By Our Correspondent

The Bayelsa state government announces with deep regret and profound shock the sudden passing of the deputy governor, his excellency senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, Ph.D., on thursday, 11th december 2025, at the age of 60.

In a press statement issued by the commissioner for information, orientation and strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyei, it was revealed that the deputy governor was active and engaged in official duties earlier in the day.

While proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office he suddenly collapsed and was immediately transported to the federal medical centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed deceased.

His untimely demise is not only deeply painful but also represents a significant loss to the government, the people of Bayelsa state, and the nation at large, senator Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished and dedicated public,servant .

Furthermore he served with distinction prior to his tenure as deputy governor, he made remarkable contributions as commissioner for works and Infrastructure, and as Senator representing Bayelsa west senatorial district,he served faithfully as deputy governor since 2020, leaving an indelible legacy of commitment and service.

Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa state, extends heartfelt condolences to his wife, her excellency Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni federated community, his excellency senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of the state.

Consequently, his excellency senator Douye Diri has declared a period of state mourning for three working days in honour of the late Deputy Governor, beginning today, Friday, 12th December 2025. All flags are to fly at half mast during this period as a mark of respect.

The Governor further prays for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state. May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has sworn in 30 commissioners, 25 elected council chairmen and their vice chairmen, as well as board members, urging them to play key roles in achieving his administration’s New Niger Agenda.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Hauwa Wali Multi-purpose Hall in Government House, Minna. The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, was represented by Justice Maimuna Abubakar of High Court 6, who administered the oath of office and allegiance.

Governor Bago said the appointees were carefully selected based on their proven track records, expressing confidence that they will give their best to move the state forward. He encouraged them to learn from past experiences and work towards building a sustainable, prosperous, and fair Niger State.

In his address, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, urged the new office holders to be committed to their responsibilities, noting that their performance is crucial to the success of the New Niger Agenda. He added that a strategic retreat had been organised to align them with the administration’s collective vision and set clear expectations.

The newly sworn-in board members are from the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, the Secondary Education Board, and the Law Reform Commission.
Some of the appointees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work diligently for the full realisation of the New Niger Agenda.

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER, MINNA

Niger state Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has strongly advocated for a single term tenure for state governors against the current two terms to enable them to be more decisive in decision making.

He made his stance known during the swearing in of 30 commissioners, 25 chairmen and the Vice chairmen of Local government councils and Board members at the government house in Minna, saying that the 2027 elections has stopped him from sacking his unproductive appointees.

Governor Bago emphasized that due to fear of second term election, the remain moderate in some aspects of governance just to enabled the secure their second term in office.

He stressed that the inauguration will mark the unveiling of the second face of New Niger with vision and mission that is attainable, adding that the choices of the new commissioners was deliberate considering their background, pedigree, and track record.

He further said that the present administration under his leadership will retrace the steps of Niger state that is tolerant, devoid of bigotry, clamour for what went wrong to retrace the steps for a better and stronger Niger state.

The governor assured not to disappoint Nigerlites however appreciated his appointees for their inputs in doing what is right to ensure a better and successful government in the state.

Bago reiterated the unwavering commitment to reorganize the mining sector of the economy to the benefit of Niger state, saying that the state is expecting 250,000 US dollars investment who will be taking their requested mineral for the next 10 years. He then declared every 12th December of the year as ‘Women’s Day’s considering the contribution of women in nation building.

The Niger State Chief Judge Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik represented by Justice Maimuna Abubakar administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of office to the commissioners, local government council chairmen and their Vice chairpersons as well as the boards chairmen and their members.