rated players such as Emmanuel Umujose, Eta Karo as well as Oshevire Avwenaghagha, who won in the first edition. Chairman of the BYSA, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the readiness to host the third edition with over 300 players from across the country expected to parti

Diri Mourns Former Bayelsa Acting Gov, Binabo

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described as sad the passing of a former acting governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Nestor Binabo. Hon. Binabo, who was acting governor for a brief period between January 27 and February 14, 2012, passed on Thursday morning after a protracted illness. He also held other political offices, including being a Commissioner for Youth and Conflict Resolution, Deputy Speaker, Acting Speaker and Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly. Governor Diri in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said Binabo was a grassroots politician and will be greatly missed in the politics of the state. He also said Binabo contributed his quota to the development of the state and left at God’s ordained time, having battled to stay alive. Dir urged his immediate and political families to accept his demise as the will of God and be consoled by his great impact in the politics and development of the state. He equally prayed God to

Bayelsa: NDLEA Boss reels-out achievements

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  Bayelsa State  Commander of the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr  Matthew Ewah, says the command  arrested no fewer than one hundred and ninety-three  suspected drug abusers in the state Mr Ewah, stated this during a press briefing in commemoration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at his office in Yenagoa, with its theme “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”. The State Commander of NDELA, described the theme as apt and timely, as it focuses on treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy, offering alternatives to punishment and prioritising prevention, among others.  Mr Ewah, commended Bayelsans for their support to the command,  hinted that the arrest which comprised one hundred and sixty-eight  males and twenty-five females, were made between July last year and June this year. According to him, the command seized a total of 88.019 kilogrammes of illicit substances which were made u

EID-EL KABIR: Muslim Ummah in Bayelsa Endorse Gov Diri's Reelection Bid .... Request For More Support.

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The Muslim community in Bayelsa State has thrown their weight behind the second term bid of Governor Douye Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in the November 11 Gubernatorial election in the state. The Muslim Ummah gave their endorsement for the reelection of the duo as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively at a special banquet put together for the Muslim faithful by the Bayelsa State Government to mark the 2023 Eid-el Kabir celebration at the Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday. Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Council for Islamic Affairs in the state, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo, said the Muslim Ummah were fully supporting the Governor's reelection bid in view of the numerous verifiable infrastructural projects his administration had successfully executed in the state. Alhaji Otobo, who spoke through his Vice, Malam Usman Galadenchi, listed the projects to include Phase Two of the New Gateway Road, the Nembe-Brass Road, Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, and the

Eid-el-Kabir: Gov. Diri Felicitates With Muslims *Assures On Peaceful Co-existence In Bayelsa

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and particularly in the state on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration The Bayelsa governor in a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, urged Muslim adherents to use the opportunity of the festival to renew their faith in the Creator and in the unity of our country. Governor Diri noted that Eid-el-Kabir is a feast of love, selflessness and sacrificial giving, calling on Muslims and other citizens in Bayelsa to continue to live in peace and brotherliness. He said his administration has guaranteed peaceful co-existence in the state and ensured that the right environment was created for business and work no matter your religion or where you are from. He said: “Love is the highest form of virtue. The Eid-el-Kabir celebration is a time to reflect on and manifest it.  “I urge our Muslim brothers to renew their faith in God Almighty and in the unity of our country as I congratula

NANS, Bayelsa Students Endorse Diri For Second Term *Bayelsa Gov Mulls Floating Fund For Graduates

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri’s re-election bid received a boost on Monday as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Union of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS) endorsed him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for a second term. They gave the endorsement at the first-ever students summit in the state organised by the Bayelsa State Students Management Committee.  The aim of the summit is to equip students with entrepreneurial skills. Speaking on behalf of the students, President of the NUBSS Worldwide, Dennis Ebobra, said the endorsement was as a result of the governor's developmental projects not only in the education sector but in virtually all sectors. Ebobra said their support was to reciprocate the huge investment of the Diri administration in education and that they will ensure the governor returns to office to continue with his good policies for the sector and the state. Also, the NANS Zone B Coordinator, Comrade Kings Tamarau

Diri behind recent successes of Bayelsa sports teams, says aide, hails Bayelsa Queens

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The Special Assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor on New Media, Mr. John Domkpee,  has congratulated the management and players of the Bayelsa Queens Football Club over their recent triumph in this year’s Nigerian Women Federation Cup (FA Cup). Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday had beaten the Rivers Angels of Rivers State on penalties to retain the FA Cup trophy after playing out a goalless draw in normal time. Domkpee in a statement on Saturday also said he is not surprised by the team’s triumph given that the team has amazing players and a success-driven management that have what it takes to win laurels for the state. The governor’s aide further attributed the recent successes of sports teams in Bayelsa State to Governor Douye Diri whom he described as a sports lover. He added that Diri’s constant support for the state’s sportsmen and women serves as an incentive for athletes to do well. He said “I want to use this medium to celebrate the management and players of the Bayelsa Queens Foot

Tombia King, Otobotekere, Positively Impacted Lives, Says Gov Diri

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Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday extolled the virtues of King Christian Atani Okpofaa Otobotekere, the late Amananaowei (king) of Tombia community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state. Governor Diri who spoke during the monarch’s funeral service at Our Saviour's Anglican Church, Tombia- Ekpetiama, said he not only impacted his family, but also his community, clan, state and the country. The late king, who died at 98 years, is father of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Dame Didi Walson-Jack. A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that life was so ephemeral that “98 years of our father looked like a few years ago.” “If it were our wish, we would have loved this poet, author, traditional ruler and father to stay longer. But we are just mortals.  "We celebrate the life and times of a man who has not only impacted his family but also his community, clan, state and this

Bayelsa, Rivers Inseparable, Says Gov Diri *Donates Bus To Church In PH

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said the sister states and people of Bayelsa and Rivers were one and the same and inseparable.  Governor Diri stated this during the service of songs in honour of the late Amaopusenibo Godfrey Brown at the St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday The late Brown, who died at the age of 95, is father-in-law to General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey. A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that both states have come a long way and the people must continue to encourage the brotherliness between them.  He stressed that having existed as one in the old Rivers State, Bayelsa and Rivers must deliberately avoid anything that could destroy or jeopardise the relationship. While expressing condolences on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa to the Brown family and the St. Cyprian’s Church, Diri eulogised Pa Brown and no

Gov Diri Thumbs Up Bayelsa Queens For FA Cup Victory

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has praised the state female football team, Bayelsa Queens, for successfully defending the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Tingo Cup. Bayelsa Queens defeated Rivers Angels 5-4 on penalties on Wednesday at Asaba, Delta State. The governor said the team has consistently made the state proud by winning several laurels. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as giving the commendation on Thursday shortly after the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the state capital. Senator Diri noted that Bayelsa Queens had also brought glory not only to the state but to the country as a whole. He recalled that in 2022, after winning the national women league, the team participated in the West African Union (WAFU) zonal elimination and emerged champions to qualify for the African Women Champions League held in Rabat, Morocco where they placed third. He said: “Our female football team, Bayelsa Q

Conduct Credible LG Poll, Gov Diri Charges Electoral Commission *Also Inaugurates Civil Service Commission, State, LG Auditors-General

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has tasked new members of the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) to conduct credible local government election that will be a reference point in Nigeria. The governor also urged the commission to exercise its independence. Governor Diri gave the charge on Wednesday when he swore in chairman and members of the commission and that of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission. Also sworn in were the state’s Auditor-General, his local government counterpart as well as a member of the Judicial Service Commission. The ceremony took place inside the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Yenagoa. The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said the appointments were based on merit and the individuals’ track record of achievements.  He said he had no doubt that with the appointees’ wealth of experience, they would add value to the government and people of the state.  He charged them t

Conduct Credible LG Poll, Gov Diri Charges BYSIEC *Also Inaugurates Civil Service Commission, State, LG Auditors-General

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has tasked new members of the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Comm ission (BYSIEC) to conduct credible local government election that will be a reference point in Nigeria. The governor also urged the commission to exercise its independence. Governor Diri gave the charge on Wednesday when he swore in chairman and members of the commission and that of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission. Also sworn in were the state’s Auditor-General, his local government counterpart as well as a member of the Judicial Service Commission. The ceremony took place inside the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Yenagoa. The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said the appointments were based on merit and the individuals’ track record of achievements.  He said he had no doubt that with the appointees’ wealth of experience, they would add value to the government and people of the state.  He charged them

PIA, A Time Bomb, Says Gov Diri *Seeks Review Of Act

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has advocated an amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in order to address the flaws in the legislation. Governor Diri also said the review would go a long way in tackling the ongoing crisis between oil companies and their host communities. Describing the Act as a time bomb, the governor emphasised that since the country operates a federal system of government, it was an aberration for the federal government to deal directly with oil producing communities while excluding the states and local governments. Senator Diri stated this  on Tuesday when the new Commander of the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Eugenio Ferreira, and other officers paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa. A press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that the oil producing states and the local governments were now being called upon to intervene in resolving issues b

Auto Crash: Gov. Diri Appreciates Delta Gov't, ASH Mgt For Quick Response ...As He Visits Survivors At ASH

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The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri visited the Survivors of Kwale-Asaba auto crash at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba Delta State on Monday, 19th June, 2023. Gov. Diri appreciated the Delta State Government and management of Asaba Specialist Hospital for the prompt response and adequate medical attention given to the victims of the unfortunate incident. The Governor who was represented by his Deputy,  His Excellency Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, appreciated his Delta State counterpart, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his show of love and brotherliness, in ensuring that the Hospital provides the victims utmost medical care. Lauding the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. (Mrs) Peace Ighosewe, Gov Diri commended the management and staff of the medical facility for the level of professionalism and commitment to duties.  The Governor who was pleased with the speed at which the patients recuperated to treatment, hailed the CM

Gov. Diri Hands Over New Finance Building to NUPRC ... commends Tompolo for influencing the ADRC to the Niger Delta region

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has handed over the newly built Finance building to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission(NUPRC) as a temporary office. NUPRC is part of Alternative Dispute Resolution to resolve disputes in oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta region. Handing over the keys to the management of NUPRC,  Governor Diri commended Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo for, having heard of the relocation of the ADRC, and influencing it to Bayelsa State, stating that, he has displayed nationalism in the highest form to the people of the Niger Delta region. "This building was designed and tagged as the building meant for the Ministry of Finance and it was completed on record time. And so, the Ministry of Finance was preparing and warming up to pack into their new building.  However, within the same period, I received a letter from the NUPRC requesting an office space for an Alternative Dispute Resolution centre, to be established her

Bayelsa:Physical Planning and Development Board gets new chair

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has appointed Hon. Kuroakegha Dorgu as Executive Chairman, Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board. Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said his appointment is with immediate effect. Dorgu, a Town Planner and former Commissioner for Lands and Survey under the immediate past Senator Seriake Dickson administration, takes over from the overseer of the board, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, following the latter’s appointment as Secretary to the State Government in February this year. The new appointee, who hails from Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, was a member of the Bayelsa State House Assembly between 2007 and 2015. He also served as secretary of the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Authority (2021-2022) and as Chairman, Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Authority (2002-2003). Dorgu holds a Bachelor of Technology

Bayelsa: NGO holds anti-cultism, drug abuse sensitization for youths

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A non-governmental organization, Kiosate Boy-Child Foundation, has carried out an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitization at Biogbolo community in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa state.  The programme with the theme “Youths For Maximum Impact” which took place at the community town hall, had in attendantce over five hundred youths.  In a welcome address, founder of the NGO, Lady Stella Doumu lamented the increased rate of drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices among youths, saying the essence of the visit to the community was to enlightene the youths against the dangers of intake of drugs. According to Lady Doumu, the sensitization is one of the mentorship programmes that the organization organises for community youths across the state, while assuring that the group is committed to making as many impacts as possible, especially at the grassroots level.  Speaking on the effects of drug abuse, a resource person, Mr Ene Efere, described youths as future leaders and urged t

Diri Offers Scholarship, Job To Children, Wives Of Deceased Bayelsa Queens Supporters

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has granted scholarship to university level for children of the four supporters of Bayelsa Queens Football Club who died in a road accident a week ago. The governor also directed immediate employment for their wives while anyone that is not employable be empowered by the state government to set up a business.  He directed the Ministry of Trade and Industry to liaise with Office of the Secretary to the State Government to immediately effect the pronouncement. His Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as having given the directives on Saturday during the funeral service for the deceased at the Peace Park in Yenagoa. Eze Igali 38, Kurotimi Igali 36, Clement Diripigi 34 and Philemon Ogidi 38 lost their lives in an auto crash last Sunday on their way to Asaba to support the state’s female team playing the final game of the Super Six playoff. Diri said they were promising youths who died in active service to the state. He said:

Diri Urges FG To Prioritise Waterways Safety *Says Kwara Boat Mishap Tragic

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has bemoaned Monday’s boat accident in Kwara State that claimed more than 100 lives.  Describing the mishap as sad and unfortunate, Governor Diri commiserated with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the state government, the families of the victims and the people of Kwara State. The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday,  said the tragedy was a sad reminder of similar incidents in the riverine areas, particularly in Bayelsa and other coastal states in the country. Diri said such incidents resulting in deaths would be minimised if the Federal Government, which is in charge of the waterways, took concrete steps to prioritise safety on the country’s rivers. He urged the Federal Government to come up with a holistic safety policy that covers not only the air and roads but also the waterways. He contended that if that is done, operators of river transportation in the country would be compelled to comp

Delta auto crash: Gov. Oborevwori visits Bayelsa victims, sympthises with survivors

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Delta State Governor, Right Honorable Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday visited victims of the Bayelsa State Football Supporters Club who were involved in a fatal accident on Sunday.   Recalled that Bayelsa supporters' team were on transit to Asaba for the Nigerian Women Football League final between Delta Queens and Bayelsa Queens when a bus in the entourage was involved in a fatal crash after Kwale, leading to the death of 4 members of the supporters club with 7 others sustaining injuries.   Honorable Oborevwori, who arrived at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, alongside with his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Mr Daniel Igali among others, was received by the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Peace Ighosewe,  Conducting the Governor and his entourage round the male and female surgical wards to see the casualties, Dr Ighosewe took time to explain how the emergency situation was