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.

By Amos Okioma

Management of the Bayelsa United Football Club has confirmed the abscondment of Coach Ladan Isah Bosso from duty as the Technical Adviser to the team, describing it as shown of arrogance and disrespect to Bayelsa and it’s people.

57 years old Ladan Bosso, who was contracted last year as Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State darlin team and moved the team through a survival battle to the 10th position during the 2024/2025 NFFL season.

It was gathered that Ladan Bosso, who is the President of the Nigeria Coaches Association and former Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, was lured by the newly promoted Barau FC team of Kano with a promise to double his pay package.

Barau FC has however announced and unveiled Ladan Bosso as the team’s Technical Adviser for the new football season. The announcement shocked management and supporters of the Bayelsa United who thought Ladan Bosso was on holiday.

Though the details of the contract agreement reached with the Bayelsa United FC remained unknown, it was confirmed that Ladan Bosso has abandoned all ongoing Pre-Season preparation of the club and joined Barau FC.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who is also abreast of the development also mentioned it during the last State Executive Council meeting while hosting the victorious players of the Bayelsa Queens.

Gov. Diri, it was gathered, advised the management of the team to write the NFF about Ladan Bosso action before embarking on the recruitment of a new Coach for the team.

Reacting to the development, in a petition filed before the Secetary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, the management of the Bayelsa United through it’s Chairman, Nwakwe Tarilaye, described Ladan Bosso action as ” brazen show of disrespect and arrogance to the state and Government of Bayelsa State”.

According to the letter, titled “Notification of Abscondment from Duty by Ladan Bosso”, “Ladan Bosso has absconded from duty without any form of communication.it is now public knowledge that Ladan Boss has contracted a new deal with newly promoted Barau FC of Kano when he has a subsisting contract with us.”

“His conduct being President of the Coaches Association only speaks to a brazen manifestation of arrogance and disrespect to the government and people of Bayelsa State.”

” The action of Bosso is not only embarrassing but also a distortion of our preparation for the 2025/2026 NFFL season.Mr.Bosso has violated the terms of his contract with the club.”

” Consequently, it is our considered stand that Mr Ladan Isah Bosso be made to pay damages of N30 million for breach of contract and serve as a deterrent to others coaches.”

‎By David Owei, Bayelsa
‎Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has implored universities to embrace technology in order to produce innovators for Nigeria.

Governor Diri also challenged policy makers and education managers to develop and update curriculum at all stages of learning to meet realities of the digital age.

He called on universities to lead the way in research that optimise made-in-Nigeria inventions and products.
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A press release by his spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the Bayelsa governor stated this on Friday at his alma mater, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, while delivering the 35th convocation and  50th anniversary lecture.
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‎He advocated that government at all levels make budgetary allocations to adequately fund educational institutions with support from the private sector as well as interventionist and donor agencies.
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‎His words: “The trajectory of my address is not intended to cast aspersions or undermine the diligent efforts our scholars and researchers have invested, but rather to encourage our institutions to adapt and mirror the current requirements of our society.
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‎”Thus, we must abandon a national arrogance, one that derides artisans, sneers at traders, and views vocational skills as consolation prizes for those who could not “succeed.” This mindset is precisely why we find ourselves importing toothpicks and sharpeners.”
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He stated that his administration deliberately introduced the Bayelsa Promoting Reform to Improve and Modernise Education (BayelsaPRIME) policy at the basic education level to effectively incorporate information technology in learning processes and facilitate access to digital skills among teachers and students.
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‎He also stated that his government built an ICT hub in Yenagoa with the aim of empowering citizens through digital literacy.
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He expressed delight that the University of Port Harcourt reached a golden age, and hoped that the next 50 years of the institution will require not merely prestige but purpose and not merely knowledge but also impact.
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The governor announced that as part of his contribution to the growth of the institution, his government would embark on a staff housing project before his tenure ends.
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‎The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari in his address, congratulated the 861 graduands for successfully completing their studies.
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On behalf of the institution, Prof. Georgewill presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Lifetime Achievement in Education Partnership Award to Governor Diri for promoting education in Bayelsa and in recognition of his commitment to development of his alma mater.

He said Diri was among 50 distinguished alumni of the university selected for honour on its 50th anniversary.

On the governor’s entourage were his wife, Justice Patience Diri, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, other lawmakers, and the National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Boladei Igali.

Others were members of the state executive council, including the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, his deputy, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo,
General Manager of the state Housing and Property Development Authority, Dr. Tonye Isenah, and other government functionaries.