TheNewsGuru

Tag: Bayelsa State

  • Bayelsa records 98% immunisation coverage

    Bayelsa records 98% immunisation coverage

    Bayelsa has recorded a 98 per cent coverage in the first round of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) programme conducted from the May 3 to May 6.

    Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, deputy governor of the state, disclosed this during a meeting of the state’s taskforce on immunisation in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

    He said that the government’s ultimate target was to achieve 100 per cent coverage in subsequent immunisation campaigns.

    Ewhrudjakpo lauded the WHO, UNICEF,  the Ministry of Health and other critical stakeholders for the feat achieved so far.

    He, however, urged the partners not to rest on their oars as much still have to be done to achieve its target of 100 per cent immunization coverage.

    He underscored the need for early preparations ahead of the second round of 2025 NIPDs scheduled for July.

    The deputy governor assured the partners that funds for the programme would be released not later than two weeks to its commencement.

    He directed all council chairmen to flag-off the second round of the 2025 NIPDs programme at any community other than their respective local government headquarters.

    The deputy governor urged the chairmen to meet with the traditional rulers, school proprietors, and religious leaders in their areas to sensitise them on the importance of immunisation.

    He also called parents, schools and churches to allow children to participate in the immunisation programme.

    ”The state government is serious about enforcing its public health law and executive order on compulsory immunisation.

    “We have taken our immunisation coverage up to 98 per cent. But we want to take it to 100 per cent this time around, and that is why we have convened this meeting.

    “We are also going to make an upward review of the logistics to reflect the present economic realities in the country,” he said.

    Presentations by Dr Marcus Oluwadare of the WHO, and Dr Gbanaibulou Orukari, Director of Disease Control, Bayelsa State Primary Healthcare Board, revealed that area councils scored high percentage in the coverage.

    They, however, identified poor workload rationalisation, data falsification and lack of commitment on the part of some personnel.

    According to Oluwadare, we commend the Deputy Governor of the state for flagging off the NIPDs and chairing all the state ERMs in spite of his tight schedule.

    “Bayelsa State was the only state to have full complements of her stakeholders in attendance during the April NIPDs in the whole of Nigeria,” he said.

  • Gov Diri told to move Bayelsa PDP structure to APC

    Gov Diri told to move Bayelsa PDP structure to APC

    A former Labour Party (LP) Governorship Candidate in Bayelsa, Mr Udengs Eradiri, has called on Gov. Douye Diri and his predecessor, Sen. Seriake Dickson, to integrate the Ijaw nation into the government at the centre.

    Eradiri, in a statement on Wednesday in Yenagoa, told the two political leaders that there was no better time than now to move the Ijaws into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Describing the current period as the time of political realignment, Eradiri said that the Ijaws could experience political alienation if Diri and Dickson failed to flow with the political reality.

    He specifically said that the two political leaders should join APC in order to create the required opportunity for the Ijaws to play crucial roles in the corridors of power.

    Eradiri, a former President of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), said that taking such a political decision would attract more infrastructural and manpower development.

    According to him, the Ijaw nation will gain nothing by being in opposition to the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, but will only be left to wallow in the political wilderness.

    He appealed to Diri and Dickson to forgo personal interests and see the bigger picture, insisting that their joining APC would be in the overall interest of the Ijaw nation.

    Eradiri, a former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa, reminded them that their past political fathers, living and dead, used to align with any government at the centre.

    “The time for political realignment for the ijaw nation is now.

    “The current political equation in Nigeria presently will alienate the ijaw race if we don’t strategise immediately and take a decision to join the ruling party.

    “I am calling on Sen. Seriake Dickson and Gov. Douye Diri to join APC now to guarantee the Ijaw nation a place in decision-making at the centre.

    “This is no longer the time for bravado. There is nothing or no point to prove being in opposition to President Tinubu’s government, as it will only alienate Ijaws politically.

    “Our fathers had always aligned with the centre and Ijaws, no matter how bad, had always had some say in government. But today, we have no voice in the APC-led Federal Government.

    “Dickson being a former governor and now senator and Douye Diri, a former senator and now governor, will give the Ijaws a voice at the national government if they heed this clarion call and move to APC,” he said.

    Eradiri called on them to jettison their personal interests and take the step, saying that it would be in the overall interest of Ijaw nation.

    “Ijaws cannot be onlookers. Our resources sustain Nigeria; so we must be strategic to advance the development of Bayelsa and Ijaw nation,” he said.

  • Bayelsa Govt. seeks probe to shooting at pro Wike’s rally

    Bayelsa Govt. seeks probe to shooting at pro Wike’s rally

    The Bayelsa Government has called for probe over the shooting incident during a political rally organized in the state, on Saturday by the NEW Associates, a group allegedly loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

    In a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Sunday, by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, urged the Inspector-General of Police and the police authorities to unravel those behind the incident at the rally ground.

    The government expressed concern that the shooting was not a coincidence as the organizers had earlier threatened that “the good, the bad and the ugly” would attend the event.

    According to the statement, “It wondered why a gathering that was expected to be peaceful turned violent with some persons reportedly injured”.

    The statement urged the police to immediately commence investigation in order to bring to book anyone found culpable.

    While noting that the event negated guidelines for political activities as stipulated in the Electoral Act and by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The government observed that it was held on the camp ground of a religious organisation.

    “It warned political groups in the state not to drag religious organisations into their partisan activities that desecrate sacred places of worship.

    “It further stated that it would not hesitate to sanction any religious organisation that breach the law.

    “The government restated its commitment to sustaining the peace in the state as well as ensuring the security of lives and property of all residents,” the statement reads.

  • Bayelsa PDP refutes dissolution of Exco

    Bayelsa PDP refutes dissolution of Exco

    The Bayelsa Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says reports that the State Working Committee of the PDP led by Solomon Agwana has been dissolved is false.

    Mr Ebiye Ogoli, State Publicity Secretary of PDP in Bayelsa also said on Wednesday that reports that a new State Caretaker Committee had been appointed was not correct.

    According to Ogoli, the reports are intentionally mischievous and ludicrous.

    He said that the tenure of the former Zonal Executive Committee of the PDP elapsed on March 13, 2025, adding that to avoid a vacuum, a new caretaker committee was appointed and constituted by the National Working Committee (NWC) on March 13, 2025.

    “The new caretaker committee is headed by the highly respected Chief Emmanuel Ogidi to oversee the affairs of the party, pending the convocation of an Elective South South Zonal Congress of the party.

    “The report that the new State Caretaker Committee was appointed by the Zonal Executive Committee headed by Chief Dan Orbih is not correct.

    “The National Working Committee (NWC) also pronounced the factional Zonal PDP congress held in Calabar, Cross River State that produced Chief Dan Orbih, as unconstitutional and a nullity.

    “We also place it on record that the Zonal EXCO of the Party even when it is properly constituted still lacks the constitutional powers to dissolve a State Working Committee of the party,” Ogoli said.

    He said that the State High Court, which sat in respect of the suspension of Mr George Turnah had yet to determine the case, and in which case, Mr George Turnah remained suspended from PDP in the state.

    The Bayelsa PDP noted that 2027 was months away and urged members to resist the plans by outside forces to destabilise the PDP in Bayelsa.

    “Our dear Governor, Senator Douye Diri is a patriot, who has proven that he means well for the quick transformation of our homeland.

    “The duty we owe ourselves is to continue to support him to deliver on his promises for us all, which is the obligation we owe Bayelsa, and our children yet unborn,” Ogoli said.

  • Flood scare: Residents of Rivers, Bayelsa told to relocate

    Flood scare: Residents of Rivers, Bayelsa told to relocate

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Rivers and Bayelsa to relocate to higher ground over impending flooding in both states.

    Mr Eric Ebhodaghe, South-South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, made the remark during a news conference held on Friday in Port Harcourt.

    Recall that the Nigerian Metrological Institute (NIMET) recently forecasted flooding in 30 States across the country.

    Ebhodaghe highlighted that coastal States such as Bayelsa and Rivers were likely to experience significant flooding during the current rainy season.

    He noted that NEMA had already begun preparing communities to mitigate the anticipated impact of the flood, particularly as rainfall intensified in the affected states.

    “We are working to reduce the impact on the people by sensitising them, with the aim of minimising economic losses and protecting lives,” he stated.

    Following NIMET’s flood prediction, Ebhodaghe said NEMA initiated consultations with federal, state, and local governments to coordinate mitigation efforts.

    “In Rivers State, we have identified communities within various local government areas that are at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.

    “We have been visiting these flood-prone communities to raise awareness and educate residents, ensuring that they take precautionary measures to avoid major losses.

    “Although we cannot prevent the flooding, we can manage it, and encourage relocation to safe grounds within communities and to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps,” he added.

    The zonal coordinator stressed that prevention was critical in disaster management, particularly in the context of flooding.

    He reported that an IDP camp had been established in each of the 15 local government areas identified as being highly vulnerable to flooding.

    “We have also engaged with Community Development Committees, youth leaders, traditional rulers, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to prepare for the flooding.

    “The engagements are centred on improving local capacity to prevent and manage flooding through measures such as proper waste management systems,” he noted.

    Ebhodaghe urged residents to ensure that drainage systems were regularly cleared to allow the free flow of rainwater into natural channels.

    “When the water channels are blocked, the water will inevitably find alternative routes; therefore, if we adhere to responsible waste disposal and drainage maintenance, we will enhance our flood mitigation efforts,” he concluded.

  • Bayelsa Govt orders quick payment of workers’ gratuities

    Bayelsa Govt orders quick payment of workers’ gratuities

    Bayelsa government has directed the Local Government Service Commission and Pensions Board to provide pre-retirement forms to all affected staff three months to their due date.

    Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa Deputy Governor said the delay in the provision of such forms often caused the delay in the payment of benefits to retired workers.

    Ewhrudjakpo gave the directive at a meeting with council chairmen, Auditor General for Local Government and officials of local government pensions board on Wednesday in Yenagoa.

    He said that payment of gratuities, pensions to local government workers retiring from service in Bayelsa, should not be later than a month after their retirement.

    According to him, the decision is not only part of ongoing reforms in the local government system, but, most importantly, targeted at alleviating the sufferings of retirees.

    Ewhrudjakpo decried the current procedure for processing retirees’ pension and gratuity documents as too slow, emphasizing that three month pre-retirement period was long enough for any retiring worker to complete such statutory documentations.

    He pointed out that government was putting the necessary modalities in place to ensure that retired staff got their full gratuity payment not later than 30 days after their exit from service.

    The deputy governor noted that retirees deserved respect and rest, and therefore, should not be subjected to any form of suffering before receiving their statutory benefits.

    According to him: “As far as I am concerned, the present system or process for the payment of gratuities and pensions is too cumbersome, complicated, time consuming and defective for my liking.

    “I don’t think I can continue to preside over such an ineffective, vigorous, demeaning and punitive system.

    “I don’t see any reason why it should take two years for the processes to be completed for retired local government pensioners to be paid pensions and gratuities.

    “That is why some people die before their pensions are ready.

    “We are submitting that in about a month, every pensioner should be through with the post-retirement processes and documentations, and he or she is paid his or her money, immediately after retirement.

    “The retirees are our staff, and so why are we making them to go to Accountant General’s office, and other offices to collect one form or the other.

    ”After all, most of the information we need about them should be in the office, if we are really serious.

    “These are people who have put in several years to serve government, and they deserve respect and rest. So, they should not be made to unnecessarily visit offices for documentation purposes,” he said.

  • Govt please do something – Timaya reacts as Herdsmen destroy farmlands in Bayelsa

    Govt please do something – Timaya reacts as Herdsmen destroy farmlands in Bayelsa

    Afro-dancehall icon Inetimi Alfred Odom, globally known as Timaya has raised alarm over the destruction of farmlands by herdsmen’s his country home, Bayelsa State.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the ‘Dem Mama’ crooner via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter appealed to the government to intervene in the situation.

    The singer noted that the current destruction of farmlands is bad, as he urged the marauding herders to ranch their cattle.

    He wrote, “Pls the government should do something. They are destroying farms in Bayelsa. Aboki, take your in cow inside and feed them. This is so sad.”

  • Bayelsa begins construction of 9-storey secretariat

    Bayelsa begins construction of 9-storey secretariat

    Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, Head of Service of the Federation, has expressed delight over the construction of a new nine-storey civil servants’ secretariat by the Bayelsa Government.

    She spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Yenagoa on Saturday.

    Walson-Jack said that once completed, the iconic structure would remain in her memory as an exciting legacy of Gov. Douye Diri’s administration.

    She described the event as a significant milestone, recalling her time in Bayelsa’s public service and feeling nostalgic about witnessing the foundation-laying ceremony.

    She said: “The civil service is the engine of government, providing expertise and structure for effective governance.

    “A well-motivated and efficient civil service needs capable personnel, strong policies, and an enabling work environment that fosters professionalism, collaboration, and innovation.”

    The Head of Service emphasised that the project demonstrated the Bayelsa government’s commitment to strengthening governance and service delivery.

    “This new state secretariat is a commendable effort to provide public servants with a conducive workplace.

    “I applaud the Bayelsa government for its dedication to infrastructure development.

    “This project aligns with the broader vision of strengthening Nigeria’s civil service at both state and federal levels to enhance governance,” she said.

    Earlier, the state governor stated that the workers’ complex would be an electronic secretariat, with the project costing N46 billion.

    He said the government had already mobilised contractors with 30 per cent of the project sum and had approved the release of another 20 per cent upon take off.

    Diri assured that funding would not be an issue and that the project would be completed in 24 months.

    He urged state workers to reciprocate the government’s commitment to their welfare and well-being.

    “What propelled me to build a new secretariat was the civil servants’ request for office accommodation, which was raised repeatedly every Workers’ Day,” he said.

    He expressed delight that the new secretariat would end complaints from labour unions about inadequate office space.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Moses Teibowei, said the project was conceived and initiated by the Diri administration.

    He stated that the structure would provide a conducive and befitting communal space for the state’s workforce.

    The proposed structure would feature modern, eco-friendly green solutions to support key functional needs of the state.

    It would cover a footprint of 3,675.633 square metres within a gross area of 26,762.99 square metres and include parking for 155 cars.

    Mr Carlos Zanone, Operations Director of Megastar Technical and Construction Company Ltd., said the building would be equipped with a solar power-backed system.

    Additional features would include conference halls, a six-bed sick bay, and a crèche to support working families.

    He added that the facility would be built to modern standards, using high-quality materials to enhance the area’s aesthetics.

    Zanone assured that the 24-month completion timeframe was achievable.

    State Head of Service, Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, thanked the state governor, describing the project as a dream come true for all Bayelsa civil servants.

  • Bayelsa govt honours Jonathan, Dickson, others

    Bayelsa govt honours Jonathan, Dickson, others

    The Bayelsa government on Wednesday honoured former President Goodluck Jonathan, former governor Seriake Dickson and other prominent donours to the Bayelsa Educational Development Trust Fund (EDTF) as Honorary Ambassadors of Education.

    Also honoured were Sen. Emmanuel Paulker, who represented Bayelsa Central for three terms, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Ruben Okoya, Hon Fredrick Agbedi.

    Others who received the awards include Maj.- Gen Allison Allison and Commissioner of Police, Diseyei Nsirim-Poweigha (Rtd).

    The state also empowered some 2,850 beneficiaries of the Diri Skills Acquisition Scheme with start-up kits as part of Gov Douye Diri’s fifth year anniversary celebrations.

    Diri, who presented the awards, acknowledged the foresight and courage of his predecessor, in setting up the EDTF to mobilise funds from public servants, political office holders and donor agencies to compliment government funding.

    “I salute the courage of my predecessor, former Governor Dickson in conceiving and establishing the EDTF and I am impressed that we have a crop of dedicated and seasoned administrators led by Dr Alice Atuwo.

    “This board has been outstanding in sourcing for funding in support of all levels of education in Bayelsa from public spirited individuals from within and outside Bayelsa.

    “The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation was amongst the pioneer donours and that is why we are honouring him alongside others for the love and unwavering support for the education of our children,” Diri said.

    Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Jonathan who was represented by Dr Tobias James, noted that education remains an indispensable tool for development.

    He urged the larger society to support government’s efforts in funding public education at all levels.

    Speaking earlier, Executive Secretary of the EDTF, Dr Atuwo applauded Dickson for the idea of attracting funds from outside governments to fund education in the state.

    Atuwo also thanked Gov Diri for not only continuing with the policy but expanding it with the introduction of 1,400 boarding school students to the existing boarding schools funded by the EDTF.

    Also speaking, Mrs Charity Godwin, Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa Governor on Entrepreneurship noted that the 2,850 beneficiaries were part of over 9,000 who applied for the scheme but 3,000 were selected to start the five month training.

    She said that two batches of 800 beneficiaries each had earlier graduated from the scheme and expressed appreciation to the the Bayelsa governor for empowering the beneficiaries to become self-reliant.

    She urged the beneficiaries to remain focused to grow their businesses to become employers of labour and to actualise the prosperity mantra of the Diri-led administration.

    Diri,  had earlier advised the beneficiaries to shun the temptation to sell their start-up kits as they have become ambassadors of his administration.

    “I pray that none of you will sell the start-up empowerment you have received today, your businesses shall grow from this humble beginnings, go and ask Dangote, every successful business has a humble beginning,” Diri said.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Precious Jephter expressed appreciation to the state government for the gesture which has uplifted them from unemployment to entrepreneurs who will drive economic development in Bayelsa.

  • Ex-Labour Party guber candidate joins APC in Bayelsa

    Ex-Labour Party guber candidate joins APC in Bayelsa

    The Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa in the 2023 election, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, on Tuesday in Yenagoa formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Eradiri said President Bola Tinubu is behind all the projects in his Agudama/Ekpetiama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

    Eradiri, who registered for the APC in Ward 10 Constituency 2, Yenagoa LGA, said President Tinubu through the Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) gave his community potable water, shore protection, solar lights and one kilometre road.

    He said besides his community, almost all the communities in the Niger Delta have benefited from the operation light-up Niger Delta project and other interventionist programmes of the NDDC.

    Eradiri said the Tinubu’s government through the NDDC have also promised to carry out other projects such as remodeling of the secondary school and a quality lodge for members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in his community.

    Eradiri, who was received by a crowd of residents and APC members in his ward said through the Tantita Security Services and the NDDC backed by Tinubu, the Niger Delta region had experienced peace and steady progress in its infrastructural development.

    For instance, he said recently the President signed the Maritime University, Okerenkoko,  Bill into law and the bill establishing the University of Technology and Environment in Ogoni, saying they would help to deepen the already existing peace in the region.

    He said gradually and steadily, President Tinubu was addressing the injustices and marginalization suffered by the region over the years.

    Besides, Eradiri said the Tinubu’s government had given Bayelsa the Head of Service, Minister of Petroleum and the Managing Director of the NDDC.

    He further observed that through the Ministry of Petroleum led by Minister Heineken Lokpobiri, there had been consistent increase in oil production.

    The former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa further observed the tremendous progress in the ongoing construction of the East-West Road.

    He said the road had witnessed better attention in the Tinubu’s government through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, than in other past administrations.

    Eradiri said with all the contributions of the President in his community and the Niger Delta through Tantita, the NDDC and the Ministry of Petroleum, it was only reasonable for him to join Tinubu and work with him in the APC to ensure the success of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He explained that President Tinubu meant well for the Niger Delta and the country and called on his teeming supporters and all stakeholders in the region to work with the President.

    Eradiri commended all APC faithful in Bayelsa for warmly receiving him in the party and vowed to work with all the party stakeholders to reposition the APC in the state and the country.

    He said: “In my community we have a water project done by the APC government: shore protection being done by the APC government, solar light and one kilometre road.

    “The APC government has also promised to carry out other projects like corpers’ lodge and renovation of our secondary school.

    “The best thing to do to thank such leadership is to join them and work for the success of the party. For me President Tinubu is one man I have admired since I was young and this will provide me the opportunity to learn from him and work with him to ensure that he succeeds.

    “In 2006 when we attended the PRONACO meetings in Lagos he was one man who believed in a restructured Nigeria. I supported the PRONACO Movement and partook in it.

    “I think that this is the best time to work with him. The Tinubu government gave us Head of Service, Minister of Petroleum and the NDDC. His government has ensured the light up of the Niger Delta which has reduced crime to its barest minimum.

    ”Tinubu government is behind the Tantita project that has seen many young people in the Niger engaged because of the pipeline surveillance that has ensured the growth in the production of oil and reduction of crime in the Niger Delta. There is no other way to say thank you than to join the government that is doing well.

    “The government is talking about tax reforms that will go a long way to bring about seriousness in governance and curb laziness. It will bring innovation and creativity as states and local government will begin to work harder and such will provide jobs for young people and engender growth and development.

    “I see that the government has a lot to offer Nigeria and I won’t be an onlooker. I want to participate and contribute to it. I want to be part of those that participated in the revival and reorganisation of the country”.