Author: Our Correspondent

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

The remains of Dr. Uduak Silas Obot, former Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for Akwa Ibom/Cross River State, were laid to rest on Friday at his country home in Nkwot Ikot Ebo.

The solemn funeral ceremony drew select management and staff of the NCDMB, who gathered to honor their late colleague.

In a condolence letter to the family, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, reflected on Dr. Obot’s distinguished service.

He praised his impactful leadership at the Eket and Warri offices, where he served as a mentor and teacher to younger colleagues.

Engr. Ogbe highlighted his pivotal role in securing the certificate of occupancy for the NCDMB’s Nigerian Oil and Gas Park in Ikwe Onna, Akwa Ibom, underscoring his technical expertise and influence in government circles.

Engr.Ogbe noted that, the tenure of late Usual at the NCDMB Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was equally remarkable, with his insightful contributions shaping key decisions.

Addressing the bereaved family, Mr. Kingdom Unwene, General Manager of the Projects Certification and Authorization Division and leader of the NCDMB delegation, Conveyed the deep sorrow of the NCDMB community at Dr. Obot’s passing and pledged the Board’s continued support for his loved ones.

Mr. Unwene offered prayers for divine comfort, acknowledging the profound loss of the family’s breadwinner.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for divine comfort for Dr. Obot’s family, particularly in the absence of their breadwinner. The NCDMB delegation and attendees joined in a somber farewell, honoring the legacy of a dedicated professional whose contributions will endure in the Board’s history.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has commended security agencies for their collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and security in the State.

The Governor made the commendation at a dinner hosted for staff and students of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, who were on a study tour to the state, at the Chief Dappa Biri ye Conference Centre, Yenagoa.

Governor Diri emphasized the importance of synergy among security agencies in achieving peace and security in the state, adding that the visit will complete the security architecture in the State.

The Governor, represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that the state government has been working to make Bayelsa the most peaceful state in the country to attract investments and boost economic development.

“The vision of our administration is to make Bayelsa the most peaceful state in the country to attract both domestic and foreign investments to complement efforts at achieving enhanced economic development and prosperity.”

Governor Diri expressed his administration’s commitment to enhancing security in the state, saying, “The Bayelsa State Government has been doing its best in terms of security, but we believe that your study will further give us the headway and the tail wind in the area we are not flying very fast.” He thanked the study team for their visit and expressed hope that their report would provide valuable insights to enhance the state’s security architecture.

In his remarks, the Coordinator of the Senior Course 47 study team, Brigadier General Ernest Orakwe, stated that the purpose of their visit was “perfectly achieved” due to the state government’s cooperation and support. “Our tour has been eventful, impactful and memorable,” he said, commending the state government for its warm reception and support.

Brigadier General Orakwe expressed gratitude to the state government and security agencies for their support, saying, “We also want to thank the office of the State Commissioner of Police, the office of the Chairman, Yenagoa Local Government, and down to other establishments that we visited in the course of our duty.”

He noted that the study’s objective of harnessing grassroots intelligence for enhanced internal security operations was well achieved.

The study team’s visit aimed to provide valuable insights into enhancing security in the state.

The dinner was attended by several government functionaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, and the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai and several other government functionaires attended the dinner.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

Two Niger Delta University graduates were brutally killed in a cult ambush in Gbarantoru community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, on May 10, 2025.

The victims, identified as Ayaokpo Sinclair from Tombia and another yet to be named, were preparing for their National Youth Service Corps deployment when they were attacked around 11 p.m.

The suspected cult members arrived in a vehicle, chanted a cult slogan, and targeted the victims, hacking them with machetes.

One of the victim attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby creek but succumbed to injuries after reaching the shore. The second victim was killed instantly.

The driver of the vehicle, a relative of one victim, tried to intervene but was attacked and left unconscious. He survived the assault and is currently receiving treatment. Both victims were rushed to a community health centre, where they were pronounced dead. Their bodies are now in a morgue.

When contacted Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed the incident, adding that the State Criminal Investigation Department is pursuing the fleeing suspects, and authorities are working to apprehend the remaining culprits.

This incident is the latest in a string of cult-related violence in Bayelsa, with previous clashes claiming lives in Yenagoa.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the release of 35 patrol vehicles and motorcycles to enhance the operational capabilities of the military and youth volunteers in Izge town.

The patrol vehicles and motorcycles aimed to improve mobility for local security volunteers, enabling them to respond swiftly to threats and support military operations in their community.

Zulum gave the approval on Friday during an assessment visit to Gwoza, according to statement issued by his media aide Abdurraman Bundi.

The Governor commended the Nigerian military and the local community for their gallantry in repelling recent insurgent attacks.

“I am here to examine the situation on ground and find out from you what your real problems are so we can address them,” he stated.

“We are optimistic that “insha Allah” we shall never lose again, I want to commend the military notwithstanding some of the comments made by some people including myself.

“When we said we have started witnessing a resurgence of Boko Haram, that doesn’t mean we are belittling the Nigerian military, we are just stating the reality so that we can come together to address the looming crisis, so that we shouldn’t lose ground.”

“We shall do everything possible “insha Allah” to ensure Izge is not displaced. I want to commend the people of Izge; they are gallant and resilient. We will do whatever it takes to maintain law and order in Izge. Tell us what is supposed to be done, and we shall do it”, he stated.

According to the Governor, the facilities approved include 5 Toyota Hilux and 30 motorcycles, among other operational logistics.

Zulum also disclosed plans for gradually resettling displaced communities, assuring residents of continued government support to restore peace and stability.

The Governor noted that several communities, including Ashigasha, Warabe, Guduf, Wala, and many other smaller villages, will be resettled.

Zulum was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Gwoza at the state House of Assembly, Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, Chief Adviser to the Governor, Dr Mairo Mandara, among other officials.

By Achadu Gabriel, kaduna

Apparently owing to severity of hardship and inflation in the country, an adulterated suya beans oil producing factory has been discovered by the Nigeria police in Kaduna state.

This was contained in a statement issued by the command yesterday and signed by its spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan.

The statement stressed that “On 5th May, 2025, at about 1100 hours, a team of State Intelligence Department (SID) personnel, led by SP Sani Bello, acted swiftly on an intelligence report about the activities of a syndicate involved in the Production of illegal and fake soya bean oil”.

“The operation led to the discovery of the illegal factory located on a fenced plot of land along Mamadi Road, Maraban Jos.

“Three suspects were apprehended at the scene: Zailani Shuaibu (male, 33 years old), Owner of the illegal factory, Nasiru Usman (male, 24 years old) and Salisu Usman (male, 49 years old), All are residents of Maraban Jos”, it stated.

Police stated that during the raid, two drums of croops (suspected raw materials), Fifteen 25-litre jerry cans containing unfinished product, Two 25-litre jerry cans of finished adulterated soya bean oil and One empty drum used for local processing of the product, were recovered as exhibits.

The police Command added that the case is currently under investigation at the SID Headquarters in Kaduna.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding public health and cracking down on criminal activities that endanger the lives of innocent citizens.

He urged members of the public to be encouraged to remain vigilant and report such activities to the nearest police station.

By Anne Azuka

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has assured that the 8th Assembly under his leadership will continue to place high premiums on a workforce with cutting-edge skills in line with development goals of the state government.

Speaking while declaring open a two day retreat for top management staff of the Assembly, the Speaker reaffirmed commitment towards enhancing the capacity of the entire staff of the legislature through uncompromising training and re-training.

Flanked by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi and Chairman of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Sunday Ebireri, Guwor said it is the vision of the House to remain a leading Assembly that drives socio-economic development, through innovative and effective legislative interventions.

According to the Speaker, the retreat with the theme “Parliamentary Administration and Management for Effective and Efficient Service Delivery”, was part of efforts by his leadership to building a vibrant, proactive and responsive legislature that guarantees sustainable development.

He expressed happiness that the exercise was yielding results, saying, “I make bold to state that this deliberate policy of the Delta State House of Assembly to continuously build the capacity of staff has yielded a lot of positive impact in the House.

“I am delighted to let you know that few weeks ago, the Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon.(Elder) Sheriff F. O Oborevwori, assented to seven transformative Bills passed by the House. This indeed is a very remarkable feat and a pointer to the fact that our efforts and the resources expended so far on capacity building have not been wasted but worthwhile”, Guwor stated.

The Speaker who described the retreat as timely, disclosed that it is the second management retreat under the leadership of the 8th Assembly, stressing that the aim is to maintain a knowledgeable, skilled and highly committed bureaucracy in the State Legislature.

The Clerk of the State Assembly, Mr Otto Aghoghophia commended the Speaker for demonstrating consistency in the policies that promote efficiency in the state legislature and good governance in the state.

Underscoring the import of the retreat, Aghoghophia assured that the retreat would afford management staff of the Assembly the opportunity to come up with innovative reflection on issues pertinent to bureaucratic service in the Assembly in a more relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

He said, “this is an informal space outside the office environment for us to openly address some of the issues that are bothering us. As I said earlier, the resource persons are here to share with us their experiences. It is my earnest expectation that this retreat will be more than engaging and beneficial to all of us.

“Mr. Speaker sir, at this juncture, on behalf of the management, I want to assure you of our total commitment and support for you and the leadership of the House. We are indeed grateful to you and your esteemed colleagues for honouring us with your presence”.

In his remarks, Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman represented by Dr John Olarenwaju, said capacity and effectiveness of legislative bureaucracy, directly impacts the performance of any legislative institution.

Stressing that “Bureaucracy is the Institutional memory of the legislature” Prof Sulaiman noted that it is essential to invest in capacity building in other to improve the administrative machinery and ensure infrastructure and personnel alignment with growing demands of legislative work.

“To build a stronger and more responsive legislature, it is essential to invest in capacity building for legislative staff, improve administrative systems and ensure that infrastructure and personnel are aligned with the growing demands of modern legislative work”, the DG stated.

Some management staff interviewed, including, Deputy Clerk, Mr Smart Edoghe, and a Director in the Legislative department, Dr Stephen Okolo expressed gratitude to the leadership of the house for giving them the opportunity to improve on their service delivery to the State.

By Israel Adamu, Jos 

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has reiterated the urgent need to address pay disparity amongst medical doctors who work in the Federal establishments and State-owned institutions to ensure a level playing ground for all members of the association.

MDCAN stated this in a communique issued in Jos, the Plateau state capital at the end of NEC meeting held in Katsina, Katsina state.

The theme and subtheme of the meeting is “Enhancing National Health Security: The Critical Role of Medical and Dental Consultants in Promoting Equity and Innovation in Nigeria’s Economically Challenging Landscape and Global Perspectives on Postgraduate Medical Career Development: An Insight on Managing the PhD/ Fellowship Dichotomy in Nigeria respectively.

The communique was jointly signed by the President Prof. Mohammad Aminu and Secretary General Prof. Daiyabu Alhaji respectively.

According to the communique, NEC further vowed to continue to press on this demand by engaging the leadership of Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) as well as individual State Governors, in order to stem the tide of internal migration from states owned hospitals to federal healthcare institutions in the country.

The Association also demanded for immediate halt and reversal of the consultant Pharmacy cadre adventure in order to maintain sanity and orderliness in patient care and well-being and not to throw the healthcare sector into an unnecessary and avoidable crisis.

NEC further commended the efforts of the Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji for improved welfare of Medical Lecturers stressing that these will encourage Medical Doctors to take up teaching appointment in the Medical Schools therefore supporting the Federal Governments policy of doubling the enrolment of medical students and training of postgraduate doctors in the teaching hospitals. 

“This will boost Federal Government’s policy on Healthcare Workforce. They should urgently implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) addressing the long demand of universal applicability of CONMESS to all doctors across different government establishments”.

The communique further stated that there is need for the Federal Government to speedily do all that is required on the increment in retirement age for Medical and Dental Consultants to 70 years and other healthcare workers to 65 years

to take full effect both at the Federal and State levels with effect from the date of pronouncement.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

Adaka FC Football Club of Kaiama have been crowned champions of the Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Government Area finals in the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament season seven, aka Prosperity Cup.

Adaka FC beat Sampou FC 3-1 to clinch the trophy in the Kolokuma Opokuma Local Government final decided at the Odi field in an encounter watched by the Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Hon. Tariye Isaac Lelei, former Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Ebikitin Diongoli, Supervisory councillors, political appointees and top government functionaries.

Timitimi Seidougha put Adaka FC ahead in the 24th minute from a beautiful finish to send the Kaiama- based side into wild jubilation.

Forward, Seidougha got his brace 59 minutes into the game, giving his side a goal cushion. Seidougha added another in the 72nd minute from a close range shot to complete his hat-trick while Osese scored Sampou FC’s consolation goal in the 90th minute of the game.

Victorious Adaka FC smiled home with the sum of one million naira while second-placed Sampou FC got five hundred thousand naira.

Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Hon. Tariye Isaac Lelei in a remark, commended both sides for their doggedness, urging both teams not to rest on their oars till they get to the final of the showpiece, describing both sides as victors.

He noted that Adaka FC’s triumph in the local government final was just the beginning of greater success to come, stating that the council would support both teams when the round of 32 commences.

According to him, the Prosperity Cup remains the surest way of positively engaging the youths in the state, maintaining that the testimonies from the tournament over the years are testaments to the credibility of the competition.

He equally appreciated the organizers of the tournament for ensuring that the competition receives international attention, stressing that the council would continue to collaborate with the tournament organizers to discover more talents.

Apart from the prize money from the organizers of the tournament and ALGON, donations equally came from Kolokuma/Opokuma stakeholders and guests who attended the final.

The member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Werinipre Pamoh rewarded the winners with One Hundred Thousand Naira 100,000.00 while Sampou FC received Seventy Thousand Naira 70,000.00.

Former Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Ebikitin Diongoli also rewarded Adaka FC with the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (100,000.00) while the runners-up Sampou FC received Fifty Thousand Naira (50,000.00).

A guest, David Iruafemi donated the sum of seventy thousand naira (N75,00.00), covering the man of the match who went home with 20,000.00, while the runner-up smiled home with N10,000.00. The Centre Referee received 15,000.00 while the Assistant Referees and fourth official received 10,000.00 each.

The Councilor representing Sagbama Ward 8 initially declared Ten Thousand 10,000.00 for the first and second goal scorers then later rewarded every goal scorer with the same amount.

Hon Ebikitin Diongoli promised to rally all stakeholders in the LGA to raise the sum of one Million Naira each for both teams that will be participating in the round of 32 of the Prosperity Cup.

The hat-trick hero in addition to the cash reward also went home with the match ball.