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Why I Retained My Predecessor’s Policies – Diri *Empowers 2,850 Skilled Trainees *State Honours Jonathan, Dickson others

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Gov Douye Diri(middle) Deputy gov.and other officials

 

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration continued with some of the policies of his predecessor in order to enhance development of the state.

Governor Diri said a policy like the Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) was visionary and deserved to be retained and expanded in the overall interest of the state.

Senator Diri stated this on Wednesday at the Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) Interventions and Graduation Ceremony of the Diri Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa while paying tribute to his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, for establishing the EDTF.

He said he will continue to invest in human capacity building in order to develop a viable private sector in the state that is independent of government.

At the event, 2,850 trainees of the third batch of the skills acquisition programme were presented starter packs and other tools by the state government.

The beneficiaries were trained for five months in paint making, solar installation and electrical works, shoe making, soap making, cosmetology, fashion and design, catering and pastries among others.

He said: “I consider this empowerment scheme as one aspect of this administration that we will continue to do so that our people will not be government-dependent. We will have a state that the private sector can develop and you are those thar will develop the private sector.”

Diri implored the graduates not to sell the starter packs but rather put into practice the skills acquired to improve their lives and actualise government’s vision of building a sustainable future for them.

“You are the ones carrying our dreams. So do not disappoint us. Out of 9,000 applicants, you succeeded. You are building yourselves and equally building Bayelsa.”

The governor directed the Technical Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development to conduct key performance index on beneficiaries of the scheme.

He equally appreciated the EDTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Alice Atuwo and members of the board for their hardwork as well as those that have supported the fund.

He stated that his administrated had expanded the fund beyond the full scholarship for students in the model schools to now accommodate the technical colleges.

Diri directed the Commissioner for Education to ensure that the technical colleges in Southern Ijaw and Nembe local government areas were built and completed this year.

Diri, who was a recipient, on behalf of the EDTF presented Honorary Ambassador of Education Award to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Dickson, Senator Emmanuel Paulker and Chief Fred Agbedi, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in recognition of their invaluable contributions.

Other awardees were a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, Maj. Gen. Allison Isaiah Allison, Arc. Reuben Okoya and a retired Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Diseye Nsirim.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Jonathan, who was represented by a one-time Commissioner for Education, Dr Tobias James, described the award as a recognition of contributions to the growth and development of education in the state and pledged to continue to advocate for accessible and inclusive education for all.

Dr Alice Atuwo, in her remarks, said the EDTF was established in 2017 and took over the sponsorship of students in five model secondary schools,
which has increased to 11.

Also, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs. Charity Ken-Godwins, said since 2021, the Diri administration had been transforming the lives of the youths through various empowerment programmes.

She said: “In 2021, 814 students graduated from the skills acquisition programme. In 2022, another 815 benefitted and today we are celebrating the graduation of 2,850 trainees who acquired skills in leather works, fashion design, cosmetology and other areas. These skills will instill in them a sense of self-reliance and entrepreneurship.”

She added that in 2023, the governor directed that an additional 800 Bayelsans be trained but over 9,000 persons applied and that 3,500 were eventually selected and trained.

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2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive

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Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, flanked by trainees at the end of leadership training and their masters displayed in exposures

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.

The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.

Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.

General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.

He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.

> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.

 

The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.

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Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

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Minister of Regional Development, EngrAbubakar Momoh (right) receiving a n award from Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode

 

Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

By Our Correspondent

Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh has been conferred with two Awards by the Institute of Professional Economists and Management Policy (IPEPM) tagged ‘ Excellent Leadership Award and Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award”.

Receiving the Awards today in his office, Engr. Momoh, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reiterated that true governance is about leaving a lasting legacies.

He further said “My track record speaks for itself and is a testament to the awards I have received “.

He used the opportunity to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and resilience in ensuring the holistic development of the country.

According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development is a bold step to integrate all Regional Development Commissions under one coordinated umbrella.

The Ministér said that the recognition bestowed upon him further reinforces his commitment to service and to impact mankind.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode, said the courtesy visit was to present the prestigious Awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contribution to regional and national Development, as well as to seek partnership in strategic training programmes.

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Minna Lack of Sensitisation responsible for transporting small arms and light weapons to criminal gangs-Enanch and offi officials

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The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu,NUJ council chairmen and otticials and others omrade Abu Nmodu

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.

Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.

This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.

The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.

He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.

Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.

Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.

Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.

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