By David Owei,Bayelsa

As part of its mission to protect all persons against human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP has reiterated its call for the fight against the scourge of human trafficking.

Bayelsa State Commander, Mrs Abieyuwa Ikhidero made the call during a sensitization campaign with various stakeholders at Ekeki Park, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Mrs Ikhidero who strongly condemned the act and other related offences such as forced labour and exploitation of humans noted that these offences are punishable by law.

She urged residents of the state to be vigilant and cautious of human traffickers who come in the guise of offering employment or greener pastures outside the country.

” We are here again to speak about human trafficking, it is prevalent in Bayelsa State but we can all work together to stop them, if you see something, say something”

The NAPTIP State Commander emphasized that the agency would ensure that violence in public and private life is eliminated hence residents should report such cases.

Also speaking, Executive Director, WOMAN, Lady Eunice Nnachi appealed to parents and guardians to protect their children from human traffickers by ensuring that they are not deceived by fake promises of education and better welfare.

” Parents must be careful and not allow their children to be taken by just any person they do not trust, cases of maltreatment of children should also be reported”

On her part, Founder, DO Foundation, Dise Goddy Harry who expressed displeasure over human trafficking called on residents to always speak up inorder to reduce the scourge in the state.

Administrative Secretary, ENWAF, Ebizimo Agedah commended NAPTIP for their work by providing access to justice against offenders.

Former FIDA Chairperson, Barrister Deme Pamosoo emphasized the need for all persons to report suspected cases of human trafficking.

The campaign was attended by other Non governmental organizations such as Gender Response Initiative Team, Coalition of Women led Organizations and representatives of FIDA, Bayelsa State.

By Uthman Baba-Al-Naseer- Minna

The Gbagyi Forum has pledged to do everything possible to protect and preserve its culture for the development of its people across the entire country.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Gbagyi Elders Forum (GEF), Elder Peterson Kaura, stated this while presenting the communique of the forum’s meeting at Azzarh Hotel in Minna, the Niger State capital at the weekend.

Elder Peterson Kaura added that the Gbagyi people, known for their rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to Nigeria’s development, face growing threats from urbanization, economic challenges, and political marginalization.

He noted that despite their deep historical roots, there is very little documentation on Gbagyi history, with even fewer records written by the Gbagyi people themselves. This lack of documentation has contributed to the erosion of their cultural identity and historical recognition.

Peterson Kaura emphasized that the Gbagyi people have played a vital role in Nigeria’s development, particularly in the establishment of Northern Nigerian capitals, including Zungeru, Kaduna, and today’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Additionally, Minna, the capital of Niger State, is historically linked to the Gbagyi. Unfortunately, the cherished values of the Gbagyi accommodation, trust, hard work, and hospitality are being exploited. The ownership of ancestral lands in Abuja, Kaduna, and other parts of Nigeria remains a contentious issue.

The elder added that in the past, a significant leadership vacuum hindered Gbagyi unity and political participation, leaving the community vulnerable to socio-political marginalization. The absence of strong leadership allowed external influences to determine the political fate of the Gbagyi people.

He pointed out that economic hardships, lack of infrastructure, and high poverty levels continue to impede the full potential of the Gbagyi people. Without targeted economic empowerment programs, the community remains at a disadvantage compared to other ethnic groups in Nigeria.

He stressed the urgent need for initiatives that promote educational and economic advancement, particularly in the areas of Gbagyi history, cultural heritage, and economic empowerment. Strengthening these areas will ensure that future generations are equipped to preserve and promote Gbagyi traditions.

He, therefore, urged governments at all levels to collaborate and address the insecurity and banditry affecting Gbagyi ancestral lands, particularly in Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, and the FCT. He added that security concerns have displaced many Gbagyi communities, further threatening their cultural survival and economic stability.

The Gbagyi Elders Forum also appreciates President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for appointing Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo to his cabinet, representing the Federal Capital Territory. This appointment is a significant step toward recognizing the contributions of the Gbagyi people and promoting inclusivity in governance.

The forum also acknowledges the Federal Government’s continued recognition of the late Ladi Kwali, a renowned Gbagyi potter, whose artistry remains a source of pride and inspiration. Such recognition highlights the need for more efforts to document and promote Gbagyi contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.

“The GEF will work towards fostering unity among Gbagyi communities, ensuring that religious and dialectical differences do not hinder progress,” Elder Peterson Kaura stated.

He added, “A Gbagyi Land Rights Committee will be constituted to engage policymakers and government authorities to address ancestral land ownership issues and secure compensation for displaced communities.”

He also announced that an Economic Development Initiative will be facilitated to promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Elder Peterson Kaura further urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Sarkin-Pawa to Kaduna Road to enhance security and economic activities.

The Gbagyi Elders Forum remains committed to collaborating with all levels of government and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges facing the Gbagyi people. By fostering inclusivity, recognition, and representation, the GEF believes it can help build a more just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

The GEF expresses deep appreciation to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba; Hon. Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah B. Jisalo; and Senator Philip T. Aduda for their moral and material support in hosting the historic unveiling of the GEF. Special recognition is also given to Dr. Gaza Dogara Gomna and Lawrence Atafache Garki for their facilitation, technical services, and support.

The GEF extends gratitude to the numerous Gbagyi individuals who attended the event, reaffirming its commitment to working collaboratively to ensure cultural preservation, economic advancement, and political inclusion. The Board of Trustees of the Gbagyi Elders Forum has agreed to convene the First Annual Gbagyi Cultural Festival on February 5-8, 2026, with further details to be announced later.

By Idibhar Agadaga, Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,has bagged the prestigious award of APMAN OF THE YEAR from the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Bayelsa Chapter.

The award, which was presented to the representative of the Deputy Governor and Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Gowon Toruyouyei, is a testament to his steadfast commitment and relentless support for women engineers over the years, particularly for the initiatives both at the national and state levels spearheaded by APWEN.

The award ceremony was part of the activities marking the inauguration of APWEN’s 4th Chairman, Engr. Mrs. Amalate Ann Jonathan Obuebite, PhD, FNSE, FNIPetE.

The gathering included a special inaugural lecture dedicated to Nigeria’s first female professor of mechanical engineering, Engr. Prof. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu FNSE, who was the pioneer vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, a tribute to the remarkable achievements in a field that is often male-dominated, showcasing APWEN’s dedication to honouring such milestones.

This event underscored APWEN’s unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for women in engineering.

By establishing a strong platform for professional networking, exchange of knowledge, and mutual encouragement, APWEN aspires to elevate the representation and capabilities of female engineers across Nigeria.

The recognition of outstanding individuals like Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo is crucial in furthering the organization’s goals, which include empowerment and the promotion of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

The ceremony attracted a distinguished audience that included the President of APWEN, Engr. Dr. Adebisi Osim, as well as several notable figures.

Other esteemed attendees comprised the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri, and the immediate past Deputy Governor, His Excellency Rear Admiral Gborigbiogha John Jonah. Additionally, Hon. Barr George Braah, representing the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and serving as the esteemed member from Nembe Constituency 1, was also present.

Prominent figures that graced the occasion included Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye OON, FNSE, the former Executive Vice President of Upstream at NNPCL, as well as the Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) focusing on Professional Development. Both the 8th and 9th Presidents of APWEN, Engr. Dr. Patricia Opene-Odili FNSE and Engr. Valerie Agberagba FNSE, along with Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, FNSE from the Bayelsa State Electricity Company, attended the event, signalling strong support for women’s advancements in engineering.

The ceremony was enhanced by the presence of Apostle King David Zilly Aggrey, the General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, represented by Bishop Peter Leghemo.

Among the honoured guests was Hon. Dcn. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite, PhD, the husband of the newly inaugurated Chairman, who has an impressive background as a former Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and a past Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, as well as Education.

He currently the Special Adviser to the Governor, alongside the State Chairman of NSE, additionally, Engr. Edoghotu Boyibim Jonah FNSE, and several other notable past and present chairmen of NSE from the South-South region.

This celebration not only highlighted the remarkable contributions of women to the field of engineering but also aimed to inspire and motivate future generations to explore and pursue careers in STEM disciplines.

The essence of the event was to empower women, fostering a diverse and inclusive engineering landscape in Nigeria.