By David Owei,Bayelsa

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, Comrade Tarinyo Akono, has strongly criticized the purported suspension of the Okpoama Kingdom Chiefs Council Executive, led by High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha. The suspension followed a controversial Ibekobiriya meeting held on July 26, 2025, at Okpo Square, which Akono described as poorly organized and a “kangaroo gathering.”

Akono voiced his disapproval during a chat with newsmen in Yenagoa in response to a statement issued by Bebara Egein, who issued a statement on the outcome of the meeting.

He dismissed allegations that Chief Egba-Dienegha was attempting to usurp the functions of the ‘regent’, labeling the claims as baseless, spurious, and unfounded. According to Akono, the suspension was part of a calculated plot to destabilize the community for selfish interest, saying that such purported suspension cannot stand since there was a subsisting matter in court.

The Ex-NUJ Boss accused Chief Paul Briggs-Suobagha and his allies of displaying “shameless desperation” in their efforts to seize control of the Okpoama Kingdom, alleging that they are using misguided youths to intimidate perceived enemies.

Addressing the recent suspension of elders and chiefs from the Ayah Chieftaincy House—following their protest letter concerning the appointment of Tubonimiworio Opuene as the Okpoama-Ewoama King without due consultation—Akono insisted that the protest was a constitutional right of the people. He described their suspension as evidence of high-handedness and authoritarian behavior.

Akono, who hails from Okpoama, further asserted that the actions taken under the guise of the Ibekobiriya were aimed at sidelining the Ayah Chieftaincy House from playing its rightful role in the affairs of the kingdom.

“Mark my words gentlemen of the press: a time will come when these desperate individuals will turn against each other—and eventually, against those who are sponsoring them. Sadly, some of them don’t even realize they’re being used and will be discarded in the end,” Akono stated.

Akono alleged that their tactics is to incite, intimidate and oppress; and called on the youths not to allow themselves to be used by people who don’t mean well for them. Adding that the law will catch up with any offender wherever he or she lives.

The Federal Ministry of Education has strongly condemned what it described as a “sponsored smear campaign” targeting the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the Ministry’s attention had been drawn to “libellous” media reports circulated by an unknown group operating under the name Education Rights Activists Coalition (ERAC).

The group had accused Garba of administrative misconduct and disregard for the rule of law—claims the Ministry has dismissed as “baseless, misleading, and malicious.”

Dr Alausa described the attacks as a deliberate attempt by “disgruntled individuals” to derail the ongoing reform agenda in basic education under Garba’s leadership.

“Aisha Garba is an internationally recognised education expert with over 24 years of experience, including 15 years at the World Bank. She has brought integrity, competence, and global best practices to UBEC,” he said.

According to the Ministry, Garba’s tenure has seen major strides in access, equity, and quality of basic education. UBEC has constructed nearly 5,000 classrooms, renovated over 3,000, and established nationwide Early Childhood Care and Development centres.

More than five million textbooks and over 350,000 units of school furniture have also been distributed.

In the area of teacher training, over 147,000 educators have been trained in modern teaching methods, and nearly 978,800 have benefitted from Nigeria’s largest-ever Teacher Professional Development initiative.

A major curriculum overhaul to embed digital literacy and entrepreneurship is also underway in partnership with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

The Ministry also noted that reforms introduced under Garba’s leadership have improved the utilisation of the Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP) and the Matching Grant Formula, with ₦78.6 billion accessed by 28 states and the FCT in 2024 alone.

Institutional partnerships have also been strengthened with major development partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, KOICA, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Over 15,000 community projects have been implemented through the School-Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme.

The Education Ministry reaffirmed that no financial infractions or breaches have been recorded under Garba’s leadership, and urged the public to disregard what it called “orchestrated falsehoods.”

“We stand firmly with Aisha Garba as she continues her transformational work to deliver quality, safe, and inclusive basic education to Nigerian children,” Dr Alausa said.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri has described the NYSC as the corner stone for national identity.

Gov. Diri, who made this known at the opening/ swearing -in ceremony of Prospective Corps members deployed to the state for the 2025 Batch B, Stream 1 service year at NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town, said for many years, despite its challenges, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme has been a cornerstone of national identity, defined by shared values and commitment to unity amidst diversity.

Gov. Diri, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha, encouraged the corps members to the nation’s legacy bequeathed through the programme and contribute positively at making it their own.

He said ” As you take your first steps as members of this distinguished programme, I encourage you to embrace the privilege of contributing to this legacy and making it your own.”

He also encouraged them to consider Bayelsa State their own by exploring the various legitimate pursuits available to them,”During your brief time in Bayelsa State, I trust that you have begun to appreciate the renowned hospitality and warmth of our people.”

” You will find that our state is rich in opportunities, and I invite you to explore the various legitimate pursuits available to you. Remember, the opportunity of a lifetime must always be seized during the lifetime of that opportunity.”

,”Your time here is not just about service; it is about personal growth and seizing the possibilities that lie ahead.”

He encouraged them to maintain a harmonious environment within the camp by adhering strictly to the established rules and guidelines,”Discipline and respect for the surroundings will make their experience both productive and enjoyable.”

“As I often advise the youth, focus on the significant aspects that will sustain your future. It is easy to become distracted by fleeting pleasures, but the fruits of your labour will eventually lead you to the things you truly desire. Remain calm, stay focused, and you will discover that success will come to you in due course.”

He emphasized that, the government of Assured Prosperity remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the facilities of the Permanent Orientation Camp so that it is comfortable and conducive for orientation.

“Moreover, you can rest assured that wherever you are posted, we have taken adequate measures to ensure your peace and security throughout your service year.”

“As you embark on this new journey, I wholeheartedly welcome you and wish you continued success, good health, and prosperity in all your endeavours. This experience will shape your character and offer invaluable lessons that you will carry with you throughout your life.”

He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and staff of the National Youth Service Corps for their invaluable contributions to the nation.

According to him. their dedication to instilling the principles of integrity, patriotism, and service in the youth is vital for fostering a sense of national unity and pride.

Earlier In her welcome remarks, the State Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, highlighted the objectives of the orientation course and advised corps members deployed to the state to embrace the service year with all the seriousness, ” it deserves because careful and deliberate programmes have been well designed to adequately prepare and equip them for optimum performance.”

Mrs Okpalifo also enjoined them to shun all forms of social vices and actions detrimental to the image of the scheme during orientation course and in their various places of primary assignments .

She specially thanked the Executive Governor of Bayelsa state Senator Douye Diri for his immense support to NYSC.