General News
Gov Diri Tasks UN On Protection Of River Deltas
By David Owei,Bayelsa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the United Nations to institutionalise the protection of the world’s deltas, including Nigeria’s Niger Delta, through a convention.
The Bayelsa governor stated this against the backdrop of increasing threats from erosion, pollution, flooding as well as shrinking salt marshes and mangroves to the world’s 25 deltas.
His spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, quoted Governor Diri as having spoken on Monday during the opening of a three-day “4th Mega Delta Meeting: International Conference on Dialogue Between Land and Sea” in Shanghai, China.
Stakeholders had identified the threats as a global problem that required international cooperation to find solutions and prevent the extinction of the deltas and their capacity for sustainable livelihood and economic development.
Governor Diri stated: “It is with deep emotion that I address this gathering, for these deltas are not merely places on a map. They are the lifeblood of our communities, custodians of our stories, and the fragile promise of tomorrow.
“I speak with urgency and passion — not only to list challenges, but to honour the courage and resilience of those who continue to live, work, and dream in these deltas.
“These deltas feed nations, anchor economies, and nurture biodiversity. Yet they face rising seas, land subsidence, and dwindling sediment flows. From the Yangtze River (in China) to the Mekong River (in Southeast Asia; from the Danube (in Europe) to the Niger Delta, the pattern is the same. The deltas that sustain us are under threat.”
He cited the report of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission titled: “An Environmental Genocide: Counting the Human and Environmental Cost of Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria” as detailing what happens when ecosystems are exploited without accountability.
He also said it was a reminder that environmental resilience must begin with justice.
Diri averred that the global body must take responsibility and urgent action to prevent the ongoing depletion of the river deltas.
“If deltas connect rivers to the oceans, then this conference must connect knowledge to action. That is why Bayelsa State, with the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, has been leading the call for a United Nations Convention on the Conservation of River Deltas (UNCCRD)”
Urging stakeholders at the conference to point the way forward by making a declaration of intent, he said the proposed convention would protect deltas as unique and fragile ecosystems, restore degraded wetlands and empower local livelihoods as well as mobilise global science and finance for sustainability and adaptation.
“At home, we are translating this vision into practice. We have created a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to align our conservation efforts with opportunity.
“We are restoring mangrove forests, which are the green shields of our coastline. We are training youths and women for livelihoods in aquaculture, eco-tourism, and renewable energy.”
The conference had in attendance 180 participants from 31 countries, including policy makers, scientists and researches from the academia, community leaders and civil society organisations.
General News
Outgoing SS3 Students of Anua Comprehensive High School Scores Propriator Inyang High, highlighting his impacts in the school
By Emmanuel Ikpe
Out gone Senior Secondary Students of Anua Comprehensive High School, Anua Offot in Uyo Local Government Area has poured encomiums on the Proprietor of the school, Chief Linus Inyang over his proactive and positive impact in the school structure since he came on board as the Village Head of Anua Offot.
Eteidung Linus Bassey Inyang who was coronated as the village head of the community on the 2nd of May, 2024, came in to meet things in the school unkept, as a man of dignity, he was displeased, and therefore used the mandate and power given to him to turned things around for good in the school, says the students.
According to the students, Chief Linus Inyang has changed management of the school, and has increased the staff salary thrice ever since he took over administration of the community and school. They commended him for mounting securities in the school compound and building of new structures for Computer Laboratory and Classrooms.
They equally lauded effort of Chief Linus Inyang in renovating old structures in the school and painted them to give the school a new look, and for strategizing with Tegrach Nigerian Limited to control erosion within the school environment.
Speaking further, the students noted that efforts of Chief Linus Inyang have yielded positive results and is making the school a better learning environment.
”with the help of Eteidung Linus Bassey Inyang, Anua Community Comprehensive High School is no longer; a camp of the cultist, no longer a raping ground, and no longer a field for the Egret, But rather, one of the best schools in Akwa Ibom State”
Anua Community Comprehensive High School was founded on the 10th of September 1977 during the regime of Eteidung (Chief) Cyril Essien, under the principalship of Mrs Catherine Essien which later was changed. Then Elder Ubokudom Gideon Etuk took over mantle of leadership as the principal from 2006 to 2012, which was handed over to Mr Gabriel Nsikak Udo and he ruled till 2024, but due to his shady handling of the office, the administration was handed over to Mr Paulinus you Effiong as the present principal of the school under the leadership of Eteidung Linus Inyang, the village head of Anua Offot.
With collaboration between the headteacher Mrs Utibeno Ita and staff, both teaching and non teaching, Anua Comprehensive High School has really moved to an enviable heights.
The out gone Senior Secondary Students of the leadership include Umoh Effiong Ernest Senior Prefect Boys, Jennifer Angulanne Senior Prefect Girls, Alafine Okon Assistant Prefect Girls, Victoria Ogechi Sanitary prefect, Edet Abasiofon Assistant, Esther Ubong Punctuality Prefect, Akah Favor Chapel Prefect, Glory Asuquo assistant, Bassey Emmanuel Games Prefect Boys, Akpode Favour Games Prefect Girls, Antigha Elijah Labour Prefect Boys and Udoh Emediong Golden Labour Prefect Girls.
General News
RSG Moves To Commission 10 People-Oriented Projects
By George Mgbeleke
The Rivers State Government will from Monday, August 17, begin the commissioning of 10 major people-oriented projects across the state as part of efforts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration to deepen development at the grassroots.
In a statement by Head, Information and Public Relations Unit,
Office of the Secretary to the State Government, The commissioning programme, which will run through August 31, will cover projects across several local government areas, include roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure and other public facilities.
The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing in Port Harcourt.
According to Dr Wokoma, the projects are tangible evidence of the Governor’s commitment to transforming communities and addressing the developmental needs of residents across the state.
He disclosed that the commissioning will commence on August 17 with the Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, which links communities in Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
The Egwi-Afara-Mba Road in Etche Local Government Area will be commissioned on August 18, followed by the Capt. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic’s Entrepreneurship Centre/Engineering Faculty Building on August 19.
On August 20, the governor will commission the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Dual Carriage Way in Ikwerre/Emohua/Onelga Local Government Areas, while the Omoku Zonal Hospital, Omoku in ONELGA, will be commissioned on August 21st.
The commissioning programme will resume on August 24 with the Omademe Internal Roads in Ikwerre LGA and attention will shift to Port Harcourt LGA on August 25 for the Commissioning of the New Runway at the Air Force Base, Rumuola.
On August 26, attention will shift to Emuoha LGA for the commissing of the Agba Ndele Road and Bridge while two major health facilities — the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital and New General Hospital, Rumuigbo, both in Obio/Akpor — are scheduled for commissioning on August 27.
The 10-day programme will end on August 28 with the commissioning of the Bonny National Grammar School in Bonny Local Government Area.
Dr. Wokoma said the projects reflected the administration’s determination to ensure that government policies and programmes affect citizens positively.
“These projects scheduled for commissioning are tangible evidence of His Excellency’s unwavering dedication to transform our communities and address the developmental needs of our people,” he said.
He added that the projects underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring that governance produced “meaningful and measurable benefits for every citizen across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.”
The SSG also acknowledged the contributions of government officials, contractors, host communities and other stakeholders to the completion of the projects as he urged Rivers people to participate in the commissioning activities and continue to support the administration in its pursuit of peace and development.
“We invite all Rivers people to join in celebrating these milestones and to continue supporting the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as it advances peace, development, progress, and prosperity,” Dr Wokoma said.
General News
Improved Life Expectancy and Role of Medical Lab Scientists Stressed At 2nd Public Lecture for FUO Ex-VC
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The School of Postgraduate Studies Auditorium, Federal University Otuoke (FUO), was filled to capacity on Friday, July 17, 2026, as students, staff, management, alumni, distinguished academics, medical professionals, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the sterling leadership, academic excellence, and enduring legacy of the immediate past 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Teddy Charles Adias, at the Second Edition of the Professor Teddy Charles Adias Annual Public Lecture and Birthday Celebration.
Organised by the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, the event underscored the Faculty’s commitment to immortalising a leader whose visionary administration laid a strong foundation for academic growth, institutional excellence, and the development of the Faculty.
The event was chaired by Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), who was ably represented.
The Chairman’s representative commended the University and Faculty for institutionalising an annual lecture in honour of Professor Adias, describing the initiative as a noble tradition that celebrates visionary leadership while promoting intellectual discourse.
He noted that Professor Adias’ remarkable contributions to higher education and human capital development have earned him a permanent place in the history of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta and the nation at large.
The highlight of the occasion was a thought-provoking public lecture delivered by the Guest Lecturer, Dr James Omietimi, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on the theme:
“Beyond the Bench: Medical Laboratory Scientists as Key Players in Nigeria’s Fight Against Preventable Deaths.”
Dr. Omietinmi stressed that Medical Laboratory Scientists are indispensable partners in modern healthcare delivery, emphasizing that accurate laboratory diagnosis remains the bedrock of effective treatment, disease surveillance, and preventive healthcare.
He observed that many avoidable deaths in Nigeria result from delayed or inaccurate diagnosis, inadequate laboratory infrastructure, and the underutilisation of Medical Laboratory Scientists in healthcare policy and decision-making.
According to him:
“strengthening laboratory services, investing in modern diagnostic technologies, continuous professional training, and integrating Medical Laboratory Scientists into national health planning would significantly reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes across the country.”
He challenged governments, healthcare institutions, and development partners to accord laboratory medicine the priority it deserves in achieving universal health coverage.
Host of the event, Professor Eni-yimini Solomon Agoro, who doubles as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, described Professor Teddy Charles Adias as an exceptional administrator, accomplished scholar, and compassionate mentor whose visionary leadership contributed immensely to the establishment and rapid growth of the Faculty.
Prof. Agoro explained that the annual lecture and birthday celebration were conceived not merely to honour the celebrant but to sustain his ideals of excellence, innovation, discipline, and service to humanity.
The Chief Host, and Fourth Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Prof. Promise Mebine, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chris Onyema, lauded his predecessor, Professor Adias for his unwavering support for the Varsity, College and the Faculty during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.
He stated that the remarkable achievements recorded by the Faculty today are directly linked to the enabling environment created under Professor Adias’ administration, adding that the annual lecture would continue to inspire future generations of scholars and professionals as the new College of Medical Sciences was named after him to honour his legacies not just in FUO, but in the Medical profession at large.
The atmosphere became even more emotional as Professor Teddy Charles Adias arrived with his wife, Dame Lolo Charles Adias, to a resounding standing ovation from the audience. Visibly overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown by the University community, Dame Lolo Charles Adias was almost lost for words as she witnessed the outpouring of love, heartfelt tributes, and goodwill messages in honour of her husband.
One after another, distinguished guests, senior academics, professional colleagues, former associates, students, and protégés extolled Professor Adias’ virtues, describing him as a transformational leader, bridge-builder, institution builder, and mentor whose legacy continues to inspire excellence across the University community.
They praised his humility, accessibility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to academic development and staff welfare.
In his response, Professor Teddy Charles Adias expressed profound gratitude to the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, the Dean, the University management, staff, students, and all guests for the remarkable honour bestowed upon him.
The celebrant described the recognition as deeply humbling and encouraged members of the University community to remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence, innovation, scholarship, and selfless service.
He urged Medical Laboratory Scientists to continue advancing the profession through research, professionalism, and ethical practice for the benefit of society.
The celebration reached its climax with the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of goodwill messages and commemorative gifts, cultural entertainment, musical performances, and a sumptuous reception attended by guests from within and outside the University community.
The successful hosting of the Second Edition of the Professor Teddy Charles Adias Annual Public Lecture and Birthday Celebration further reaffirmed the enduring impact of Professor Adias’ leadership and the determination of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science to preserve his legacy as a symbol of visionary leadership, academic excellence, and service to humanity.
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