Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, says the state government is intensifying efforts to establish independent power plants to ensure stable power supply in the state.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo stated this on Monday in a meeting with the leadership of Imiringi Community and some stakeholders of Ogbia Local Government Area, including the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba in Government House, Yenagoa.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo said government was partnering some Chinese investors to site a power plant by the existing gas turbine belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) at Elebele that would generate about 60,000 Mega Watts.

In statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, the Acting Governor informed that efforts were underway to refurbish the state-owned Imiringi gas turbine in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that “when the turbine comes on stream, it is expected to supply electricity to Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas”, while the second plant would serve Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas to do away with the current total dependence on the national grid.

According to him, subsequently government will provide a third power plant to generate and distribute electricity to Nembe, Brass and Southern Ijaw local government areas in line with the Senator Douye Diri-led administration’s A.S.S.U.R.E.D Agenda in the power sector.

His words: “We are working hard to see how we can get independent power. We are working with some investors to get another power plant by the Elebele Gas Turbine that belongs to the Local Content which will generate about 60,000 Mega Watts to cover about 3 or 4 local government areas.

“And the plant at Imiringi, when refurbished will supply electricity to Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas to resolve the problem of epileptic power from the national grid.”

Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who offered an unreserved apology to the people of Imiringi over the power ministry’s attempt to move out the turbine transformers for refurbishment without properly notifying the community, attributed it to communication gap between the Elebele community and government.

He described the incident as ‘a regrettable action’ on the part of government and thanked Imiringi people for their understanding, stating that government’s intention was to take out the transformers to refurbish them and bring them back to improve power supply in the state.

“Government’s intention was to take the transformers out for refurbishment and see how we can start the gas turbine but our intention was misunderstood.

“We take full responsibility for the communication gap, because of the exigencies of government, we could not adequately inform the community of government’s intention to take out the facility for refurbishment. On behalf of the government, we apologise for the mix up which almost cost a near fracas.”

Speaking on behalf government officials from Ogbia, the Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly and member representing Ogbia Constituency 2, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, thanked the Acting Governor for his prompt intervention in the matter, adding that, as part of government they could not afford to be antagonistic to constituted authority.

In his remarks, spokesman of the Imiringi Community and retired Director in the Ministry of Environment, Chief Naru Okpu, expressed gratitude to Acting Governor for convening the meeting.

Chief Okpu, who described the Kolo Creek gas turbines as one of the legacies of the late Chief Melford Okilo, expressed confidence in the present administration’s commitment to restoring electricity to the area in particular and the state in general.

The state Commissioner of Police, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Gabriel Elaigwu, the Commander, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Oluremi Obolo, Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Mr Jeremiah Golden, the Governor’s Special Representative and Secretary of Ogbia Brotherhood, Dr Christian Ikuli, Paramount Ruler of Imiringi Community, His Royal Highness Lucky Chukwuigwe, amongst others, attended the meeting.

Signed

Mr Doubara Atasi

Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor

Bayelsa State

16/12/24

*Gov Diri Calls For Violence-free Rerun Poll

Bayelsa State Government has taken over the medical bills of the victims of last Thursday’s boat mishap at Okoroma community in Nembe Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Douye Diri, on Sunday, directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure that the state government picks the bill of hospitalised victims.

Speaking during the Easter Sunday service at the King of Glory Chapel in Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Diri, who sympathised with families that lost individuals in the boat accident, also directed the Health Commissioner to refund to survivors whatever they had spent on treatment.

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as directing all relevant authorities in the transport sector, especially those in charge of the waterways, to ensure that all safety measures were duly complied with henceforth to avert another of such accident.

Governor Diri said his administration will not hesitate to sanction anyone found wanting in the discharge of their duties as government will no longer allow such avoidable accidents.

Speaking on the rerun House of Reps and House of Assembly polls for the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency and Ogbia Constituency 2 respectively, the Bayelsa helmsman called for peaceful conduct of the elections, saying the events that led to the rerun must be avoided.

Diri remarked that in the spirit of Easter, politicians should see politics as a means to serve the people and not engage in actions that negate value for the lives of people they intend to serve.

He also urged politicians and their followers in the state to close ranks after the general election, stressing that Bayelsa can only move forward when there is unity and love towards one another.

His words: “No power could prevent Jesus from resurrecting and no power will hold anyone or Bayelsa State down.

“As you already know, for us as a government, it is about how we can live in peace and harmony. We have rejected cultism and it can never be part of us again. If we believe in the resurrection power, we must show love and sacrifice like Jesus and God did.

“My message is very clear. We have seen the resurrection and its power. Whatever that was dead in our lives, the power of resurrection will affect it.

“As Ijaw people, we live by the truth and we will indeed be set free. Elections have come and gone. Whatever our differences were, let us put them aside. It is time for reconciliation.

“The power of government is to do good, to be compassionate, to bring development and ensure peace.

“On April 15, we have rerun elections. Let me use this opportunity to again make this call. Our purpose is to serve the people. So, in this rerun poll, what led to it should not repeat itself. That was a bad publicity for Bayelsa State.

“I also call on INEC and the security agencies to do their job. Democracy is about the people and not politicians. Let us go as brothers and sisters to the rerun election. All I ask for as governor of this state is peace and for us to be civil.”

Delivering a sermon, Chaplain of the King of Glory Chapel, Pastor David Yalah said the resurrection of Jesus is real and it gave hope to Christians that death will not always have power over them.

*Gov. Diri Names Him Youth Ambassador

Winner of Season Six of the recently concluded Nigerian Idol, Kingdom Kroseide, has been granted educational scholarship by the Bayelsa State Government.

Governor Douye Diri made the pronouncement on Friday when he received Kingdom and his team in Government House, Yenagoa.

He said the government would henceforth bear the responsibility of the 24-year-old talented singer’s education at the Federal University, Otuoke, where he is a student and up to a Master degree level if he so desire.

The governor also appointed Kingdom as Youth Ambassador in the state.

Diri in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, advised youths of the state to put in their best in whatever they do in order to be successful in life.

His words: “In appreciation of the honour you have brought to the state, I hereby announce that you are on the scholarship of the Bayelsa State Government. As you finish your first degree and if you proceed for a Master degree, the scholarship would also cover your programme.

“You are also appointed as an ambassador of the youths of Bayelsa State.

“Let me use this opportunity to call on youths of Bayelsa State to see Mr. Timi Kingdom Kroseide as a role model; as one who out of hard work and the grace of God has brought honour to the state. I am sure that putting yourselves in legitimate careers, you would bring honour not only to yourselves but also to your state and country.”

While appreciating Kingdom for the honour done to the state, Diri advised him to strike a balance between his academics and his career, adding that with proper education and the grace of God, he would excel in his chosen career even outside the shores of Nigeria.

He also advised Kingdom to continue to use his music to glorify God in order to move to greater heights.

The governor, who noted that Kingdom’s success story was that of all Nigerians, thanked the Nigerian Idol judges, the Nigerian Military School Old Boys Association and Nigerians for their different roles that led to the Bayelsa-born contestant emerging as winner.

He also urged the relevant ministries and agencies to put modalities in place to establish a music school that would harness the musical talents that abound in the state.

Earlier, Kingdom Kroseide attributed his success to the grace of God and hard work.

He thanked the state government, Bayelsans and Nigerians for their support that enabled him win the contest.

In separate remarks, representative of the Amananaowei of Angalabiri Federated Community, Chief Peres Peretu, and Kingdom’s manager, Felix Kroseide, thanked the state government and everyone that supported and voted for him to win.

Chief Peretu appreciated Diri’s leadership style of uniting and galvanizing the support of the people to enable Bayelsans achieve great feats.

… declares family house in Kaiama Heritage Museum as he directs Works Ministry to build new family house.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has charged youth of Ijaw extraction to emulate the ideals of foremost freedom fighter, Late Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro who stood for justice and equity in the quest to liberate his people.

Speaking during a public lecture/gala night at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa in honour of Late Boro, Governor Diri noted that young people were critical to the realization of the dreams of Isaac Boro stressing that they need to carry on the struggle for true federalism and development from where Boro stopped but in an intellectual way.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah quoted the governor as calling on the youth to shun crime and criminality, noting that no development will thrive in an environment devoid of peace.

Governor Diri urged youth and leaders of the State to love one another and remain united in the struggle, stressing that love and unity were the values that moved Late Boro and his lieutenants to fight against perceived oppression and injustice done to the people.

He remarked that almost six decades after the death of Isaac Boro, the inequalities he fought against still exists and hunts the people of the region on a daily basis and stressed the need for ijaws to take their destinies into their hands.

His words:”Can we as youth and leaders of this state toe the line of Boro? That even after our death, we will be celebrated? Have we all become capitalist? As you know, Boro lived in a communal society where everything was shared, where people were their brother’s keepers. Let me call on all those involved in crime to have a change of heart. If this state must develop, we must take our destiny into our hands. I like to advise our youth to run away from crime and criminality”.

“Close to six decades later, the inequalities Boro fought against still exists and hurts us. We cannot continue to blame others for our woes, it is time for ijaws to be ijaws, Ijaw means truth; are we honest to ourselves?”

“With the discovery of oil and gas resources, we were hopeful that the future will be bright but unfortunately it has not been a bright future and the question many people ask if whether the discovery of oil and gas is a blessing or cause? Oil and gas exploration has damaged the ecosystem of Niger Delta, yet we are not major stakeholders in the conversations that shape the allocation of resources in this country”.

“We cannot allow this annual gathering to become a jamboree. As 2023 draw close, we will have another critical window. As we move away from gun running to organized intellectual approach to achieve our aspirations, I call on all ijaws to vote for our liberation. The issues that Boro fought for still steers us in the face.”

Governor Diri used the occasion to pronounce the Isaac Boro residence in Kaiama a tourist site in Bayelsa State and declared the relics as Boro Heritage Museum.

“I hereby pronounce the Isaac Boro residence where he lived and where soldiers raided be a tourist site. It becomes a museum where people can access documentary and historical facts about Boro and the struggle that led to the declaration of the 12- Day Revolution. Government will acquire the house and we will relocate all the occupants to a new place”, Diri stated.

The Governor then directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to look for a space in Kaiama to build a new duplex for the Boro’s family.

He also directed that Ministry of Lands to acquire the sand filled area in Kaiama and declare it a development area, saying it has been misused.

Governor Diri commended the organizers of this year’s Boro day and leadership of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) for their good disposition and conduct during the peaceful procession.

In a lecture titled, “The ijaw and neo-imperialist tendencies in Nigeria: An exhortation from Isaac Adaka Boro, 1938-1968, Prof. Atei Mark Okorobia, Director, Institute of Niger Delta Studies, University of Port Harcourt, said late Isaac Boro, remained a great Ijaw icon as a standard-bearer of the struggle for equity and justice by the minority peoples of the Niger Delta, hence, the need to continually celebrate his supreme sacrifice.

“Boro, therefore awakened the Ijaw from their political slumber and leadership ambivalence to face their stark existential realities manifested in the quest for economic and political freedom.Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, ladies and gentlemen, this celebration of Boro, our great icon is a salute to supreme sacrifice. For being a standard-bearer of the struggle for equity and justice by the minority peoples of the Niger Delta, we have good reason to celebrate Isaac Boro today and always. On our part, we should also do all things right and proper, so that posterity will also remember us for our good works”, Okorobia.

Earlier, Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, Mr. Patrick Erasmus, said the annual celebration was staged to create more awareness and consciousness of the Ijaw struggle to have its right of place in the Nigerian State and promote the great ideals of late icon, Isaac Boro.

In a remark, daughter of the late Boro, Esther Boro said her father was on a mission to crate awareness of the plight of the ijaws and he fulfilled that mission before his death.

She thanked Governor Diri for caring for the family and bringing the prosperity Boro fought for and urged Ijaws to be United and love one another.

As succinctly put by the ancient Greek Dramatist, Sophocles, without labour, nothing prospers, confirms that for any organization to achieve its set goals, the propelling strength is in the workers who dedicate their time and skills in ensuring the progress of society in their varied endeavours. Thus, the biblical saying that the labourer is worthy of his reward” (1Tim.5:18), including a time out to unwind; is apt, to commemorate workers and giving them their right and proper rewards in appreciation for their efforts.

Workers Day otherwise known as Labour Day or May Day evolved due to the demands of the American Federation of Organised Trades and Labour Unions, for an eight-hour (8am to 4pm) workday in 1884. Their demand resulted to a general workers strike and the riot at the Haymarket square, Chicago in 1886. Then on July 14th May 1889, the International Congress of Socialist Parties in Europe declared May 1st annually as Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity, which started the first celebration in 1890 internationally, to celebrate workers.

Although some countries celebrate Labour Day on other dates significant to them, for example, the United States marks its Labour day on 1st Monday of September annually, in Nigeria, Workers Day was first declared in 1980 by the People Redemption Party (PRP) in Kano State and on May 1st 1981, the first public holiday was declared to celebrate workers, thus, making it an annual event nationwide. On May Day, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Organisations gather to celebrate their relevance, resilience and hard work devoted to nation building. Likewise, Labour Day in Bayelsa State has always been celebrated with pomp and pageantry, as march pass, lectures, awards and other social activities are held. Successive administrations uphold workers as the engine room of government, hence, their consistent commitments to workers welfare, in a bid to motivate them in the discharge of their duties.

Over the years, various governments in Bayelsa State have sponsored trainings programmes designed to build capacity and enhance productivity, different public service reforms and verifications have also been held at different levels to create efficiency among workers. Similarly, the present administration of Sen. Douye Diri, tagged Prosperity” government has further displayed commitment to workers welfare, by ensuring prompt payment of salaries, payment of weigh-in allowances to media personnel, payment of gratuity, recognition of the minimum wage and the harmonised pension scheme. These are pointers to improve the wellbeing of workers, as well as governments commitment to encourage friendly working relationship.

While the efforts of government are commendable, it is pertinent to note that more has to be done to improve the welfare of Bayelsa State workers, especially in the area of security, health facilities, training programmes, holistic housing scheme to curb deficiency in the housing sector, and a deliberate searchlight on education sector and local government areas, so as to sustain the productive partnership between government and workers in the state.

—Christiana Towo

Min. of Information, Orientation and Strategy, Bayelsa State.

The Southern Governors Forum at the end of the meeting held on Monday, 5th July, 2021 reviewed the situation in the Country and focused on the current security situation, constitutional amendment, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

Rising from the meeting, the Forum agreed on the following:

1. Re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.

2. The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region.

3. Security

a. The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty;

b. Re-emphasised the need for State Police;

c. Resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed;

d. the forum frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights;

e. Set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States; and

f. Resolved that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges.

4. Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Law:

i. The Forum commends the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB;

ii. the Forum rejects the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives;

iii. the forum also rejects the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins;

iv. However, the forum rejects the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The Forum disagrees that the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance but should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of Government have stakes in that vehicle.

5. In order to consolidate our democracy and strengthen the Electoral process, the Southern Governors’ Forum reject the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act; and also rejects the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.

6. The Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat and appreciated the Governor of Lagos State for the wonderful hosting of this meeting while commending him for his good work in the State.​

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN

Governor, Ondo State and Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum

*Says No Grazing Routes In The State

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed his administration’s determination to change the developmental narrative of the state.

Governor Diri spoke on Saturday in Government House, Yenagoa, during his maiden media chat that was broadcast live on all Yenagoa-based radio stations.

The media interaction was part of activities to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The governor, in a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said democracy was about the people and that Nigeria had come a long way with 22 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, which he observed had not been smooth but worth celebrating.

He noted that the urban renewal programme among other projects and policies of his administration were part of the drive to give the state a new look and make it more attractive to investors.

Governor Diri said the state had a lot of tourism potential and that his government was open to discussion and ready to sign memorandum of understanding with partners to develop projects in the tourism sector.

He explained that the ongoing demolition of illegal structures in the state capital was in line with the administration’s urban renewal policy.

He expressed concern over the proliferation of shanties across the state capital coupled with the obstruction of traffic by traders along the major roads, which he said was unacceptable.

The governor noted that as a result of the demolition, sanity had been restored in most of its major markets in areas like Swali, Kpansia and Tombia-Etegwe, adding that some of such illegal structures serve as hide-outs for criminals.

On the issue of the federal government’s infrastructure development refund to the state, Senator Diri clarified that the actual amount it received was N27.5 billion and not N38.4 billion as being speculated.

He further explained that the total refund due the state was N38.4 billion but that according to the federal government, its release would not be possible in the next four years and offered the state a second option of a discounted amount of N27.5 billion through the Debt Management Office, which it got last December.

The governor also said the refund had been committed to constructing critical capital projects such as the Yenagoa- Oporoma road in the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District and the Sagbama-Ekeremor road in Bayelsa West as well as the Opolo/AIT-Igbogene ring road project, the dualised Glory Drive-Onopa road, the Nembe unity bridge and the installation of street lights in the state capital among others.

On the state-owned international airport, Senator Diri announced that commercial flights would commence next month as it was in partnership with United Nigeria Airline to operate daytime flights pending when the runway lights for night flights would be installed.

Responding to a question on the President’s recent directive to revive cattle grazing routes across the country, Diri said there were no such routes in the state.

He explained that although he was not countering the federal government’s decision to resuscitate grazing routes, his administration had put in place a legal framework to ban open grazing and movement of cattle on foot.

The Bayelsa governor also emphasised that the southern governors had adopted the same position on the issue as part of measures to check farmers/herders clashes across the country.

Diri maintained that his government could not afford to expose its citizenry to the looming danger.

His words: “For us, there are no cattle grazing routes in Bayelsa State. Our people are traditionally and occupationally fishermen. The idea of cattle grazing routes in Bayelsa is very strange to us in this part of the country.”

Senator Diri, who pointed out that in a federal system of government, states have rights to enact laws to regulate the activities of its people, stressed that the prohibition on open grazing of cattle would be fully implemented in the state.

“There may be cattle grazing routes in the north but what is applicable in the north may not be applicable to us in the south. I don’t want to believe we are running a unitary system of government.”

13Th Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Service…2Nd Nov. 2024, at the Bayelsa State Ecumenical Centre, Glory Drive, Yenagoa.

Bayelsa Has Reasons To Be Thankful To God, Says Gov Diri At State’s Annual Thanksgiving

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said citizens of the state have numerous reasons to be thankful to God Almighty despite its challenges and that of the country.

Speaking at the Ecumenical Centre at Igbogene, Yenagoa, during the 13th Bayelsa State Thanksgiving, Governor Diri

said November 2 was enshrined in the laws of the state as a day of memorial beginning from 2012 under the immediate past administration of Senator Seriake Dickson.

He, however, noted the gathering was not as a result of legal obligation but out of profound gratitude to God for his goodness to the state.

He said the 13th edition was special after God granted him and his deputy victory in the last governorship election and throughout the legal battles.

Diri thanked people of the state for standing by him and his deputy, saying without them his administration would not have recorded the successes so far achieved.

He expressed gratitude to God that this year’s flood was not as devastating in the state as predicted after what was experienced in 2022.

He also said that another reason to be thankful was the peace and security in Bayelsa and appreciated the support of service commanders working closely with the government to maintain the peace.

On the issue of electricity that had been cut off in the state for three months due to the activities of vandals, the Bayelsa helmsman explained that though the transmission infrastructure were the property of the Federal Government, Bayelsans were the ones feeling brunt and his administration had to step in with funds the address the situation, assuring that power would be restored soon.

He stated that the darkness had to propel the government to hasten its independent power plant project, which will soon come to fruition.

His words: “November 2 was enshrined in our laws as a day of memorial under the Restoration Government of my predecessor, His Excellency Senator Henry Seriake Dickson. Today, we have gathered again not out of legal obligation, but with hearts full of gratitude and genuine appreciation for the Lord’s profound presence in our lives – that presence that transforms adversity into rejoicing and defeat into triumph.

“No matter your condition, thank God. Today’s thanksgiving is special because God gave me and my deputy victory in last year’s election, and it was Bayelsa that became victorious. We had a protracted legal battle after the victory and we still emerged victorious.

“We are also thankful to God that contrary to predictions, this year’s flood was not as devastating as expected.

“I like to apologise for the darkness we have experienced in the state this past three months. It was the duty of the Transition Company of Nigeria to fix the damaged power infrastructure but we intervened because our people are suffering. Anytime from now power will be restored. But, importantly, we are in the process of having our own independent power plant.

“Let me also appreciate all the service commanders that are here for working with the government to maintain peace and security.”

Delivering a sermon, the General Overseer of Royal House of Grace, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, expressed gratitude to God for using the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, to create the state, saying that was the foundation for the development and happiness of all Bayelsans.

He described thanksgiving as a necessity for humans, saying everything must not be perfect before God is appreciated.

Dignitaries at the event included former President Goodluck Jonathan represented by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, immediate past governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, former military administrators of the state. Col. Edor Obi (rtd) and Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd).

Also in attendance were two former governors of Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and Chief Rufus Ada-George, serving and former National Assembly members, Head of the Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson Jack, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commision, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and one of his predecessors, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe.

Others were former Deputy Governors Peremobowei Ebebi and Werinipre Seibarugu, religious leaders, chairman of the state’s traditional rulers council, King Bubaraye Dakolo and other royal fathers as well as musician Inetimi Odon popularly called Timaya.

Ministration was by Joe Praise, the Bayelsa State Mass Choir and the Royal House of Grace Mass Choir.

Daniel Alabrah

Chief Press Secretary to Governor of Bayelsa State

Saturday, November 2, 2024

***”We Are Ready To Rumble”, – Deputy Governor Declares***

By Patrick Ndubuisi

The Niger Delta Sports Festival torch which will tour the entire Niger Delta states has commenced, with Bayelsa, officially lighting the torch first, in Yenagoa, in the presence of athletes, coaches, sports administrators and other enthusiasts, as well as media practitioners.

This is as the Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, reaffirms the state’s readiness to be among the three states to mount the podium at the end of the games.

Director of Sports and Vice Chairman Bayelsa State Committee, Sir Braveman Wodi, lighted the torch at the entrance of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, in company of the committee, coaches and athletes, and moved towards the main bowl of the stadium, where he handed it over to the Sports Commissioner, Hon. Daniel Igali, who in turn, presented the torch to the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Receiving the Festival Torch, the Deputy Governor who gave thumbs up to the sponsors for the initiative, emphasized the importance of sports to the socioeconomic development of every society, including spoting raw talents, and engaging them into meaningful ventures.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo who represented the Governor at the brief event, stressed the priorities of the state to include education and sports due to the involvement of youths in both sectors, hence, Bayelsa’s active participation and dominance in almost all sporting events in the country, adding that the Niger Delta Sports Festival will not be an exception.

He said, “I wish to express the sentiments and emotions of Bayelsa State to the Niger Delta Development Commission for bringing out resources to sponsor this competition which is it’s maiden edition.”

“We believe that this sports festival will discover hidden talents across the Nigri Delta. For us as a state, sports is not just a festival but a tool for crime control and also a tool for empowerment of our youths and liberation of minds.”

To the athletes, he said, “Please be at your best, go and come back with victory, and for all that is needed to excel, be rest assured that your government will be there for you as usual”.

Sports Development Commissioner and Chairman State Committee, Hon. Daniel Igali, said the festival will give the Niger Delta states a sense of belonging in the realm of sports, and give the state enough grounds to prepare for the National Sports Festival.

On Bayelsa lighting up the torch the Commissioner said, “The Unity Torch started today with Bayelsa, which signifies the importance of the state in the Niger Delta and a good sign that we are noted in sports in the region and Nigeria at large.”

“We have seventeen sports, and we will be participating in all the seventeen sports in Uyo, and we are ready”.

Director of Sports and Vice Chairman Bayelsa State Committee, Sir Braveman Wodi, on his part stressed the importance of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, as it will further expose more talents, as well as use the games as a preparation for the National Sports Festival, adding that the government is backing the athletes and they will be storming Uyo with a mission, and that is to make the state proud at the inaugural edition.

Also present at the event was the representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mrs Itekesi Walama, who added that preparations were in top gear, as the interventionist agency was ready to receive the nine Niger Delta states, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.