By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna

The Judiciary Staff Union Of Nigeria (JUSUN), Niger State Council, under the leadership of Barrister Mahmud Al-Ammeen Muye,has extended its warm congratulations to the former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on his 85th birthday anniversary celebration.

The Congratulatory message which was signed by the State Chairman of JUSUN, Barrister Mahmud Al- Ameen Muye, and made available to Journalists in Minna at the Weekend described the former Military leader as an elder statesman whose leadership has significantly improved the unity and one of the country.

He stated that Babangida is an illustrious son of Niger State and distinguished State man that has influenced the development and committed to one united Nigeria during his leadership as the Nigeria leader

Barrister Mahmud A-l Ameen Muye appreciates the leadership role whose service has placed a lasting mark on the nation’s history that has distinguished him among his peers.

According to the union leader, General Ibrahim Babangida has left an indelible mark in Nigeria for generations unborn in terms of numerous projects,programmes which direct bearings and impacts positively on the masses.

Barrister Mahmud Muye,underscored the critical role played by the elder statesman in the sustainability of the country’s peace, unity and stability stating that the former military leader’s passion for the sustainability of stability of the country. cannot be over stressed.

The JUSUN chairman,while praying for General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s good health and wisdom to continue to play his fatherly role to the country and humanity, wished for a more prosperous birthday.

General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida will be clocking 85 years Monday the 17th,of August,2026.

By David Owei

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has called on the people of the state to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw nation and resist its adulteration through the importation of alien practices.

Dr Akpe made the call in Yenagoa at the weekend, when he paid a condolence visit to the Tule family of Ofoni Federated Community, Sagbama Local Government Area, over the demise of their mother, late Mrs. Agreement Tule, who died on August 4, 2026, at the age of 88.

He expressed concern over what he described as the growing infiltration of cultural practices alien to the Ijaw people, particularly in the observance of traditional marriage and burial rites, stressing the need for a cultural reawakening.

He also emphasized the need for people to avoid unnecessary competitions and showmanship, but rather do things within the limits of their capacity.

The Deputy Governor commiserated with Mr. Minister Tule and other members of the bereaved family, urging them to be consoled by the fact that their mother lived a fulfilled life and died at a ripe age.

His words: “We are here to commiserate with you. Your mother lived for 88 years, almost 90. Even though we didn’t interact with her while she lived, the qualities we find in you tell us her story.

“There is something about our culture I think we need to look at. For instance, somebody died in the village and you took the corpse to deposit in a mortuary in Port Harcourt. Does it make sense. For me, it doesn’t.

“Even this wedging of kola nut during traditional presentations, we are doing now, I stand to be corrected, is a borrowed culture. We have even borrowed what is now known as canopy standing and canopy dropping. That means we do one particular burial for several times.

“If we fail to talk about these things and stop them, they will stand and our children will believe them as our true tradition and culture. I’m an advocate of ‘whatever we do, we should do it in accordance with what we can afford.’ In the course of doing it, if help comes our way, we thank God. That is my philosophy.

Responding on behalf of the family and the entire Ofoni community, Dr. Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Mr Friday Oyivwita, thanked the deputy governor and his delegation for the condolence visit.

Dr Ewhrudjakpo equally appreciated Akpe for his sustained support to the community and pledged their continued loyalty and unalloyed support for the Governor Douye Diri-led Prosperity Administration.

The deputy governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for General Duties, Hon. Johnson Onoma; Special Adviser on Enterprise Development, Chief Victor Sam-Ateki; and Chairman, Izon-Ebe Microfinance Bank, Chief Ayakeme Whisky.

Others are the APC House of Assembly flag bearer for Sagbama Constituency 1, Hon
Lucky Agbalaje, and the Sagbama Local Government APC Chairman, Mr Arioke Ohwona, as well as Hon. Williams Ofoni, Dr. Stanley Dide, Hon. Engema Jumbo, and Mr Lokiri Lawrence.

By David Owei

The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has congratulated its Chairman, Macaulay Eteli, following the inclusion of his artist file and biographical profile in the prestigious Art and Artist Files database of the Smithsonian Institution’s Warren M. Robbins Library, National Museum of African Art, in the United States.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Chapter Secretary, Victor Oroyi, the association described the international recognition as a significant milestone not only for Macaulay Eteli but also for the growth and promotion of tourism, arts, and cultural heritage in Bayelsa State.

According to Oroyi, the achievement is a major boost to the state’s tourism sector, demonstrating that Bayelsa’s rich artistic and cultural contributions are gaining global recognition.

He commended Eteli’s resilience, dedication to his artistic craft, and his pioneering role in establishing and sustaining a private art gallery in Bayelsa State, noting that his commitment has continued to project the state’s creative industry beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“Your accomplishment is an inspiration to artists, tourism practitioners, and young creatives across Bayelsa State. It reinforces the importance of preserving our cultural heritage while showcasing our creative excellence to the world,” the statement noted.

Announcing the development, Macaulay Eteli expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying his artist file and biographical profile had officially been added to the Art and Artist Files database at the Smithsonian Institution’s Warren M. Robbins Library.

He wrote: “Honored and grateful! I’m thrilled to share that my artist file and biographical profile have officially been added to the Art and Artist Files database at the Smithsonian Institution’s Warren M. Robbins Library (National Museum of African Art).”

Eteli also thanked the library team and everyone who has supported the journey of his creative enterprise, which evolved from Eteli Art Works Studio into Macaulay Eteli Art (MEA) Gallery in Yenagoa.

He reaffirmed that honoring African art and preserving its history for future researchers, curators, and art enthusiasts remains the driving force behind his work.

The ATPN Bayelsa Chapter wished its Chairman continued success, expressing confidence that the international recognition would further elevate Bayelsa’s profile as a destination for arts, culture, and tourism while inspiring greater investment in the state’s creative economy.