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By John Odhe The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has organized a workshop for media stakeholders and youth groups, in Port Harcourt , Rivers State, providing profound insights into the structural organisation, internal workings, accomplishments and operational targets of the agency after 15 epochal years as an effective driver of local content and regulator in the oil and gas industry. Being signature event of the NCDMB, having been held regularly since the beginning of the Board in 2010, the workshop also acquainted participants with procedures for registration for employment or training programmes in industry-related skill sets, engagement as industry contractors or vendors, and also the Board’s ‘Community Content Guidelines,’ designed to ensure integration of host communities into the oil and gas industry value chain. In a presentation entitled “NCDMB Mandate and Achievements,” the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Dr. Abdulmali...

Yenagoa, Bayelsa - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has felicitated with one of its dedicated leaders and former Commissioner for Health, Hon. Dr. Pabara Newton Igwele, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and signed by the Acting State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Alasuote Wright, the party under the leadership of its Acting Chairman, High Chief Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, described Dr. Igwele as a committed party stalwart who has contributed immensely to governance and public service in the state. The statement recalled Dr. Igwele’s tenure as Commissioner for Health, noting that he distinguished himself with “remarkable dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the wellbeing of our people.” It further stressed that his contributions to strengthening the state’s health sector remain evident and continue to reflect his passion for service. “On this special day, the PDP family in Bayelsa celebrates him an...

Yenagoa, Bayelsa - The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is receiving torrents of goodwill messages today, Tuesday, 19th August 2025, as he marks his golden jubilee birthday, with friends, family, and political associates across the nation describing him as a man of vision, passion, and integrity. Among those who paid glowing tributes was renowned lawyer and politician, Barrister Alabh George Turnah, MON, who, in a heartfelt message, lauded Dr. Ogbuku’s selfless contributions to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large. Writing on behalf of his wife, Mrs. Jennifer Turnah, and their daughters, Eluantaziba, Eperetaziba, Etotaziba, and Etulantaziba, Turnah described the celebrant as an inspiration and a trailblazer.“ Your dedication, vision, and commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region inspire us all. You have positively impacted countless lives, including mine, and continue to lead...

By Perekpo Raphael Yenagoa, Bayelsa - The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has lauded the Commander of 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Oluremi Obolo, for his exemplary leadership and commitment to duty. Lt. Gen. Oluyede gave the commendation on Monday during a one-day official visit to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he commissioned several projects at the Brigade headquarters. Accompanied by senior officers from the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Ejim-Emekah, the Army Chief inaugurated key facilities including the newly completed 16 Brigade Headquarters Annex, the Garrison Commander’s residence, and an electrification project sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Speaking during the event, Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed satisfaction with the quality and scope of projects executed under Brig. Gen. Obolo’s watch, noting that they reflect a deep sense of responsibility and ...

By John Odhe The Bayelsa State Ministry of Education has debunked allegations of arbitrary deductions from contractors’ payments, describing the claims as false, unfounded, and misleading. The clarification follows a report published in the Niger Delta Herald between July 16 and 22, 2025, with the headline “Contractors Lament Alleged Deductions by Ministry Officials in Bayelsa.” According to the Ministry, all payments to contractors are executed strictly in line with contractual terms, financial regulations, and due process. It added that deductions, where applicable, are limited to statutory obligations such as taxes, pension contributions, and contractually agreed retentions. The Ministry emphasised that it operates a transparent and accountable system with multiple oversight layers to ensure fairness, insisting that no official is empowered to make arbitrary deductions. In response to the Ministry’s position, the Niger Delta Herald has acknowledged the clarification, expressing regr...

By Anita Okongo (Kelsthel.ng) The Nigeria labour congress, NLC, has directed its members across the country to begin mobilisation for strike within seven days from Thursday August 14. The NLC at the end of its central working committee meeting in Abuja said a total short down will begin next week except the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust fund, NSITF accounts for and return all alleged diverted 40% funds contributed by workers within seven working days. The NLC, in a communique signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, said it is outrage at the ongoing assault on workers' social protection rights through the federal government's alleged diversion of 40% of workers' contributions to the national coffers as "revenue" in flagrant violation of the statutes establishing the NSITF. It says, equally condemnable, is the new NSITF administration's false claim of ownership of the NLC National Headquarters, a property it says is owned by Nigerian workers, resort to Cyber and...

By Anita Okongo (Kelsthel.ng) The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says it has distributed all sensitive materials for the conduct of Saturday’s bye elections in 12 States. National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun who disclosed this in a statement also says all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS has been configured for the polls. INEC says the polls will cover two Senatorial districts in Anambra and Edo States, five Federal Constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo States, as well as nine State Constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba and Zamfara States. The Commission informed that two court-ordered re-run elections, in Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Anambra and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano will also be conducted simultaneously. Olumekun added that non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the states, ad hoc staff recruitment and training comp...

By Anita Okongo [Kelstgel.ng] Yenagoa, Bayelsa - In a bold step to combat climate change, deforestation, and land degradation, the First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P), in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the Bayelsa State Government, has launched the Afforestation Livelihood Enhancement Carbon Sequestration Project in Yenagoa. The five-year initiative aims to plant 550,000 trees across 11 communities in Brass and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas, in a reforestation drive designed to conserve the state’s fragile ecosystem and support climate action. Speaking at the launch, First E&P’s Deputy General Manager, Corporate Business Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Anita Edo-Osagie, warned that without urgent intervention, Nigeria could lose its remaining forest cover by 2050. She emphasised the project’s role in addressing the country’s alarming deforestation rate — currently the highest in the world, with 3....

By Anita Okongo (Kelsthel.ng) Yenagoa, Bayelsa - The Bayelsa State Government has urged youths to take the lead in driving transformative actions that promote self-development and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and the nation. This charge was delivered during the 2025 International Youth Day celebration in Yenagoa, organised in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and supported by the Government of Denmark. With the theme “Local Youth Actions for Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond,” the event brought together policymakers, development partners, and youth leaders to underscore the critical role of young people in shaping a prosperous and peaceful society. Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepado, stressed the importance of sustained grassroots and urban youth engagement to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also speaking, the UNODC Country Director in Nigeria, D...

By Anita Okongo, Kelsthel.ng Yenagoa, Bayelsa - Hon. Barr. George Turnah, MON, Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, has felicitated with the Chairman of the PDP in Imo State, Rt. Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, on the joyous occasion of his 63rd birthday. Hon. Barr. Turnah in a statement pushed out by his Media Assistant, Kelvin Loveday-Egbo described Hon. Nwachukwu as a consummate party leader whose humility, inclusiveness, and unwavering commitment to service have continued to inspire confidence among party faithful and the good people of Imo State. He noted that under Hon. Nwachukwu’s stewardship, the PDP in Imo State has witnessed remarkable growth, strengthened unity, and purposeful leadership, reflecting his deep sense of responsibility and dedication to the ideals of the party. The Bayelsa PDP Chairman who doubles as the Zonal Secretary of the Party in the South South Zone further commended Hon. Nwachukwu’s candor, integrity, and steadfastness in addres...

By Anita Okongo, Kelsthel.ng Yenagoa, Bayelsa - The Acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Barr. George Turnah, MON, has assured that youths and women will receive at least 95 per cent of the party’s elective opportunities in the 2027 general elections. Speaking in commemoration of International Youth Day 2025 with the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” Turnah said the PDP in Bayelsa remains committed to inclusivity and youth empowerment, stressing that young people must be intentional in preparing themselves for leadership. In his words, "the PDP under my leadership in Bayelsa State will work towards reserving no less than 95 per cent of our tickets for youths and women in 2027. However, leadership is earned, not handed out. Our young people must consciously equip themselves with the values, competence, and vision to lead effectively.” In a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, he urged Bayelsa youth...

In line with global law enforcement standards and ensuring that legal processes within the Force meet the highest levels of professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the elevation of the Legal Unit of the Force to the Directorate of Legal Services.   ‎ In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the upgrade is in line with the ongoing strategic reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing operational efficiency across all departments of the Nigeria Police Force,  ‎ ‎The statement said the Directorate will serve as the apex legal arm of the Nigeria Police Force, responsible for the coordination and delivery of legal services, including legal training, comprehensive policy review, and structured engagement with prosecutorial bodies, the judiciary, and other relevant stakeholders in the justice sector.  ‎ ‎The ...

By Anita Okongo, kelsthel.ng YENAGOA — The Acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Hon. George Turnah, MON, has described the appointment of Hon. Aaron Chukwuemeka as Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State in the Federal Character Commission (FCC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “well-deserved and a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service.” In a statement issued in Yenagoa on Tuesday by Kelvin Loveday-Egbo his Media Assistant, Turnah said Chukwuemeka’s elevation reflects not only his individual track record but also his deep dedication to the principles and ideals of the PDP. “This well-deserved appointment is a testament to Hon. Chukwuemeka’s unwavering commitment to public service and his dedication to the principles of our great party, the PDP,” Turnah stated. The PDP chieftain also congratulated Hon. Sir Tonye Okio Ph.D on his reappointment for a second term as Federal Commissioner representing Bayelsa State in the FCC, no...

Minna, Niger State – In a bid to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship, 500 women entrepreneurs in Niger State have received small business recapitalisation grants totalling ₦25 million under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The scheme, spearheaded by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, offers ₦50,000 each to selected women to support their petty trades, strengthen their economic resilience, and enable them to better care for their families. The programme kicked off last week at the Government House in Minna, where Senator Tinubu personally flagged off the initiative and presented grants to the first batch of 50 beneficiaries. The final phase concluded with the disbursement to the remaining 450 women, ensuring all 500 selected recipients from across the state received the support. Some of the beneficiaries, including 55-year-old widow Aisha Yawa, who is raising three children, and 50-year-old Alheri Yafi Mugunta, expressed optimism that the funds woul...

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) are set to deepen collaboration to protect Nigerians’ data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, in a move designed to close loopholes exploited for fraud, identity theft, and corruption in public and private institutions. Speaking during a courtesy visit by NDPC officials to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, said safeguarding data was now a frontline weapon in the war against corruption. “The ICPC’s commitment to securing and managing data will boost efficiency, strengthen our operations, and set the pace for other MDAs. When these standards are met, opportunities for corruption and abuse of information shrink dramatically,” Oparaodu stated. He stressed that a joint ICPC NDPC approach would enhance public trust, curb insider abuse of records, an...

Dozens of soldiers have been arrested in Mali accused of plotting to topple the country's military leaders, sources say. The wave of arrests, which reportedly went on overnight and are expected to continue, reflect increased tensions within the military government, with reports that a jihadist insurgency in the north is gaining ground.  The authorities have not commented on the arrests. Initial reports indicated that Gen Abass Dembele, the former governor of the Mopti region and Gen Nema Sagara, one of the few women at the highest levels of the Malian army, were among those detained. However, a source close to Gen Dembele told the BBC that neither of them had been arrested. The source, who confirmed the ongoing arrests, told a BBC reporter in Bamako that he had just left Gen Dembele's house and he was "doing well". The AFP news agency reported that the detained soldiers were allegedly planning to overthrow the government, citing multiple sources within the military an...

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria, Emomotimi Agama, has been elected Vice Chairman of the Africa/Middle East Regional Committee of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions. According to a statement made available by the commission on Sunday, Agama will serve on the IOSCO Board, the highest decision-making body of the global securities regulatory organisation, until 2026. The IOSCO was established in 1983, serves as the global standard-setter for the securities industry and it's recognized as the leading international policy forum for securities regulators. Members regulate more than 95 per cent of the world’s securities markets spanning over 100 jurisdictions. In his acceptance remarks, the newly elected Vice Chairman, Agama thanked AMERC members for their confidence in his leadership and pledged to work towards strengthening capital markets in Africa and the Middle East. “This is more than a personal honour, it is a mandate t...

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for collective action to combat drug abuse , cultism , and banditry among Nigerian youths . Marwa who made the call while delivering the keynote address at a seminar organized by the Ijebu Ode Council of Olorituns , Saturday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state emphasized the need for stakeholders, including families, religious and community leaders, to work together to curb these social vices. He noted that cultism, initially confined to tertiary institutions, has spread to secondary schools and neighborhoods, often manipulated by political or criminal interests. The NDLEA boss highlighted the agency's efforts in fighting drug trafficking and abuse, including significant seizures and arrests. He also emphasized the importance of youth development , education, and entrepreneurship in preventing these issues. Marwa urged communities to partner with the NDLEA to report suspici...

Yenagoa, Bayelsa - In a significant move that would spur excellence in media reportage and ignite interest, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has made a remarkable increase to the prize money of its three sponsored categories in the Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA). The agency increased the prize money to One Million Naira (N1,000,000) and a new laptop for individual winners of its categories. The Board’s sponsored categories are “NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region's Oil and Gas Print Reporter of the Year; NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region's Oil & Gas Broadcast Reporter of the Year and NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region's Economy Reporter of the Year” The prize for each awards was previously N150,000, One hundred and fifty thousand naira and brand new laptop for each winner. This marked increase was disclosed by the NCDMB’s General Manager Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi at the Board’s Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Friday. ...

By John Odhe The Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) and Technical Assistant to the Bayelsa state Governor on Environment, Comrade Morris Alagoa, has expressed appreciation to the media for their critical role in promoting environmental and human rights as well as community development. The renowned human and environmental rights activist gave the commendation when the new leadership of the United Correspondents Chapel, UCC of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Bayelsa state Council payed him a courtesy call at his office in Yenagoa, the state capital. Alagoa emphasized that environmental rights are human rights, citing international instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.  He noted that EDEN's work focuses on promoting fundamental human rights and the rule of law, while also advocating for the protection of the environment and community development. While praising the media as a crucial partner in promoting enviro...

YENAGOA, BAYELSA –  The Bayelsa State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the growth and repositioning of the Party in the state, as well as the welfare of its members across all levels. This resolution formed part of the key outcomes of the State Working Committee (SWC) meeting of the PDP Caretaker Committee, held on Monday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The meeting, convened under the leadership of the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Hon. Barr. George Turnah, MON , witnessed the deliberation of critical issues aimed at advancing the Party’s strategic goals and consolidating its grassroots presence. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by Alasuote Wright , the Acting State Publicity Secretary, the Committee highlighted four major resolutions, with emphasis on strengthening internal structures, effective leadership, and the activation of operational mechanisms. The Committee reaffirmed its “dedi...

As climate change continues to intensify environmental degradation and threaten livelihoods in the Niger Delta, Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW), with support from the Embassy of Denmark in Nigeria, has taken a bold step to bridge the gap between policy and people by facilitating a series of town hall meetings across project communities in Bayelsa and Delta States. A statement signed by Success Nwanedo, the Senior Communications Officer of AAPW noted that the meetings were convened as part of the ongoing project titled “Advancing Community Capacity to Mitigate Climate Change Impact and Develop Green and Blue Economy in the Niger Delta”. They form a strategic component of AAPW’s Policy Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns, aimed at empowering local communities to take ownership of environmental policies while amplifying their voices in climate governance. At the heart of these dialogues was the urgent need to translate environmental laws from paper to practice as participants shared a ...

  The 2023 Gombe governorship candidate and former national deputy chairman of the African democratic congress. Nafiu Bala has tendered his letter of resignation after declaring himself as the interim national chairman of the party. In the letter Addressed to the former national chairman of the party, Ralph Nwosu, Bala stated that his resignation was to pave way for smooth and effective coalition as well as restructuring the party. Bala assured the party that he is not abandoning the party and ready to serve in any capacity but the former Gombe governorship candidate was silenced on the David mark-led interim leadership. The announcement came after the official handing over of ADC to the former senate president and his team by the former national executive committee on Wednesday.  During his declaration as the national chairman, Bala had accused Mark-led interim leadership of the ADC of hijacking the party through unconstitutional means and warned of impending legal action to ...