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Yenagoa, Nigeria – The Zonal Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), South-South, and Acting Chairman of the Bayelsa State Chapter, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, has extended warm felicitations to Rt. Hon. (High Chief) Prince Chibudom Nwuche, OFR, the Esama 1 of Ekpeye Land, on the occasion of his birthday. In a goodwill message made available by Kelvin Loveday-Egbo his Media Assistant, Turnah described the Chairman of the South-South Development Commission and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives as “a towering statesman and illustrious son of the Niger Delta whose invaluable contributions to national development, democratic consolidation, and community empowerment remain a shining example of purposeful leadership.” He noted that Prince Nwuche, a respected politician and accomplished technocrat, has over the years demonstrated rare commitment to the ideals of democracy, fairness, and equity, while using his influence and experience to advance the caus...

By John Odhe The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has said that the three Executive Orders issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Oil and Gas Industry in March 2024 did not erode the relevance of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act on the operations of the oil and gas industry. This was one of key messages from the Local Content Masterclass and panel discussion, held on Monday at the African Energy Week, which started in Cape Town, South Africa. Discussions at the panel highlighted Nigeria’s local content’s milestones and processes, provided local lessons for other African oil and gas producing countries, clarified misconceptions, as well as positioned Nigeria’s oil and gas industry for investment. The panellists included the Director Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, General Manager Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, and General Manager, Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF), Ms. Fateemah M...

Elebele, Bayelsa State – The Grassroots Galvanization Movement (GGM), a socio-political organization committed to strengthening grassroots political engagement, has taken a major step in its mission to complement the activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State ahead of the 2027 general elections by establishing its first constituency office. The office, located in Elebele Town, Ogbia Constituency Three, is the first of its kind in Bayelsa’s political journey. According to the group, the move reaffirms its resolve to deepen APC’s presence in all 24 constituencies of the state and create a strong grassroots network capable of securing electoral victory in 2027 and beyond. Speaking on the development, the Director-General of the GGM, Hon. Ebisele Azibalua Oyabara, described the constituency office as a “strategic launchpad” for political mobilization and party-building activities across Bayelsa. “This initiative is part of our mission to strengthen the APC in Bayels...

By Anita Okongo Kolo, Ogbia, Bayelsa - De Lead Way Club of Kolo Town in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has reaffirmed its commitment to community development by donating writing materials to students in both the Community Secondary School Kolo and all the primary schools within the Kolo federated communities. The outreach, which took place recently, was aimed at promoting education and encouraging students to remain focused on their academic pursuits. Led by Prophet Prosper Ederi, leader of the club, and its Chairman, Fineface Solomon, members of the group were accompanied by the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Kolo 1, Hon. Ederi Godknows, as well as the Youth President of Kolo 2, Comrade Okosigha Bamekpar. The delegation distributed books, pens, and other writing materials to the pupils and students while urging them to prioritize education as a foundation for their future. Speaking during the exercise, Prophet Prosper Ederi said the initiative was part...

By Anita Okongo Yenagoa – The Acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State and South-South Zonal Secretary of the Party, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, has extended heartfelt felicitations to the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Alabo (Hon.) Boma Iyaye, on the occasion of his birthday. In a goodwill message issued through his Media Assistant, Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, Hon. Turnah described Iyaye as “a distinguished son of the Niger Delta whose contributions and commitment to the development and progress of the region is highly commendable.” He praised the NDDC Director for his exemplary leadership and dedication to service, noting that his role has continued to inspire hope and confidence in the development strides of the Niger Delta. “Hon. Turnah joins family, friends, and associates in wishing Alabo Iyaye a birthday filled with joy and blessings, praying for God’s guidance and wisdom as he c...

Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has stated that, as a matter of principle, he does not harbor grudges against individuals due to their past actions against him, even if he was hurt, stressing the importance of forgiveness and moving forward from the past, especially in the political arena, for national cohesion and development. According to a statement pushed out by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, Dr. Jonathan made the statement on Wednesday evening during a requiem mass held in Abuja in honor of the late Chief Audu Ogbeh. He joined family members, friends, and well-wishers to pay final respects to the late elder statesman, renowned politician, and farmer. While paying tribute, Dr. Jonathan described Chief Ogbeh as a humble and forgiving individual who never held on to resentment, similar to his own attitude towards life. “Chief Ogbeh was a man who did not seek revenge. He believed the past should be left behind and that we must keep moving forward,” Dr. Jonathan said. “In t...

Yenagoa, Bayelsa - The Bayelsa State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated its National Vice-Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, on the double honors recently conferred on him by the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin. In a statement signed by its Acting Publicity Secretary, Alasuote Wright, the party described the recognition as “well-deserved” and a testament to Chief Orbih’s enduring contributions to politics, education, and national development. The Faculty of Arts at UNIBEN had bestowed on Orbih two prestigious awards - Distinguished Political Leadership and Distinguished Alumnus - to mark its 50th anniversary, citing his uncommon commitment to democratic values and exemplary service to the nation. “The double awards for Distinguished Political Leadership and Distinguished Alumnus reaffirm his uncommon commitment to democratic values, impactful service to the nation, and his enviable legacy as an alumnus of the great Faculty,” the Bayelsa PDP note...

Elebele, Bayelsa State – The Grassroots Galvanization Movement (GGM), a socio-political organization based in Bayelsa State, has declared its full support for the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), High Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, calling on him to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state. The group made the resolution at a strategic meeting held at its Secretariat in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, where members critically assessed the performance and people-oriented leadership style of Dr. Ogbuku at the NDDC. Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Director-General of the GGM, Hon. Ebisele Azibalua Oyabara, said the group’s decision was unanimous, noting that Dr. Ogbuku’s achievements at the Commission have demonstrated his capacity to deliver transformational leadership in Bayelsa State. “With a man like Dr. Ogbuku at the helm of affairs, Bayelsa State would experience unprecedented development across a...

My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.   I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration. The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State's affairs. That serious ...

President Bola Tinubu has announced the end of the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, declaring that democratic governance will fully resume in the state from September 18, 2025. The President made the declaration in a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday ,noting that the emergency measure, proclaimed on March 18, 2025, was necessary to halt what he described as a “total paralysis of governance” in the state. At the time of the proclamation, a deep rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly had brought government activities to a standstill.  The crisis saw four lawmakers aligned with the governor while 27 backed Speaker Martins Amaewhule, leaving the governor unable to present appropriation bills or access funds for state administration. The Supreme Court, in one of its rulings on the matter, also observed that there was effectively “no government” in Rivers State. President Tinubu said the decision to suspend the offices of the g...

...New President Promises accountability, peace, and partnership Elebele Town, Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State – The newly inaugurated President of the Elebele Youth Movement (EYM), Comrade Arimor ThankGod, has pledged to lead an all-inclusive, transparent, and accountable administration that will prioritize unity and partnership for the progress of the community. Delivering his maiden address at the official inauguration held at the Elebele Town Hall, on Thursday 11th September, 2025, Comrade Arimor declared that he bears no grudges and intends to work with every member of his cabinet. “I have nothing against anybody. We are one family, and in unity we will achieve more. My leadership will be transparent and accountable, ensuring that the impact of our administration is felt by all – from the top to the bottom,” he said. He also commended the efforts of his predecessor, Comrade Soso Holiness, describing his tenure as impactful. “We will not discard the good works already done. We will build ...

By Anita Okongo (Kelsthel.ng) Elebele, Bayelsa State – The Director-General of the Grassroots Galvanization Movement (GGM), Hon. Ebisele Azibalua Oyabara, has called on political leaders across the Niger Delta region to emulate the people-oriented leadership style and developmental strides of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), High Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. Speaking with journalists at his office in Elebele during the weekend, Hon. Oyabara described Ogbuku as “a shining example of transformational leadership” whose tenure has redefined the purpose and essence of governance in the region. According to him, the Niger Delta has suffered decades of underdevelopment due to leadership failure, mismanagement, and lack of vision. However, he noted that Ogbuku’s administration at the NDDC has charted “a new pathway for growth, infrastructural advancement, and community-driven empowerment.” “If our politicians had towed the same pat...

Set to implement Regional Import Strategic Framework In a significant move to accelerate industrial growth and integration in West Africa, the ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has paid a follow-up visit to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM) The mission, which is part of the Regional Automotive Industry Development Framework, marks a critical step in ECOWAS’ drive to localize vehicle production and reduce dependency on imports across member states. The visit brought together top officials from the ECOWAS Commission, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and Innoson’s leadership. The delegation toured Innoson’s sprawling facility in Anambra State, inspecting its vehicle assembly lines, compressed natural gas (CNG) operations, and vehicle stability testing units. The tour offered firsthand insight into how Nigeria’s National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) is translati...

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has undertaken an inspection of the pilgrims' aircraft in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of the official commencement of the delayed 2025 Easter Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan. The Executive Secretary arrived in Turkey where he was warmly received by the Executive Director of Atlasjet, Serkan Yazicioglu, the NCPC-approved air carrier for the airlift of Nigerian Christian pilgrims this year. At the end of the inspection, the NCPC boss stated that one of the policy thrusts of his administration is adherence to the principle of due process, emphasizing that the Commission cannot afford to compromise on its set standards.  According to him, "The physical inspection of the aircraft is necessary to ensure that the aircraft meets the required specifications as codified in the contractual agreement between the Commission and the air carrier." He averred that the Commission would sto...

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced plans to suspend lifting and dispensing of petroleum products nationwide for three days beginning Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in protest against what it described as unhealthy competition in the downstream sector. The move coincides with a planned strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), signaling a rare alignment of interests between oil workers and petroleum retailers. Addressing journalists in Abuja, PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the suspension was a peaceful and lawful action intended to advocate for workers’ rights, fair competition, and stability in petroleum pricing.  He warned that monopolistic tendencies, particularly those linked to the Dangote Refinery, could force depot owners, modular refinery operators, marketers, truck drivers, and retail operators out of business, potentially triggering mass unemployment.  “...

By Anita Okongo Yenagoa, Bayelsa State - The Director General of the Grassroots Galvanization Movement, GGM, Hon. Ebisele Azibalua Oyabara, has felicitated with the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, on the occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary. In a statement personally signed by the DG and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, Hon. Oyabara described Chief Dr. Ogbuku as a visionary administrator, a bridge-builder, and a symbol of purposeful leadership whose life and service continue to inspire hope, especially among the people of the Niger Delta. According to the statement, the GGM helmsman extolled the sterling leadership qualities of the NDDC boss, noting that his milestone golden jubilee is not just a celebration of age, but of accomplishments, character, and unwavering commitment to regional development and human capital advancement. He said, “Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku at 50 stands as a towerin...

  By Anita Okongo YENAGOA — The Bayelsa State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has joined family, friends, and associates to celebrate the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, PhD, on the occasion of his 60th birthday. In a congratulatory message issued on Friday and signed by the Acting Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Alasuote Wright, the PDP described the Deputy Governor as a shining example of loyalty, humility, and service, whose political journey continues to inspire confidence in Bayelsa’s future. The statement, issued on behalf of the State Chairman, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, commended Ewhrudjakpo for his remarkable devotion to the ideals of the PDP and his unwavering service to the people of Bayelsa. “Over the years, His Excellency has shown remarkable courage and consistency in promoting good governance, inclusivity, and the development of Bayelsa, even in the face of daunting challenges,” the PDP noted. The party furth...

By Anita Okongo YENAGOA — The Acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, has congratulated the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, PhD, on his 60th birthday, describing him as a steadfast leader and true statesman. In a goodwill message issued by Kelvin Loveday-Egbo his Media Assistant on Friday, Turnah, on behalf of his family, the party leadership, and members of the PDP in Bayelsa, joined friends and well-wishers to celebrate what he called “a remarkable milestone in the life of an exceptional leader.” Hon. Turnah lauded the Deputy Governor’s loyalty and service, noting his resilience in championing the ideals of the PDP through both stable and challenging times. “Sen. Ewhrudjakpo has consistently upheld the ideals of the PDP, even in very challenging circumstances, exemplifying loyalty, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of the party and the people of Bayel...

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new twist on Tuesday, as eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders of the party issued a strongly worded communique outlining six key demands ahead of the party’s proposed national convention. In the communiqué, signed by former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on behalf of the group, the stakeholders cautioned that failure by the party leadership to urgently address the issues raised would have dire consequences. According to them, “failure to meet these demands would render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.” The PDP heavyweights outlined the following demands: Fresh congresses must be held in Ebonyi and Anambra States , in strict compliance with subsisting court judgments. A new South East Zonal Congress must be urgently conducted. The outcome of the South South Congress in Calabar, already upheld by the courts, must be respected. The party sho...