2015: Why we are holding one million march for Jonathan —Niger Delta youths

A leader of the Niger Delta Youths Council (NDYC), the group behind the one million man youth rally holding in Abuja, George Turnah,  said, on Tuesday, that the youth have decided to hold the rally in honour of President  Goodluck Jonathan  to signpost his landmark achievements since 2011.

Turnah, in a statement in Abuja, said no fewer than 500 ethnic and youth groups had so far signed up for the one million Nigeria youths solidarity rally in support of President Jonathan’s transformation agenda  which, he said, was holding  in Abuja, on Thursday.

He said the rally, being put together by the Jonathan Youth Vanguard and the Niger Delta Youth Leaders Council, in conjunction with other support groups,  would showcase landmark achievements of President Jonathan.

Turnah  said  Thursday’s one million rally was not political but a show of solidarity aimed at raising the consciousness of Nigerians to continue to stand by President Jonathan, especially at this most trying times in the history of Nigeria.

“This rally is not political, but purely a solidarity rally to tell Mr President that we are with him. It is a solidarity rally to raise the consciousness of Nigerians and mobilise the critical mass rally round the president, especially at these most trying times in the history of our nation.”

He said: “Mr President clearly has performed in terms of infrastructural development and social welfare. Since coming into office, Jonathan has made the common man feel his impact.” 

Even a blind man should have been told by now that the pot holes which used to litter the Benin-Ore Expressway are no longer there.

“And this is the same road that made a serving minster shed tears in public. The road revolution cuts across states of the federations. How can we forget so soon the various irrigation programmes in the north, as well as the agricultural revolution?”

Turnah added that  as a result of his foresight, President Jonathan had organized a Presidential Retreat in Sports after the country’s disastrous outing at the 2012 Olympic Games, adding that the retreat had sparked off the golden era which has fetched Nigeria an African Cup of Nations title, a FIFA U-17 World Cup crown and a variety  of medals at the on-going Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

SOURCE; TRIBUNE

http://tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/12021-2015-why-we-are-holding-one-million-march-for-jonathan-niger-delta-youths

CLERGY WARS: Clerics Demand Sack of Bishop in Bayelsa

Yenagoa — Aggrieved clergymen in the Niger Delta West Diocese of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Bayelsa State, have demanded the immediate sack of Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, the Bishop of St. Peter's Anglican Church, Ovom-Yenagoa.

Among sundry allegations, the angry clerics accused Oko-Jaja of maladministration, gross misconduct and disrespect for monarchs serving as pastors in the diocese.

Spokesman of the protesting clergymen, Ibaralanyo Theophilus, told newsmen in Yenagoa at the weekend that the bishop had shunned all entreaties by ordained pastors to turn a new leaf.

He said Oko-Jaja also ignored the advice of emissaries from his Opobo nativity in River State, who intervened in the matter on behalf of the monarch of Opobo with a view to brokering peace.

He said the intervention was at the instance of Oko-Jaja who complained to the Opobo monarch on his ordeal in his parish.

Theophilus stated that the bishop had allegedly ordered the arrest and detention of about eight clergymen for expressing reservations over his excesses.

Source: Daily independent

http://allafrica.com/stories/201407281643.html

Nigeria: Oil Thieves Bribing Our Men, JTF Boss Laments

Yenagoa — Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta code-named 'Operation Pulo Shield', Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, has explained why winning the war against oil theft and illegal refining was difficult for the security outfit in the region.

He said oil bunkers had devised the means of offering huge sums of money to JTF personnel to subvert them from carrying out their lawful duties.

Atewe cited a case when an officer of the JTF was offered N25 million by a group of illegal bunkerers to bribe their way through.

He, however, quickly added that the officer rejected the offer and got the culprits arrested.

Atewe revealed this on Saturday when the Nigerian Army Officers' Wives Association led by its National President, Felly Minimah, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the JTF in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

He lamented that inadequate gunboats, essential kits, operational vehicles and manpower were some of the challenges of the security outfit.

He said despite the challenges and resilience of the oil criminals, the JTF was doing its best to win the war against oil theft, illegal refining and related crimes in the region.

According to him, illegal oil bunkering and refining were not only affecting the nation's economy but also posed a serious threat to the health and livelihood of the people of the region.

Atewe also said the JTF in the first quarter of the year arrested 20 vessels, destroyed over 854 illegal refineries as well as killing and arrest of hardened sea pirates, kidnappers and cult members.

He described the visit of NAOWA officials as "morale booster".

Source; daily independent

http://allafrica.com/stories/201407281853.html

Nigeria: Dickson Eulogises Surviving Adaka Boro's Compatriot

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has described one of the surviving members of Late Major Isaac Adaka Boro's "Twelve day Revolution" Captain (RTD) Sam Owunaro, as a true legend, hero and patriot of Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta.

In a congratulatory message to Owunaro who just clocked 70, the governor recalled the selflessness, commitment and dedication with which they fought for the oil producing minorities of the Niger Delta to be heard and be given their pride of place in the Nigerian nation.

According to him, the government and people of Bayelsa State and especially the Ijaw nation will remain ever grateful and appreciative of the sacrifice he made, alongside Boro and others who fought for equity, justice and fair-play for the long neglected and marginalized people of the Niger Delta region.

The governor noted that, like his departed compatriots, Owunaro will also remain a source of inspiration as well as continue to capture the true essence of the aspirations and the contradictions of the Nigeria nation and the possibilities of the Ijaw people.

SOURCE; DAILY INDEPENDENT
http://allafrica.com/stories/201407280135.html

East-West road’ll be completed this year —Minister

 The Minister of Niger Delta, Dr Steve Oru, has re-assured Nigerians that the East-West Road, would be completed this year, saying the project was a top priority to the ministry.

Oru gave the assurance at Owot Uta in Ibesikpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State,while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday.

“The East-West Road is the flagship project of the Ministry of Niger Delta and my primary aim and focus is to ensure that it is completed by the end of 2014.

“By January 2015, the road must have been completed and put into use to facilitate economic activities in the region.

“My strategy towards ensuring the realisation of this project by the end of this year is to ensure that the contractors handling the job are all paid effectively so as to meet up with time.

“I have also assured the contractors handling the job that money will be released to them through PPP and SURE-P to facilitate the completion of the job,’’ he said.

The minister said the ministry was established with the aim of providing rapid development in the Niger Delta region, adding that his administration would work to achieve that.

He said that part of his plans in the ministry was also to ensure effective human capital development and empowerment of the youth, through local and overseas training programmes.

He noted that Niger Delta youths no longer see criminality as a way of survival, adding that the ministry had a microfinance scheme which provided funds for small scale businesses.

“We have plans to work with various families in the region to inculcate positive orientation on their children so that they will be partners in the development of the region.

“We as a ministry, have also pleaded with the people of the region to see the need to be good Nigerians, who will be out to protect the developments in the region and to discourage vandalism.”

SOURCE; TRIBUNE
http://tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/11815-east-west-road-ll-be-completed-this-year-minister

You are King of assassins…tell us who killed Ige, Dikibo and Harry, Asari replies Obasanjo

The leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Mujahid Dokubo Asari, on Thursday called former President Olusegun Obasanjo the 'Chief Assassin of all times' in response to the former leader's recent letter to President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a letter to Obasanjo, Dokubo, who has previously sworn that there will be hell on earth if Jonathan is not re-elected in 2015, rebutted Obasanjo's claim that Jonathan is training a special killer squad to hit 1000 supposed opponents of his government.

Asari also claimed that Obasanjo was responsible for his recent arrest in Benin Republic, and that he had wanted him dead when he was President, but failed after several unsuccessful plots.

'I want to remind you of the startling move you made on my life during the momentous days, leading to the historic Isaac Boro celebration on the 16th of May 2005,' he recounted. 'At that time the Bayelsa state Government was under Chief D.S.P. Alamieseigha. Chief DSP Alamieseigha had warned that the 1million man march the NDPVF was organizing to protest the injustice of the Nigerian state against the Ijaws and other oil bearing nation should not hold and would not be allow into Bayelsa state because of a security report that emanated from you that I didn't know at the time. The report or plot to truncate the march was grave and dangerous, as the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State Chief D.S.P. Alamieseigha, told me the Bayelsa State Government couldn't guarantee our security - my security.

'The Governor, Chief D.S.P. Alamieseigha was away in South Africa at the time. Goodluck Jonathan was then the acting Governor of Bayelsa state, and asked us not to come into Bayelsa state of course we brushed off all obstacles whether real or imagined that were mounted not to let us into Yenagoa.

'Chief D.S.P. Alamieseigha then informed me that you - General Olusegun Obasanjo, sent 5 snipers to kill me in Yenegoa and that he -Chief D.S.P Alamieseigha accommodated them at the government house in yenegoa. That he traveled out of the state and directed the Bayelsa State government not to allow me into Yenegoa to avoid my being killed in Yenegoa by your snipers - as he didn't know if you had sent other snipers into the state.It downed on me, why Dr. Peter Odili, gave us all the resources we sought- it was to push me into a den of your snipers - because he offered us assistance even when we are not the best of friends, providing all the resources we needed to convey us out of town.'

Insisting that Obasanjo is the leader of killers, Asari stated, ' I wonder why you, the Chief Assassin of all times, would accuse President Goodluck Jonathan of training 1000 snipers and having a watch-list of political opponents when he has tolerated your insane excesses along with your mutinous gang which no head of government the world over would have so tolerated forgetting so soon that this was the same infamous journey you embarked on during the regime of General Sanni Abacha that nearly cost you your life.Until date, the mystery surrounding the death of your kinsman and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Late Bola Ige's death has not been unraveled. So also is that of my kinsmen AK Dikibo and Chief Marshall Harry. At the time they were felled, AK Dikibo was national vice chairman (south-south) of the PDP while Chief Marshall Harry was former national vice chairman (south south) of the PDP and also the national vice chairman (south-south) of the ANPP, as president of the Federal republic of Nigeria you were the national leader of the PDP. At that time, many public analysts described the PDP as a nest of killers. Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia state, clearly stated that your hands may not be clean regarding the brutal killing of the then Vice Chairman of South-South Zone of the PDP - A.K. Dikibo.'

Asari also described Obasanjo as an ethnic champion, contrary to his national slogan.

'Name one Nigerian leader that wasn't known for his clannish, ethnic and tribal interests,' he challenged. 'How has Nigeria fared since independence if not on the tuft of steely ethnic considerations? How do you expect President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan to be divulged of this, after you led many others in the display of ethnic and tribal purges?

'Why have you singled out Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan to be sacrificed on the altar of ethnicity, sectional and bloody intrigues, designed to incite Nigerians against the Ijaws and his government? Is it because Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is an Ijaw man or as you once described him - as a weak minority leader of Nigeria whose aspiration must be limited because he is an Ijaw man.What often creates violence, especially in Africa is when unguarded utterances are made by well connected ethnic chauvinists that provoke untenable ethnic bickering, bad blood and insinuation of violence, amongst hitherto friendly people in a multi-plural state. I find your warning that President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan maybe the last Ijaw to rule Nigeria a little childish. I believe you think the Ijaws are far too small, too few and deeply insignificant to assert any ambition to rule Nigeria. The dream of Ijaws is not to rule Nigeria but to rule a country that is theirs - a truly great and free country that believes in the dignity of labour and the virtues of good leadership. If Ijaws won't rule Nigeria then they must seek their own country, in line with universal principles of self- determination and rule ourselves because Ijaws won't succumb to be made slaves- Never!'

He concluded that the former president was behind his recent arrest.

'Finally, your evil plot to put me away before the 2015 general election failed in the Republic of Benin. I end this piece by saying Allah is on my side. Despite your brutal attack on me, and plot to kill me, Allah has been my helper and has not abandoned me. Your blood-curdling incitement of the authorities of the Republic of Benin against me, at my exiled home, so as to have me docked, tried and sentenced for national security related offences replays what you did before. The fact that I escaped unhurt when all hope was lost is a pointer to my supernatural fortification, leading and protection. In your plot to have me sidelined, Allah used President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue me.'

SOURCE: TheNigerianVoice
http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/133249/1/you-are-king-of-assassinstell-us-who-killed-ige-di.html

Buhari stage-managed Kaduna bombing –Dokubo-Asari

BY FRED ITUA, ABUJA ON JULY 27, 2014

• Accuses him of desperation for power

Self-acclaimed Niger Delta warlord and leader of Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Force (NDPSF), Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari has opened a fresh page on last Wednesday’s assassination attempt on former Head of State, General Mohammed Buhari (retd) by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

Dokubo alleged that Buhari stage-managed the attack on himself in order to attract public sympathy and paint President Goodluck Jonathan as a bad leader.

The former President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), who addressed the media in Abuja, added that Buhari and his group would fail in their conspiracy and desperation to take over power from Jonathan.

Claiming he knew Buhari so well, Asari said the former Head of State was not known to ride in a bullet-proof car prior to the incident, alleging that the use of an armoured SUV in his convoy started recently which confirmed his allegation. However, he noted that he did not wish death on Buhari.

His words: “That attack was stage-managed. Buhari and his group stage-managed it. First, Buhari was not using a bullet-proof car before. I know Buhari very well. Why did he use bulletproof car that day? He did not die. None of his aides died.

“Innocent people were killed. We all know what they are doing, but they will fail. All that they are looking for will fail. We are waiting for them. They should plot. We, too, we are plotting. And when they are ready for the battle, we will come out openly and meet them at the battlefield. Let them be throwing bombs in their place and be doing what they are doing. Let them shift the bombs to our place and then we will look at the score.

I do not wish him to die but like it is said, ‘there is God in this evil they are plotting’ and the evil will be on their head. He who will ride on the back of the lion will end up in the belly of the lion.

“I know that the same way Chibok was stage-managed was the same way they stage-managed it. Where did he get the bullet-proof car he used? Why did he use bullet-proof car that day when the bomb exploded and nothing happened to him?”

Asari also warned that the Niger Delta people would fight back should anything happen to President Jonathan.

SOURCE; THE SUN

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=73998

IPMAN Seeks Access to Quality Power for $3bn Refinery Project

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged the ministry of power to help it further its planned construction of two refineries in Kogi and Bayelsa States by providing it access to electricity and transmission facilities.

IPMAN recently concluded business arrangements with a number of international investors to build two refineries worth over $3 billion at Itobe and Abbe both in Kogi and Bayelsa States respectively.

A delegation of its business partners for the refinery projects, Watercarbonfield, arrived Nigeria penultimate Sundaywith the view to undertake feasibility studies of the refineries projects.
However, the association told the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo when it paid a courtesy visit to him in Abuja that it will appreciate the ministry’s support of its projects with access to electricity in the refinery complex.

Nebo in his consideration of the request told the association that such request for Independent Power Project (IPP) for the two plants will be granted. He also noted that the Kogi State location of the plant was strategic considering the existence of already built power generation and transmission infrastructure in the area.

The minister further explained that ministry will leverage on its existing good working relationship with the ministry of petroleum resources to bring the project into reality. “This existing synergy will be fully exploited to ensure the realisation of the projects on record time,” Nebo added.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Jose Arosemena Masi had explained that the team was in Nigeria to commence establishment of the two refineries

Masi said: “We have come to look for business opportunities in Nigeria and possibly to start construction of refineries here. We are here to look at how we can invest in refinery in Nigeria.”

According to him, the cost of the project is not certain at the moment until an economic analysis is carried within the next two to three months. Indications, however suggests that the project is estimated to cost about $ 3 billion.

When completed in the next two years according to IPMAN, the refinery will have a 200,000 barrels per day refining capacity.
A factional leader of IPMAN, Chinedu Okoronkwo also told Nebo during the visit that the association was poised to add-value to its activities in the oil and gas sector.
He stressed that IPMAN will also redress the existing capital flight that has characterised the oil and gas sector as a result of lack of adequate refinery facilities in the country. “The cost of taking crude and bringing it here will be reduced. We want government to give the necessary licences and environment to operate”, he added.

SOURCE; THISDAY
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ipman-seeks-access-to-quality-power-for-3bn-refinery-project/184798/

Navy Arrests 25 Oil Thieves, Vessels in Bayelsa

Yenagoa — The Nigerian Navy at the weekend handed over 25 suspected oil thieves and two vessels to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa State.

The ceremony took place at the Navy Forward Operating Base, Formoso in Egwema, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

One of the vessels, MV HANAN had nine crew members on board, all Nigerians, while MV ALEZZA LILAH had 16-member crew comprising 14 Nigerians, one Ghanaian and one Cameroonian.

The handing over statements were signed by Commanding Officer, FOB FORMOSO, Captain Noel Madugu for the Navy and Assistant Commandant, NSCDC, Anyanwu George, for Bayelsa State command of the corps.

Captain Madugu, while briefing journalists said the MV HANAN was intercepted by NNS Obula at 23 nautical miles, South-West of Pennington. He said the vessel with her crew of nine persons was arrested owing to the presence of Automotive Gas Oil on board.

Madugu gave the names of the suspected oil thieves as Bewaji O.O, Obamuwagin A, Ayenamelo Sunday, Joseph Omope, John Ezen, Emmanuel Bassey, Uwem Francis, Kingsley Ayobi and Fred Amabebe.

According to him, the vessel had six tanks fully loaded with AGO but had no bunkering approval on board at the time of arrest.

"The crew claimed that the approval, other documents and valuables were taken from the vessel by sea pirates when they were attacked. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the vessel was operating on behalf of Danyomile Marine Services Limited of Suite 1, LSDPC Shopping Complex, Agege, Lagos State. The document claims MV HANAN was granted approval to load 70 metric tonnes of AGO from Petrostar Nigeria Limited storage tank in Port Harcourt vide NHQ111744. However, when questioned, the captain of the vessel, Bewaji Olayinka, said he loaded about 100 metric tonnes of AGO on board", he said.

Madugu said the suspects and the vessels were handed over to the NSCDC in compliance with the directive of the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command for further investigation.

SOURCE; DAILY TRUST

http://allafrica.com/stories/201407290705.html

Sea pirates attack Ondewari community

 Palpable fear gripped the people of Ondewari community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as sea pirates, armed with sophisticated rifles, invaded the community and carted away two 75 horsepower speedboats and dispossessed people of their properties.

The sea pirates, it was learnt, has been operating on the waterways with the sole aim of maiming, killing, and robbing passengers boats.

An eyewitness account told the Nigerian Tribune that the pirates invaded the community at about 10:30pm and began to shot sporadically, as indigents of the community scamper for safety.

According to a source, the driver of the speedboat carted away at Amassoma, escaped by a whisker, as he jumped into the ocean when the sea pirates were advancing towards his direction.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alex Akhigbe, said though the command was yet to be briefed, he was going to investigate the matter by contacting officers on duty in the area.

SOURCE: Nigerian Tribune

http://tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/12080-sea-pirates-attack-ondewari-community

Bayelsa set to Renovate Samson Siasia Stadium

Determined to promote sports tourism, the Bayelsa State government has concluded arrangement to release funds for the quick renovation of the Samson Siasia Stadium to encourage sports tourism by playing host to local and international matches in the state.

The government has made recommendation to the FIFA-rated firm handling the contract of laying new organic fibre turf on the pitch and tartan tracks to complete the project as specified within 11  weeks.

The government spoke through the state Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Ebikitin Diongoli, during a call on him by the contractor and Managing Director of MoniMichelle Sports Facilities Construction Company, Mr. Ebi Egbe and the representative of the FIFA rated organic fibre turf company, Limonta Sports in Yenagoa.

Diogoli averred that the Seriake Dickson-led government is working to ensure that the state teams play most of their matches at home; and as such government is irrevocably committed to fund the project.

He also noted that the issue raised on poor drainage system at the exterior part of the stadium complex would be redressed.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the MoniMichelle Sports Facilities Construction Company, Mr Ebi Egbe, gave a vote of confidence on the ability of the Italian based company, Limonta Sports, handling the laying of the organic turf, adding that the internal drainage would make the job of laying the 99 per cent organic turf easier.

Egbe assured government that the project would be delivered within the next 11 weeks because the MoniMichelle as a company work within FIFA approved specification.

He expressed worry over the poor drainage system and blamed food vendors outside the stadium complex for dumping refuse into the drains constructed by the state, but bemoaned the lack of support from the people to keep it clean.

If we don’t strive to keep the drainage system outside the stadium clean, FIFA may not approve the ongoing renovation being done.

“The drainage is an integral part of the project, if we must woo the FIFA and the international sports community to Bayelsa State.”

The representative of the Italian based turf laying company, Limonta Sports, Mr. Florin Lemonta, commended the state government for its decision to raise the standard of the facilities in the complex and gave a pass mark on the stone base of the football pitch done by MoniMichelle.

Lemonta however called on the government to expedite action on the clearing of the blocked drainage outside the stadium complex as it may destroy the world class organic fibre turf expected to be laid.

SOURCE; Sports Tribune

http://sportingtribuneonline.com/index.php/component/k2/item/1742-bayelsa-set-to-renovate-siasia-stadium

Dickson clarifies Bayelsa Airport project financing

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, on Monday, accepted claims in some quarters that the state’s cargo airport project was not wholly financed by the state government.

He said the project, located in Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, is being jointly executed by the state and federal governments.

Dickson made the clarification during a special live interview programme on radio and television in Yenagoa monitored by Daily Independent.

The airport project and the expansion work on the Isaac Boro Expressway in the state capital are among ongoing projects believed to be hugely financed by the Federal Government but the state government had argued that it was not true.

But Dickson admitted on Monday that the state government was handling the critical aspects of the airport project, which include acquisition of land, payment of compensation, sand filling of the site and construction of the runway, while the Federal Government is in charge of the terminal building and the airport.

In early July, the 24-member state House of Assembly had, in a marathon sitting, approved a request by the governor for the government to shop for N40 billion loan facility to enable the state complete the airport project.

It was gathered that out of the total estimated cost of the project, the state government had already expended the sum of N9.3 billion for payment of compensation for land, consultancy services, construction of run-way and clearing of land, among others.

SOURCE; Daily Independent

http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/07/dickson-clarifies-bayelsa-airport-project-financing/

BAYELSA: Sterling Bank Pledges Support to States’ Devt

Sterling Bank Plc said it has put in place a strategy to support states with developmental projects capable of transforming their economies.

Such support, according to the bank would come in terms of provision of professional advice across all sectors and funding for the actualisation of key projects.

A statement from the back quoted its Executive Director, Finance and Strategy, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman who spoke against the backdrop of the recent sponsorship of the Bayelsa State Investment and Economic forum to have said that Sterling Bank had already entered into partnership with states pursuing economic development agenda.

Suleiman who insisted  that  collaboration  efforts between the private sector and governments at all levels remained the only panacea for economic transformation of the nation’s economy, said that the Bayelsa forum succeeded in bringing investors, potential partners and providers of funds into direct contact with the government for the state’s economic growth.

Suleinman said: “As a responsible financial institution, Sterling Bank will support any state with projects capable of transforming the lives of the people.

“Our objective is not only to provide financial support, but to be part of the whole regeneration process from the conceptualisation. Thus, we are into holistic partnerships with the states to ensure sustainable growth”

He explained that the bank was adequately represented at the Bayelsa economic forum, adding that it provided a platform for its officials to meet existing and potential investors in the state.

He also said its officials met with stakeholders in the education sector where the state had invested heavily.

“The state must be commended for its investment in education which falls under the Bank’s 'One Education Initiative' and we were able to establish contacts towards forging enduring relationship with existing and potential investors,” he added.

SOURCE; THISDAY

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/sterling-bank-pledges-support-to-states-devt/184876/

Bayelsa Investment Forum Paying Off- Gov Dickson

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson said yesterday that hosting investment and economic forum is paying off with the inflow of about $500 million businesses. The governor, who disclosed this in a special interview programme on radio and television, noted that several investors were already holding talks with government officials to explore business opportunities.In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor said the state has gained the confidence of investors through the creation of a friendly investment climate, including donation of land to encourage private sector participation to stimulate economic growth.

His words: “We spent the last two years and some months laying the foundation, creating a conducive environment to woo investors and with the co-operation of all Bayelsans, we are getting out of the foundation level, so God willing and we move the way we are doing, serious business people within and outside Nigeria will invest in power, others are investing in agriculture.

Highlighting agriculture and power generation as critical sectors that require private sector involvement, he explained that designs and survey work on the proposed industrial park have been concluded. He said it has the capacity not only to create employment, but attract subsidiary companies in view of its proximity to gas resources.

On agriculture, the governor said a lot of strategic investments were ongoing such as the construction of the biggest cassava processing plant in the country at Ebedebiri in Sagbama Local Government Area, as well as the construction of an aqua-culture farm at Ogbogoro in Yenagoa with the capacity to produce 3,000 tonnes of fish for local consumption and export.

“We want to be number one in agriculture and aqua-culture. We have a palm plantation and we are encouraging people to come and work with us to expand it. And we have a lot of investors coming and holding meetings with my team. And, I told them, if they even need any land for palm production I will grant it. This is the time for this state to make that investment. So that in the next five years or so, whatever happens to oil prices in the international market, we will not be too seriously affected.

“You are all aware of what is happening with the discovery of shale oil and gas, at the time that the heat will come, whoever will be governor at that time would deal with that crisis with the over-bloated wagebill that we have and everybody depending on government, it would be a major disaster and it is that disaster that, we are working hard to mitigate,” he said.

On the trainees from the Songhai Farms in Benin Republic, Dickson said the government must concretize its policy on small and medium enterprises to enable government incorporates them in the N25 billion scheme.

Shedding light on the partnership of the state international cargo airport under construction, he explained that the government was handling the critical aspects of the project, which include acquisition of land, payment of compensation, sand-filling of the site, construction of the runway, while the Federal Government was in charge of the terminal building and the airport are expected to be completed by the end of next year.

SOURCE: THE SUN

http://igbokwenuradio.com/bayelsa-investment-forum-paying-off/

BAYELSA: Man attempts suicide after 18-year-old girl refuses to sleep with him

SUPER STORY IN BAYELSA

Tragedy was averted in Yenogoa, the Bayelsa State capital, when a 49-year-old married man was stopped from taking his own life over rejection of his love overtures by an 18-year-old girl.

The incident occured along the Bay Bridge area of Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

Leadership reports that the troubled man, Edaiken, who is married and has two children, was reported to have invested a huge amount of money and energy into the relationship with the girl.

The issue came to a head after the 18-year-old girl identified as Favour, openly rejected his sex overtures and deceived him into believing that it will be sex after marriage.

But he was shocked to learn that another married man had been sleeping with the girl on a regular basis.

Edaiken, according to neighbours along the Bay Bridge area, became emotionally depressed and began the plot to commit suicide within the compound.

Speaking on the development, the wife of the troubled man, Florence, confessed that her husband woke her up in the night complaining that all the people he loved did not reciprocate his love.

According to her,”he was in bad mood throughout and he asked me to take care of their two children if he died”.

She said “I was alarmed when he came in complaining that all the people he loved did not reciprocate his love. I told him that I love him, but he said he was not referring to me, but one Favour whom he had spent so much money for and yet refused to return his gesture with love. Early in the morning, as he stood up from the bed, I tried to hold him back but he broke loose and went outside.

“Even then, I didn’t know that he had already got a rope and some chairs where he intended to hang himself”.

It was gathered that while the wife had gone outside the house to buy recharge card for her phone and contact his immediate family member, the troubled husband hung a rope around his neck and his legs dangling in the air.

“I immediately raised the alarm and neighbours came around and used cutlass to cut off the rope”, the wife stated.

Some of his neighbours and sympathizers expressed disappointment over the incident.

However, the desperate man insisted on hanging himself unless the girl is persuaded to openly confess her love to him.

Favour was then called in; she reportedly obliged and even promised to marry Edaiken.

SOURCE; Daily Post

http://dailypost.ng/2014/07/29/man-attempts-suicide-18-year-old-girl-refuses-sleep/

Bayelsa Govt Releases N200 Million to Kick-start Student's Bursary Payment

28th July 2014

The Bayelsa State Government says it has released the sum of N200 million for the payment of bursary allowances to its students studying in institutions of higher learning across the country.

Governor Seriake Dickson, who disclosed this while responding to a question during a live interview programme in Yenagoa on Monday, said the funds were already at the disposal of the state scholarships board for disbursement.

Describing the amount released so far as the first tranche, he indicated government’s readiness to provide more funds to ensure that, all outstanding bursary entitlements are cleared soon.

The Governor, however, urged the students to be patient and cooperate with the board by complying with the processes being put in place to ensure a hitch-free payment of the allowance.

According to him:“When I said I was going to pay bursary from last month, I kept to my word by releasing the first tranche of N200 million. So, your money is already with the scholarship board and I believe they are following their processes because we are a government of due process.

“So, tell your colleagues to also follow all laid down processes, because that is not the Bayelsa we want to build for you the younger people. That is why we are re-organising this state to make it a better place for you people.

“The money is there. By the time they finish, I will add more until all your bursary entitlements are settled. And I count on you also be good students.

Apart from the bursary allowances, he said the government was also keeping faith with the payment of inherited pension and 18% minimum wage arrears, despite dwindling revenues accruing to the state.

On efforts at tackling unemployment, Governor Dickson noted that, though it is a global problem, his administration is taking practical steps such as provision of vocational training, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development fund, among others, to address the scourge.

While urging the youths to take advantage of the various empowermentprogrammes already put in place by the present administration, he pointed out that, government alone could not absorb the whole army of unemployed youths in the state, through the provision of white collar jobs.

He said “I am not one of those politicians that will tell you lies. I will tell you what most people will not want to hear. The truth is that government cannot provide automatic employment for every available graduate and young person in Bayelsa State.

But, let me assure you that we are concerned about the issue. There are some employments, that we have authorised. A number of people know that, we have employed more youths within this 2 year period than a lot of governments. We have employed 200 youths as forest guides on the basis of equality of local governments. Do you also know that, we have authorised the employment of science teachers? Do you know that a number of young people have been deliberately appointed into one office or the other to address this concern in the interim.”

- See more at: http://bayelsa.gov.ng/portal/media-centre/news-events/906-bayelsa-govt-releases-n200-million-to-kick-start-student-s-bursary-payment#sthash.Tu1O0dZd.dpuf

Bayelsa Community to Shell: Leave Our Land in 30 Days or Else...

The country’s largest oil-producing company, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has been given a 30-day ultimatum by the Nembe community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to shut down its operations for failing to abide by the terms of General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) they reached since last year.

The ultimatum was handed down yesterday by Chief Nengi James, the Chairman of the Oil and Gas Committee of the Nembe community during an enlarged meeting with officials of Shell and stakeholders of the community in Yenagoa.

Besides, the community also warned that the people would  resist any attempt by the oil company to sell its facilities within their domain without proper consultations with the Amanyanabo of Nembe, Chief Edmund Dakoru, and his people, saying they reserved the right have a say in the disposal of any property owned by Shell within their community.

At the meeting which also had in attendance the alternate Chairman of the Nembe Chiefs Council, Mr. Solomon Ockiya, and Chairman of Nembe City Development Foundation and former Commissioner of Environment, Dr. Godson Omubo-Dede, James lamented that it was unfortunate that Shell had failed to abide by the GMoU after the expiration of the former last year.

“As a community, we are giving SPDC 30 days to pay the GMoU fund accrued to the community since last year or face immediate shut down of all its facilities within our territories. They should stop using the divestment as a deliberate ploy to deny us our privileges while they are still exploring oil within the shores of our communities, we cannot be deceived,” he said.

Other demands by the community include provision of portable water and electricity generating plant for Nembe Creek communities and settlements pending the completion of the Independent Power Plant being installed by the SPDC for the entire Kingdom, and total mop up of oil spill sites and environmental remediation.

However, the community thanked SPDC for partnering the Niger Delat Development Commission (NDDC) on the Ogbia-Nembe road.

SOURCE; THISDAY
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/bayelsa-community-to-shell-leave-our-land-in-30-days-or-else-/184425/