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Bayelsa’s Growth Impressive, Say Reps Speaker, Plateau Gov *We’ll Do More With Increased Derivation – Diri
By David Owei, Bayelsa
It was commendations for the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday, as both the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, inaugurated projects in continuation of Diri’s fifth anniversary celebrations.
Hon. Abbas inaugurated the newly-built legislators quarters in the New Yenagoa City while Mutfwang inaugurated the reconstructed Onuebum-Otuoke road, linking former President Goodluck Jonathan’s community, Otuoke.
Abbas said Bayelsa under Diri had witnessed remarkable progress in infrastructure, healthcare, human capacity development and other areas of development, describing the legislators quarters project as a powerful demonstration of the government’s resolve to deliver only the best to the people.
He stated that the inauguration was not only a celebration of the governor’s accomplishments, but also a reflection of his vision and dedication to the development of the state.
His words: “Your leadership style, magnanimity, inclusivity and a strong sense of purpose has set a standard worthy of your administration. These quarters are a symbol of the confidence placed in you by the people of Bayelsa.”
Speaking also, Governor Douye Diri said the New Yenagoa City was well-planned and that developers of property must follow the plan.
He emphasised that with the infrastructure put in place by his administration, Yenagoa was expanding and no longer what it used to be.
Diri also issued a directive to the Ministry of Lands and Survey to acquire additional 360 hectares of land to be allocated to interested Bayelsans and other individuals.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, said the quarters comprised of 30 units of duplexes made up of one unit of five-bedroom duplex for the Speaker while 29 units of four-bedroom duplexes for the other legislators.
He added that the construction was awarded to an indigenous construction company that delivered the project on schedule.
While inaugurating the road project, Governor Caleb Mutwang expressed excitement about Bayelsa’s pace of development.
He said: “God did not make a mistake in making Diri the ‘Miracle Governor’ of Bayelsa State. It has been five years of miracles because Diri has been a beneficiary of God’s miracles. I am excited to see the development of Bayelsa State.
“I started coming to Bayelsa State in 1993 when I picked a wife from here. So I know what Bayelsa looked like many years back and what it is looking like today. I want to appreciate God for the tremendous progress that has been made.”
The Plateau governor announced a donation of N15 million to the Onuebum and Otuoke communities as well as students of the Federal University, Otuoke.
Governor Diri, at the event, restated his call for an increase in 13 per cent derivation to oil-producing sates.
According to him, the excuse over the years had been that the state’s terrain was too difficult to develop, but noted that if the resources deposited in Bayelsa were properly utilised, they were enough to develop the state.
Diri explained that he took interest in the Onuebum-Otuoke road because of what the people suffered during flood seasons.
He also stated that it would have been a disservice for him to leave government without rehabilitating the road due to its importance to the community of the former president, students of the federal university, and Bayelsa East in general.
He said: “We have difficulty but we have taken our destiny into our hands. That is why we tell the rest of the country that our terrain is not too difficult to develop. The resources are there. We only have to harness them justifiably and equitably.
“We are not saying we want all. We are ready to share with the rest of the country but give us above 13 per cent. The Constitution states that 13 per cent is the minimum. So, I’m calling on our representatives in the National Assembly that it is time to change that minimum.
“This is why I commend this federal government on the tax reform bill. We as a state support it 100 per cent. We have made our position known through our representatives in the National Assembly and it is that the proposed 60 or 30 per cent VAT increase should be extended to every other area, including oil and gas.
“By the time our derivation is increased, we will not be constructing a single lane to Otuoke or Brass but double lanes.“
Teibowei said the road was constructed in fulfillment of the governor’s campaign promise to improve connectivity across communities.
According to him, the Onuebum-Otuoke road is a single carriageway measuring approximately 6.5km with six culverts, a sand-filling height of approximately 2 metres and a width of 7.3 metres.
“The project was awarded in February 2023 after it was damaged during the 2022 floods, rendering it completely impassable. But it has been completed and the firm, Paache Construction Company Ltd, has been fully paid.”
In an address presented by Chief Elliot Osomu, the Otuoke community expressed gratitude to the Diri administration for constructing the road, which he said had been raised above the flood level.
The community also appreciated the government for transforming the Dame Patience Jonathan Square and for the appointment of their sons and daughters.
President of the Students Union Government, Federal University, Otuoke, Comrade Silas Nimibofa, commended the governor for the road, which he said had reduced crime, provided alternative route and helped to reduce transportation cost.
Present at the event were the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Oyeme, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, and his Edo State counterpart, Philip Shuaibu.
Others were the Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Dr. Konbowei Benson and his Bayelsa East counterpart, Chief Benson Agadaga, member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency, Hon. Mitema Obordor, local government chairmen, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, among others.
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Governor Adeleke Mourns SOJ Worldwide Publisher, Adesoji Omosebi ● Mulls Health Insurance Programme for Journalists
By David Owei .
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed sadness over the death of Adesoji Omosebi, Publisher of SOJ Worldwide Online News, a member of the Osun Online Publishers Association.
The Governor described his demise as a great loss to the media industry in Osun state adding that his contributions to the growth and development of the online media industry in Osun state cannot be over emphasized.
In a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor noted that the contributions of the late Publisher to the development of Osun State as a player in the fourth estate of the realm will never be forgotten.
“Today, we mourn the demise of Adesoji Omosebi, the Publisher of SOJ Worldwide Online News and a member of the Osun Online Publishers Association.
“His demise is a huge loss to the media industry in Osun state. His contributions to the growth and development of the online media sector as pioneer Chairman of OOPA will never be forgotten.
“His contributions to the development of Osun as a major player in the fourth estate of the realm will never be forgotten.
The governor further directed the State Health Insurance agency to study the possibility of enrolling journalists in the health Insurance scheme, describing them as important stakeholders in the society.
“May God Almighty comfort his family and grant them the fortitude to bear this great loss. SOJ will be missed greatly”, the Governor noted in a condolence message.
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FCT court orders recovery of property at plot 18 Ademola Adetokunbo Wuse 2 Abuja
BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA
The FCT High Court sitting in Gwagwalada has ordered the enforcement for the recovery of property at plot 18, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent,Wuse two,in Abuja
On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the lawful owner of the property at Plot 81, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, regained full possession of the premises following enforcement by court sheriffs of a binding High Court judgment.
Legal proceedings revealed that the property was formally acquired by Collins Onwuzulike (the rightful owner) through a valid Deed of Assignment and payment executed on 1 May 2024. A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwagwalada ruled in favour of Onwuzulike, ordering immediate vacant possession of the property and directing all occupants, including Obi Cubana’s firm, to hand over the premises.
On the morning of the enforcement, sheriffs — accompanied by security agencies — arrived at the site. Despite reported attempts to obstruct the process, possession was lawfully transferred. Keys to the building were handed over to the owner’s legal representative in public and coverd by journalists, signifying full compliance with the court’s order.
This development officially ends the occupancy of the property by Obi Cubana’s operations under the trademark CASH FLOW (a lounge/nightlife hub), bringing closure to a protracted property dispute.
According to our reporter who was on the spot,observed that this outcome underscores the primacy of lawful ownership, due process, and enforcement of court orders. It demonstrates that, irrespective of public profile, no individual or entity is above the law when it comes to legitimate property rights and legal obligations.
This should serve as example to others who thinks they can manipulate the law to suit their purpose always.
The law is above any individual no matter your status and affluence.
The landmark judgement has reaffirmed public confidence in the judiciary.
It is always good to be just and fair in every situation, truth is the same anywhere in the World.
Hence people should learn to always do the right thing even when nobody is looking in your direction.
The landmark judgment has nullified and invalidated further tenancy of Obi Cubana and his sub-tenants and they were all ejected from the property.
The Court ordered them to vacate the premises immediately.
Everybody who has gained entrance through Obi Cubans had the loads removed to ensure full compliance with the court’s verdict and they were banned from parading the premises directly or indirectly.
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NDDC honours 203 staff with long service awards
By Magnus Chukwudi, Port Harcourt
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has honoured 203 staff at its ‘2025 Long Service’ awards for their contributions to the Commission’s progress and performance.
The awards recognised employees, who have dedicated 10, 15, 20, and 30 years of service to the Commission.
Speaking during the award ceremony at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the awards were meant to motivate and build staff confidence.
Ogbuku, represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, celebrated the awardees and prayed that the years ahead bring them fulfilment, growth, and continued success.
He urged staff to draw inspiration from their colleagues’ achievements and remain committed to delivering quality service.
According to him, “The reward for good work is more work.” He urged employees to continue giving their best to the Commission and the Niger Delta region, stating that the practice to honour long-serving staff was a demonstration of the Commission’s appreciation for their years of dedication.
He noted that the awardees have contributed immensely to the management’s drive to move the Commission “from transaction to transformation.”
He congratulated the awardees on reaching remarkable milestones and declared: “Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are genuinely inspiring. We sincerely appreciate your years of service dedicated to the NDDC.”
In his remarks, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Ekade, one of the recipients for 20-year long service award, expressed gratitude to the management for the recognition.
He noted that while some organisations fail to acknowledge their employees’ contributions, the NDDC has consistently rewarded excellence and commitment. He thanked the Executive Management for recognising the individual and collective efforts of staff, urging his colleagues to remain steadfast in their service and support for the Commission’s mandate.
The NDDC Director, Education, Health and Social Services, EHSS, Dr George Uzonwanne, who received the 20-year Long Service Award, described the recognition as a double celebration.
He reflected on joining the Commission years ago as a young doctor with many aspirations, noting that the NDDC played a significant role in his professional development through local and international training opportunities. ###.
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