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By Perekpo Raphael Yenagoa, Bayelsa State —  A passionate appeal has been made to the Bayelsa State Government and elected representatives at various levels to urgently intervene in the deplorable condition of the Ikolo Road , which has become a nightmare for residents, especially during the rainy season. In a heartfelt message directed to government authorities, a concerned Bayelsan and teacher,  Kariyai Priska lamented the suffering endured by the people of Ikolo , a community located within the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District . She noted that the poor state of the road is having a crippling effect on education, commerce, and general mobility , with students, teachers, traders, and commuters bearing the brunt of the hardship. Priska, who had a terrible experience on the road during official duties to Ikolo Community to supervise the ongoing WAEC examinations notes; “I want to use this medium to call on the Bayelsa State Government, the councilor representing Ikolo pe...

Yenagoa, Nigeria — The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State Chapter, has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Mr. Toruyokotie Godspower Esq. as the Director General of the PDP Bayelsa State New Media Team, effective June 1, 2025. The appointment, approved by the Acting State Chairman of the PDP, Barr. George Turnah, MON, marks a strategic step towards repositioning the party’s digital communication and public engagement efforts. Mr. Godspower, an experienced legal practitioner with over a decade of post-call practice, hails from Sabagreia in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Beyond his legal credentials, he is a published author and a staunch party loyalist, well-versed in the evolving landscape of new media. A statement signed by Derri Alasuote Wright, Acting State Publicity Secretary, PDP Bayelsa State, notes that “his extensive background in new media practices, combined with his exceptional communication skills, position...

Kelsthel.ng | Taraba In a highly unusual turn of events, secondary school students in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, began their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) English Language paper at 11:00PM on Wednesday, following a 14-hour delay in the arrival of question papers. The examination, originally scheduled for 8:00AM, was stalled throughout the day as schools awaited the delivery of the exam materials. The papers finally arrived in most centres around 10:00PM, forcing weary students and invigilators to proceed with the compulsory English Language exam under the cover of night. As of the time of filing this report, neither the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) nor the affected school authorities have issued an official statement explaining the cause of the delay. The English Language paper is a mandatory subject required to be passed—typically with at least a credit grade—by students to qualify for admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. Mea...

Kelsthel.ng | 28-05-25 The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria has posthumously honoured the late founder of Daar Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, for his pioneering contributions to the Nigerian media industry and his unwavering support for the Catholic Church. The recognition came during the 2025 edition of the Catholic Church’s Communications Week held in Abuja, where clergy, media professionals, scholars, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the role of media in nation-building and peace promotion. In a solemn yet celebratory atmosphere, the award was presented to members of the Dokpesi family and senior management of Daar Communications Plc, who expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed on the late media icon. The event served as a reflection on the enduring legacy of Dokpesi, who was praised for shaping both the present and the future of broadcasting in Nigeria. Delivering his keynote address, the CBCN Episcopal Chairman for Social Communications, Bisho...

Kelsthel.ng | Abuja: The Federal Government has restated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector through the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), saying steady progress is being made in the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order aimed at transforming the sector. Speaking during a recent Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting in Abuja, the National Coordinator of PVAC, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, noted that while challenges have been identified in the course of implementation, efforts are already underway to address them and ensure the initiative achieves its full potential. Signed earlier this year, the Executive Order is expected to bolster local production of healthcare products, reduce the cost of medical equipment and consumables, and attract both local and foreign investment into the sector. Dr. Mukhtar assured stakeholders that the initiative remains on course to deliver its key objectives, especially in enhancing local c...

Ifo, Ogun State – In a highly unusual turn of events, students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State sat for their English Language paper under the cover of darkness on Wednesday. The examination, initially scheduled for 8:00 a.m., was rescheduled for 7:00 p.m. after the original English paper was allegedly leaked prior to the exam. WAEC officials who had earlier arrived with the papers were reportedly recalled to the state capital, Abeokuta, only to return several hours later with a new set of questions. Kelsthel.ng gathered that the rescheduling caused confusion and fatigue among candidates, many of whom had waited in uncertainty throughout the day. At Ilepa in Ifo LGA, some students were seen returning home around 8:30 p.m., after completing the exam which began at 7:00 p.m. A teacher in one of the affected schools, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed the situation, describing it as “a general problem ...

ABUJA — The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new dimension as the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has vowed not to resign his position despite mounting pressure from key party stakeholders. Anyanwu, in a no-holds-barred interview with journalists, accused Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State of spearheading a coordinated campaign to remove him before the expiration of his tenure. Describing the move as “politically motivated and lacking constitutional basis,” Anyanwu insisted that the office of the National Secretary is zoned to the South-East, specifically to Imo State, from where he hails. He questioned the legitimacy of attempts to nominate a replacement from Enugu State. He further alleged that Ali Odefa, the former South-East National Vice Chairman who has since been expelled from the party, is behind the push for his removal. According to Anyanwu, Odefa has been feeding false information to Governor Mbah and others ...

Former President Muhammadu Buhari was absent from the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Lagos due to a medical check-up in the UK.  In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, Buhari extended his congratulations to the regional bloc on this milestone occasion and expressed regret over his inability to attend.  "I congratulate Your Excellency and other Heads of State and Government on the attainment of this Golden Jubilee by ECOWAS," Buhari wrote, lauding the regional body's achievements over the past five decades.  He also paid tribute to General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, commending his pivotal role in the creation of the regional bloc. Despite his absence, Buhari reaffirmed his respect for President Tinubu and other leaders in the region, expressing his goodwill and congratulations on this significant occasion.  The 50th anniversary celebration was marked with a symbolic reenactment ...

LAGOS – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the regional body marks its 50th anniversary. Speaking at a commemorative event held in Lagos to celebrate the golden jubilee of ECOWAS, President Tinubu, who is also the current Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, underscored Nigeria’s historic and ongoing role in promoting peace, regional integration, and shared prosperity in West Africa. “Nigeria has stood at the heart of ECOWAS since its inception in 1975,” the President declared, as he paid glowing tribute to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the only surviving founding leader and signatory of the ECOWAS Treaty. President Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s consistent contributions to regional solidarity and development, including the Technical Aid Corps and peacekeeping efforts across the sub-region. He highlighted achievements su...

The Nigerian Senate has approved the 2024 budget of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), totaling N124.29 billion.  The approval follows the presentation of the report by Senator Yunus Akintunde, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs. The lawmaker noted that the budget is designed to boost the operational capacity and infrastructure of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), aligning with the nation’s broader security objectives. A break down of the budget shows  Capital Expenditure – N98.64 billion  • NPTF Headquarters: N28.03 billion  • Nigeria Police Force: N70.61 billion Recurrent Expenditure – N25.65 billion  • Personnel Costs (NPTF): N1.21 billion  • Overhead Costs (NPTF): N8.05 billion  • Overhead (NPF): N16.59 billion The total sum of N124.29 billion revenue is expected to come from  • 0.5% of total revenue accrued to the Federation Account – N104.01 billion  • 0.5% of total VAT – N18.90 billion  • 0.05% of net profi...

…Increases Proposal by N1 Trillion The Senate has passed the 2025 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Statutory Appropriation Bill, approving a total expenditure of N1.81 trillion for the fiscal year after a third reading. The approved figure is N1 trillion higher than the N1.7 Trillion originally proposed by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at bolstering infrastructure and services in the nation’s capital. The passage follows the presentation and adoption of the report of the senate committee on FCT presented by Senator Ibrahim Bomai. According to the committee, the budget will be funded through projected internally generated revenue and federal allocations A break down of the breakdown shows: Personnel Costs: N150.35 billion (8.29%) Overhead Costs: N352.03 billion (19.41%) Capital Expenditure: N1.31 trillion (72.31%) The total recurrent expenditure comprising personnel and overhead stands at N502.38 billion, while capital projects dominate the budget. Senator Bomai explained that the budget...

By Perekpo Raphael YENAGOA – The 16 Brigade Nigerian Army has organized a one-day sensitization workshop on human rights and professional conduct for its personnel in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The workshop, which focused largely on drug abuse and its associated dangers, was part of ongoing efforts to align troops' activities with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede The one day sensitization workshop was held under the supervision of the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army, Major General Gold Chibuisi. Major General Chibuisi, while addressing the soldiers, emphasized the importance of discipline and professionalism in the military service. He said the training was necessary to keep soldiers well-informed on proper conduct and the importance of upholding human rights, both on and off duty. “Our duty goes beyond securing the nation's territorial integrity,” he stated. “We must also remain professional in our engagements wi...

PORT HARCOURT – As Rivers State marks its 58th anniversary, the Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd), has called on the people—particularly political leaders—to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust as pathways to lasting peace and sustainable development. The Administrator made this appeal during a Special Public Lecture held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, to commemorate the creation of Rivers State on May 27, 1967. The lecture, themed “Rivers State, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Search for Sustainable Peace and Opportunities for Development,” comes amid political tensions and a state of emergency in the oil-rich state. Describing the state as “The Treasure Base of the Nation,” Vice Admiral Ibas reflected on Rivers’ remarkable journey from its historic struggle for identity and self-determination to becoming Nigeria’s second-largest economy, boasting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $28.4 billion and contributing over 40% of Nigeria’s onshore c...

…Akpabio Tells  Children To Dream Big  In commemoration of the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, the Nigerian Senate opened its chamber to a group of school children, hosting them in a symbolic plenary session aimed at honoring and inspiring the next generation. The special session featured engagements between the lawmakers and the children, focused on the importance of education, discipline, and national development. Addressing the children during the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio encouraged them to “dream big” and remain steadfast in pursuing their goals.  He commended the resilience and potential of Nigerian children and urged them to stay focused, work hard, and avoid social vices such as drug abuse. Akpabio assured that the National Assembly would continue to champion initiatives that foster youth empowerment and national development. The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to creating a supportive environment for children to thrive.  Akpabio said the leg...

On 27 May 2025, armed militia heading to attack some villages on the Plateau were ambushed and  neutralised by troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN. This followed credible intelligence on plans by bandits to attack Teng and Kayarda Villages in Qua'an Pan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State in the early hours of 27 May 2025. During the operation, troops in ambush positions, made contact and neutralised 3 bandits with others fleeing in the process. Troops further recovered 4 AK-47 rifles, 4 AK-47 magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition from the bandits.   According to the STF, the recovered arms and ammunition are in the custody of troops, while efforts are ongoing to clampdown on the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate and also recover their illicit weapons. This operational success is a testament to the continued efforts of troops to rid the Joint Operations Area of assailants whose activities have been largely frustrated by own tro...

In a major breakthrough, the Duchess International Hospital, located in Ikeja, Lagos, has successfully performed a complex open-heart surgery on a five-year-old boy, whom it simply referred to as ‘Master D’. The intricate procedure, which spanned three days from May 19 to 21, lasted for approximately 15 hours, showcasing the expertise and dedication of the hospital’s multidisciplinary team. Speaking at the hospital’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, Dr. Mudasiru Salami, a renowned Consultant Cardiothoracic and Pediatric Surgeon who led the team, said: “I’m thrilled to announce that the surgery was a huge success, and Master D is on the road to recovery. “Our team worked tirelessly to repair the defects in Master D’s heart, and it’s a reflection of our skill and dedication that he is making such a remarkable recovery,” he added. According to a report by the ThisDay newspaper, the patient was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that affects the normal flow of...

As nations around the world mark Children’s Day 2025, the Acting Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, has issued a powerful message advocating for the protection, education, and empowerment of the Nigerian child. In a heartfelt statement released in Yenagoa, the PDP leader described children as “not only a blessing but the foundation upon which the future of any society is built.” He emphasized that this special day should serve as a time for deep reflection on the collective duty of stakeholders—from families to institutions—to prioritize the well-being of children. “The Bayelsa State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under my leadership believes and emphasizes that the welfare of children must be a top priority for families, communities, governments, and institutions,” Turnah stated. “Quality education, sound healthcare, safety, and emotional support are not privileges, they are rights every child deserves....

Minna, Niger State | Kelsthel.ng In a renewed push to boost entrepreneurship and support small business growth, the Niger State Government has successfully concluded a three-day intensive training for 50 young professionals, including first-class graduates drawn from the Association of Niger State First Class Students. The programme, held under the auspices of the Office of the Special Adviser on Social Investment Programme, aims to build a new cadre of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) across the 25 local government areas of the state. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to equip young people with the tools needed to drive local enterprise development. Facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University, the training exposed participants to core areas of business planning, operations management, human resources, and entrepreneurial diagnostics. Speaking during the closing ceremony, Hauwa Bako, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Soc...

Yenagoa | Kelsthel.ng The Bayelsa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has extended warm birthday wishes to Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike, describing her as a beacon of excellence and a pillar of strength in Nigeria’s judicial and public service spheres. In a goodwill message issued in Yenagoa and personally signed by the Acting Chairman of PDP in Bayelsa State, Barr. George Turnah, MON, the party lauded Justice Wike for her unwavering commitment to justice, service, and national development. "Your Excellency, your life exemplifies excellence, dignity, and unfettered commitment to justice and service," Turnah stated. "As you mark another year of divine grace, I pray for continued wisdom, sound health, and boundless joy in all your endeavours." Speaking on behalf of the PDP family in Bayelsa State and his own household, Turnah praised the celebrant’s contributions to the legal profession and her graceful support of leaders...

By Perekpo Raphael YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — Social commentators and cultural advocates in Bayelsa State have expressed deep concern over the gradual fading of the Ijaw language in many Ijaw communities, warning that if urgent steps are not taken to revive the culture of speaking the language, it could face extinction in the near future. Speaking with kelsthel.ng in Yenagoa, they observed that English has increasingly replaced Ijaw as the primary means of communication among most Ijaw people, including in rural areas where the native tongue once thrived. “Language is a vital part of human experience. It is deeply tied to our cultural identity and heritage,” one analyst stated. “What we are witnessing today is not just a shift in language but a slow erosion of the Ijaw identity itself.” Observers noted that the language’s decline is especially pronounced among the younger generation, many of whom grow up without adequate exposure to or proficiency in Ijaw. They called on the government t...

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — May 24, 2025 The Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State Chapter, under the leadership of Barr. George Turnah, MON, convened an emergency meeting on the night of Friday, 23rd May 2025, in Yenagoa to address urgent issues concerning the Party’s activities and schedule. After detailed deliberations, the Committee resolved to postpone the official opening of the Party’s new State Secretariat in Yenagoa, earlier scheduled for Monday, 26th May 2025. The decision was made in light of the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Party, slated for Tuesday, 27th May 2025. A communique signed by Derri Alasuote Wright, Acting State Publicity Secretary notes that “This postponement is necessary due to the scheduling of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Party,” urging all Party faithful, supporters, and members of the public to take note of the change. The Party expressed regret for any inconvenience cau...

By John Odhe It was another day of reckoning for former President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR) on Wednesday as he was honoured with the Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award at the first edition of the Champions of Nigerian Content Award put together by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDM) in partnership with Sweetcrude Limited. Kelsthel.ng reports that the event which held at the 17-storey Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, carefully selected and honoured individuals and corporate entities who have distinguished themselves in promoting local participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and other spheres of human endeavours. In his address, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe (FNSE), said the Board had come a long way in implementation of the NOGICD Act and recorded landmark achievements in which outstanding industry players, individuals and corporate entities, deserved to be identified and honoured. “The time has come to id...

By Perekpo Raphael Elebele, Bayelsa State – In a gesture aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and promoting educational development, the 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has donated over 100 desks and chairs to the Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Elebele, located in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Speaking during the official handover ceremony, the Commander of the 16 Brigade, Brigadier General Oluremi Obolo, who was represented by the Assistant Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Kazeem Onakoya, said the donation was part of the Army’s efforts to support host communities and foster lasting partnerships. “The doors of the Brigade are always open to render needed support in order to maintain a mutual relationship with our host communities,” he stated while presenting the furniture to the school authorities. The gesture was met with overwhelming gratitude from community leaders and students alike. The Paramount Ruler of Elebele Community, His Royal Highness Dav...

By Kelvin Loveday-Egbo Yenagoa, Nigeria – The Bayelsa State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has extended high commendations to the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, for what it described as a “sterling representation and exceptional commitment to youth empowerment” in his constituency of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. In a press statement signed by the Acting Chairman of the Bayelsa PDP, Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, the party commended Hon. Chinda’s recently concluded empowerment program, which trained a large number of young constituents in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills. The skills covered included fish farming, cassava and corn flour processing, hair barbing, and makeup artistry. Participants were also equipped with starter packs to begin their businesses immediately. According to the statement, “Hon. Chinda’s recent empowerment program, which equipped a significant number of young cons...

By Kelvin Loveday-Egbo In a time when Nigeria’s political landscape continues to grapple with fragmentation, discontent, and uncertainty, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has found remarkable stability, direction, and unity under the exemplary leadership of Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON. Since his assumption of office as the Acting Chairman of the PDP in Bayelsa State, Barr. Turnah is redefining political stewardship, infusing life into party structures, and positioning the party as a formidable, united force poised for electoral victories and long-term relevance. Under Barr. Turnah’s strategic leadership, the PDP in Bayelsa has grown more cohesive, pragmatic, and focused than ever before, in just a little while. The internal wranglings that once threatened the soul of the party have given way to unity of purpose and clarity of vision. Meetings are more coordinated, the voices of stakeholders are being heard, and most importantly, party discipline and loyalty are b...

By John Odhe Yenagoa, Nigeria - The Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says it is partnering with other stakeholders to set up the Africa Energy Bank to provide financial support to indigenous players in the oil and gas industry. Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, disclosed this on Wednesday, at the 17-storey Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State at the opening of the 5th edition of Nigeria Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2025. The executive secretary in a keynote address hinted that the bank with headquarters in Abuja, will become operational before the end of the second quarter of 2025. Ogbe, who spoke on the theme of the fair: “Driving investment and production growth: Shaping a sustainable oil and gas industry through indigenous capacity development,’’ described the programme as a strategic platform to share forward-looking insights, showcase upcoming projects, and deepen collaboration across the oil and gas value chain. Stating that the them...

By Perekpo Raphael Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – A former Chairman of Ojobo Federated Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Asiro Nisama, has called on youths across the Niger Delta to harness their God-given talents to promote the cultural values and unity of the Ijaw nation. Nisama made the call during the 46th birthday celebration and book launch of renowned Ijaw music icon, King Dr. Alfred Izonebi, held in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. Describing Yenagoa as the "Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation," the two time community leader commended the high-profile turnout of dignitaries at the event, which included top government officials, captains of industry, business moguls, and traditional leaders from far and near. According to him, Dr. Alfred Izonebi has not only taken over the mantle of Ijaw musical leadership from his late mentor, King Robert Ebizimo: the Numu Pere of Ijaw Nation, but has also elevated Ijaw music to greater heights, earning recognition ac...