Author: Our Reporter

By Israel Adamu, Jos

Some members of the Gyel Traditional Council in Jos South Local Government of Plateau, have applauded the organisers of Jos Community Film Festival(JOCOFFEST), for the initiative.

Some of them, who spoke on Wednesday in Jos, said that the activity was a sound training window for the youths.

The chiefs expressed their appreciation when the JOCOFFEST team paid a courtesy visit to the traditional council to seek its involvement in the annual activity.

Our correspondent reports that JOCOFFEST is a roaming non-profit film festival that seeks to empower Plateau youths on all aspects of film production and creativity.

While receiving the team, Mr Nga Dangyang, the Da Gwom Rwei of Jos South, expressed gratitude to the organisers and lauded their exploits in other communities that hosted the activity.

“We are grateful you chose Gyel this year.

“This is a welcome idea to us; we want to thank the organisers for bringing this initiative to our community. It is only God that will reward you.

“You can see the number of youths gathered here today because they heard the JOCOFFEST team would be coming.
“They had indicated interest since the day they heard that the project is in the offing.

“So many people have been calling and asking; I want to say that we are so grateful because we are going to have actors, golfers and experts in other skills in the near future.

“The package they are bringing is full of a lot of things to take these children off the streets and other vices, and give them a better life.

“I believe many of them will become experts in many fields.

“In the traditional council, we support this initiative fully. We shall give you the maximum cooperation needed to succeed. We say a very big thank you and we appreciate you.”

Similarly, the acting Da Gwom of Sot Gyel, Da Joshua Pam, called on government to support JOCOFFEST in its activities as the initiative is helping to empower youths.

“Such venture can only be sustained through governments support,” he remarked.

Also, Mr Dung Bitrus, Chairman, Berom Youth Moulders, Gyel District chapter, and Mr Jonathan Dangyang, Secretary of the Jos South Traditional Council, expressed joy that the unemployed and out-of-School youths would have some means of livelihood.

Earlier, Prof. Eddie Ossai, Founder and Coordinator of JOCOFFEST, had said that the essence of the initiative was to take restive youths off the streets and give them a means of livelihood to ward off the temptation to resort to vices.

“Our main objective for establishing this venture is to empower our jobless and restive youths through creativity, and give them a means of expression through film production.

“We discovered that there are so many restless, idle minds in the state, so what we try to do is to engage them and give them something meaningful to do.

“We started this festival three years ago and have recorded tremendous success.
“We have done it in Tudun-Wada, Lamingo, Bokkos; last year we targeted 500 youths, but for Gyel, we are looking at about a hundred to ensure efficient drilling.

“We will engage them in various aspects of film production, golf trainings and other skills, essentially to help them sustain themselves.

“We are grateful to the community leaders of Gyel for the warm reception; this is an indication of their readiness for a better future for the youths and greater future for Jos South,” he said.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa 

The Central Organizing Committee of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, Nigeria’s premier grassroots football competition known as the Prosperity Cup, has disqualified Youbolobo Football Club of Agge from further participation in this year’s tournament.

The Agge-based team, runners-up in Ekeremor Local Government Area, was found guilty of using an ineligible player during their quarterfinal match against Advance Dreams Football Academy of Yenagoa on Tuesday.

Following a protest lodged by Advance Dreams, an emergency meeting of the Central Organizing and Disciplinary Committees on Wednesday revealed that Youbolobo violated Article VI, subsections 1(g), 2(b), and 2(c) of the tournament’s regulations, which address the provision of false information.

Investigations confirmed that Youbolobo fielded Austin Oboroakpo, who used a fictitious name and exceeded the age limit for professional players, who must be indigenous to Bayelsa State. Oboroakpo, it was discovered, had previously played for several professional clubs in Nigeria and made five appearances for the Super Eagles in 2015.

Youbolobo officials denied the allegations but failed to provide evidence to support their claims.

The disqualification advances Advance Dreams Football Academy to the semifinals, where they will face Bayelsa United Feeders in a highly anticipated match on Thursday at Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

Commenting on the ruling, Mr. Ono Akpe, Director General of the Central Organizing Committee, reiterated the importance of adhering to tournament rules, warning that violations would face strict consequences. 

He expressed hope that Youbolobo’s disqualification would deter other teams from similar infractions and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to maintaining the tournament’s integrity.

Akpe also thanked Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his support and assured stakeholders that the interests of youths and participants would be safeguarded, provided they comply with the regulations

    By Dr Ramadan Ali PhD.

In the theatre of life where many chase titles, positions, and applause, some men choose to walk quietly through the back door of history, carrying nothing but the weight of compassion on their shoulders. 

  Among such rare men stands A.A. Zaura, not adorned with the ornaments of office, nor shielded by the cloak of political immunity, but wrapped in the humble garb of service  the kind that needs no microphone to echo.

  While many climb the ladder of influence with power-hungry hands, Zaura has chosen to lift others with market-worn palms  the hands of a businessman who never allowed profit to replace purpose It is said that “a tree is known not by the noise it makes in the wind, but by the fruit it bears.

A.A. Zaura has borne fruit in silence. From the bustling corners of Kano’s marketplaces, where traders bargain over tomatoes and textiles, to the silent alleys where lost youths dance with addiction and crime, Zaura’s money moves  not towards building mansions in cities of gold, but towards rebuilding lives that society has written off. 

 His profit, earned honestly through the sweat of commerce, has become a weapon against ignorance, a shield against poverty, and a bridge for the hopeless. 

Where others chase contracts, he chases change. Where some see the people as burdens, he sees them as the backbone of a better tomorrow.

  There’s an African proverb:“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”

 Zaura heard the silent screams of these forgotten children  the drug addicts, the street boys, the phone snatchers whose lives are but twisted poems of a broken system and instead of turning a blind eye like many politicians do, he turned his heart toward them.

 Not with condemnation, but with compassion. Not with judgment, but with justice.  And he does this not from the comfort of an air-conditioned government office or a convoy of bulletproof vehicles. No  he does it with his own hard-earned money, carved from the toil of market stalls and business deals.

 He funds sensitization programs in slums, organizes reformation drives in public schools, sponsors enlightenment seminars about the dangers of drug abuse, and works with local mentors to snatch the youth from the jaws of destruction. 

 Ask the mother whose son was lured from the street and enrolled into a skill acquisition center sponsored by Zaura  she will tell you, “He is a father to the fatherless.”

 Ask the reformed street boy who once wielded daggers in the dark but now holds a pen in the light he will whisper, “Zaura did not give up on me when even my family did.”  This is the measure of the man. 

Not in the number of television interviews he grants, but in the lives he silently lifts. Not in how often he appears in newspapers, but in the neighborhoods he transforms.

  They say “he who carries the people’s burden without being asked has already proven he can lead them.” And in that, A.A. Zaura has passed the test many elected officials continue to fail.

 While others wait to be sworn into office before they start serving, Zaura serves without being sworn, loves without being lobbied, and uplifts without being urged.  

The irony is deafening: those in power sit idle while the powerless do the real work. This man this son of the market, this unsung architect of peace  has shown that leadership is not a seat; it is a sacrifice. And he makes that sacrifice every day.  

“When the drumbeat changes, the dancer must also change his steps.” Nigeria is dancing dangerously close to the edge. Our youth are slipping.

 Our morals are fading. Our streets are crying. The time has come for a different kind of leader  not a title-bearer, but a burden-bearer. Not a noise-maker, but a nation-healer.

  If character still counts… If selflessness still matters… If service still outweighs speech…  Then the question must be asked: If not A.A. Zaura, who else?  Who else has used his wealth not to build walls, but to break chains? Who else has taken profit from market stalls and turned it into purpose in forgotten streets? Who else has lived among the people, walked their pain, shared their silence, and turned it into strength?. 

The answer is loud in its simplicity.  A.A. Zaura is not just a name  he is a necessity. A voice we did not expect, but desperately need. A flame flickering in the wind, yet refusing to go out.  It is time. Not to reward him.

 But to release him  into leadership. Into higher service. Into the place where empathy meets power and where his passion can protect even more lives. 

 A shepherd does not need to be crowned before he protects his flock.” But sometimes just sometimes  the flock must crown him, not for his gain, but for their survival.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa 

The Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Authority has announced that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, calling on all residents to participate in keeping the state clean and green.

 The exercise, a regular initiative to promote environmental hygiene, will involve cleaning surroundings, cutting overgrown grasses, clearing drainage systems, and ensuring the free flow of natural waterways to prevent flooding and maintain public health.

Mr. Timothy Diekivie Itiedu, Chairman of the Environmental Sanitation Authority, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment. 

In a statement, he noted that the exercise will occur from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with no movement restrictions imposed due to the Senior School Certificate (WAEC) Examination and the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Common Entrance Examination scheduled on the same day. 

“While we accommodate the examinations, we urge residents to remain committed to cleaning their immediate environments during these hours,” Itiedu said.

The authority expressed deep appreciation for the consistent cooperation of communities across Yenagoa metropolis, whose mobilization efforts have been instrumental in the success of previous sanitation exercises.

 Special recognition was given to the leadership of various trading units at key markets, including Swali Main Market, Kpansia, Opolo, and Etegwe, for their dedication to ensuring compliance among their members. Their proactive engagement has fostered a culture of environmental consciousness in these commercial hubs.

Mr. Itiedu highlighted that a clean environment is vital for the health and well-being of Bayelsa’s residents, particularly in preventing waterborne diseases and mitigating flood risks, which are prevalent challenges in the region. “A clean Bayelsa is a healthy Bayelsa. By working together, we can create a sustainable environment that benefits everyone,” he stated, urging residents to view the exercise as a civic duty rather than a mere obligation.

The Environmental Sanitation Authority also called on community leaders, youth groups, and local organizations to rally their members and neighbors to participate actively. 

The authority plans to deploy monitoring teams to ensure compliance across various neighborhoods and markets, while also encouraging voluntary participation to foster a sense of ownership in the state’s environmental goals.

Furthermore, members of the public are hereby warned that it is an offence to dump refuse on pedestrian walkways, road dividers, drainages, canals, and all other unapproved dump site.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa 

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Bayelsa State Area Office organized a lively Children’s Day event for students from various schools across the state. 

The celebration took place at Pees Hub Event Center along Alamieyeseigha Road, Opolo, Yenagoa.

In his opening address, Engr. Godknows Salo Alamieyeseigha, Director of the NDDC Bayelsa State Office, emphasized the importance of children as valued members of society worldwide. 

He urged the young attendees to respect their parents, elders, and authorities, focus on their education, and strive for excellence, before officially declaring the event open.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Governor Douye Diri, Hon. Kuroakegha Iyanye, Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on NDDC Affairs, described children as divine blessings, treasures, and the leaders of tomorrow. 

He expressed concern over the increasing number of children hawking during school hours and called on the government to hold parents accountable for ensuring their children’s education. 

He also encouraged the NDDC to collaborate with his office in planning future celebrations, expressing enthusiasm for a partnership to create even grander events for children.

Tonye Omoni, Consultant to the NDDC for the Children’s Day event and Director of the Digital Support Foundation, advised the children to pursue their education diligently to become responsible individuals.

 She cautioned them against cultism, crime, and drug abuse, and expressed gratitude to the NDDC leadership for organizing the celebration.

Mrs. Eucharia Okio, Head of Social Services at the NDDC Bayelsa State Office, called on parents, government bodies, schools, religious institutions, and society at large to prioritize children’s protection, upbringing, and education to prepare them for meaningful contributions to society.

The event featured an array of engaging activities, including a ballet performance, a spelling challenge using cardboard letters to form “NDDC,” a word scramble game, an exercise to arrange Nigerian states alphabetically, an art exhibition by students, a merry-go-round, and the presentation of gifts to winners and participating schools.

Among the notable dignitaries in attendance was Engr. Anthony Oyabebefa, Assistant Director of the NDDC Bayelsa State Area Office.

Senator Daduut lauds President Tinubu over excellent performance in the past two years

By Israel Adamu, Jos

Senator Nora Ladi Daduut has commended President Bola Tinubu for his exceptional performance towards building a stronger and more prosperous nation in the past two years.

This is contained in a statement she signed and made available to newsmen in Jos the Plateau state capital.

Our correspondent reports that Daduut represented Plateau South Senatorial district at the 9th National assembly .

Daduut who is currently the Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure added that the President had in his two years in office made significant strides, setting a promising tone for the remaining years of his presidency.

The statement reads that ” I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR , his Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima GCFR on the occasion of their second anniversary in office. “

Daduut expressed confidence
that the President would continue to deliver on his promises and drive the nation towards greater heights.

She lauded President Tinubu for his commitment to national unity, economic development, and the enhancement of Nigeria’s global standing.

She pledged to continue to support the policies of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and called on Nigerians to support him.

By Ane Azuka 

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has earmarked 42 road projects for inauguration in celebration of his administration’s second year in office.

During his State of the State address at the State House of Assembly in Asaba on Wednesday, Governor Oborevwori unveiled several of the projects, including the 46-kilometre dualisation of the Ughelli–Asaba Road (Sectors C1 and C2), the Isheagu/Ewulu Road, and the Phase I bridge.

Other projects include the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Mariere Street in Boji-Boji Agbor, the construction of the Kwale–Beneku bridge and approach roads, and the reconstruction of Orhorhor, Chechester, and Benjamin Oseregbaje roads in Sapele.

He also mentioned the construction of roads around Otovwodo junction in Ughelli and the maintenance, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction of various roads in Effurun and Ekpan.

Further works include the reconstruction of failed sections of Central Hospital Road, rehabilitation of the link road between the hospital and Police Command roads in Warri, and the rehabilitation of General Hospital road with a spur to Police Command road from Warri/Sapele road to Ajamimogha/Mabiaku Link road.

Others he listed include the rehabilitation of Esisi road from Warri/Sapele road to Estate Roundabout with a spur to Nana College road linking Ajamimogha road, and the reconstruction of Upper and Lower Erejuwa roads in Warri.

Also listed for inauguration are the construction of internal roads in Kokori, Mudi Beach Street in Abraka, and the Uruagbesa Oria–Abraka road, off Sapele–Abraka road (Phase I). 

Other roads include; Itoma road in Umeghe Umiagha–Abraka, General Hospital road in Oghara, Idumu Etiti Street with a spur to Market road in Owerre Olubor, and Mission road/Ogboi Street with a spur to Ogwashi-Uku road in Akumazi. Additional roads include Boji-Boji Owa/Otolokpo, Otekpo road in Ellu town, and the Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru road (Phase III) in Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru town.

Further projects include the Obi-Ibabu road at Onicha-Ukwuani, Ohorhe/Adagbrass–Ugolo/Okuodiete road, Ezesi road in Orerokpe, Okan/Oviri–Agbarho/Orido road in Agbarho, and the old Okpanam road from Post Office junction through St. Michael’s Catholic Church roundabout to Okpanam bypass junction. 

There is also the access and internal road at the headquarters of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Ibusa, Ichie James Obodoechi Avenue/Chikozie Okafor road in Asaba, Okirighwre–Benin road from Sapele–Warri road to Gammon Bridge in Okirighwre, Sapele, and Arhavwarien Avenue in DSC township, Udu.

More projects include Ododegho road (Phase I) from Ekiugbo junction, off Ughelli–Patani Expressway in Ughelli, Ovwodoremor Avenue in Iwreovie–Ogor, Ofuegbe Street in Amai, and remedial work on the old Umutu–Eku road through Abraka. 

There is also work on the township road in Ogbinbiri and Ogbudugbudu communities, a slipway at Soki Zion in Ogbinbiri Community, Warri North, Kokodiagbene Community road, and internal roads and drains in Kurutie town (Phase II) in Warri South West Local Government Area.

Governor Oborevwori also highlighted his administration’s flagship projects, which include; three flyovers and three slipways in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun, saying; “these are currently at various stages of completion and are expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2026”. He added that other major road projects across the state are also progressing at different stages.

Delivering what he described as the first-ever State of the State Address in Delta’s history, Governor Oborevwori said the mid-term report reflects the philosophy of the MORE agenda, which is driven by the core values of servant leadership, transparency, accountability, innovation, and excellence. 

He recalled that upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, he presented a roadmap for growing the economy, maintaining fiscal responsibility, enhancing a focused and efficient civil service, promoting investment, supporting social enterprises, and ensuring that the poor and vulnerable benefit from government policies and programmes.

He stated that his purpose at the assembly was to report on the progress made and to offer a glimpse of what to expect in the remaining two years of the administration.

Following the address, and for his prudent management of the State resources, the Delta State House of Assembly passed a vote of confidence in the governor.

The vote of confidence came through a resolution following a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo and was seconded by the member representing Uvwie State Constituency, Hon  Edafe Emakpor.

Similarly, the House also commended him for what it described as visionary and transformational leadership, effective financial stewardship, and a firm commitment to human capital development across the state. 

This was sequel to a motion moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, who praised Governor Oborevwori’s achievements in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

The motion was seconded by Hon. Ferguson Onwo, who represents Isoko South Constituency II, and was subsequently adopted through a unanimous voice vote presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Emomotimi Guwor noted that Governor Oborevwori had done excellently through transformational leadership and strategic financial management.

He thanked the governor on behalf of the House for the commendable work being done for the development of the state.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo on Wednesday in Lokoja said no fewer than 220,495 Kogi citizens are now enrolled under its Health Insurance Scheme, a landmark achievement aimed at making healthcare more accessible and affordable across the state.

The Commissioner who disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists said the scheme, driven by the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) under the leadership of Dr. Kunle Aledare, reflects the Ododo Administration’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the people.

According to Fanwo, the administration has expanded the frontiers of the health insurance initiative by enrolling not only members of the public but also civil servants and their dependents, thereby reducing the financial burden of healthcare on families.

“Kogi is currently ranked 14th nationwide in terms of the number of people enrolled in a state-managed health insurance scheme,” stressing that  government is intensifying awareness campaigns to draw more residents, particularly those in the informal sector, into the insurance net.

In a call to action, the Commissioner urged corporate organizations and well-meaning individuals to leverage the scheme by sponsoring the less privileged, emphasizing that improved healthcare access is a collective responsibility.

“The health insurance scheme is inclusive and pro-poor,” Fanwo said. “Students in tertiary institutions can access a full year of healthcare for as low as ₦2,000, while children under five, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups enjoy completely free coverage under the government’s BelloCare initiative.”

He added that the Ododo-led administration is determined to leave no one behind in its push to improve healthcare across Kogi State. “We are building a system where no Kogite is denied quality healthcare due to financial constraints. This is the essence of the Governor’s people-first approach to governance.”

Fanwo encouraged families to enroll their loved ones, stressing that the initiative is not just a policy but a life-saving intervention that aligns with Governor Ododo’s broader vision of a healthier and more productive population.

As the state consolidates its achievements in the health sector, the Commissioner reaffirmed that the government will continue to work toward expanding coverage, improving service delivery, and ensuring that every Kogi citizen has access to quality medical care, regardless of social or economic status.

“One of the areas we are shining in the health sector is the area of Health Insurance. The Kogi State Health Insurance Agency is one of the most effective and efficient in Nigeria today. It is an area that aligns with the social security and health security of the Ododo Administration. It was started by the immediate past administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello. And now, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has widened the coverage to accommodate more  Kogites.”

“With all of the Primary Healthcare Centres that we remodeling and reconstructing and equipping, it can only get better. The Governor is fulfilling his promise to the good people of the state”, he said.