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Increase Rice Production, Gov Diri Orders Agric Commissioner *Approves N200m Monthly Grant For Farmers *Warns Traditional Rulers Against Protecting Herdsmen In Forests

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Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri (left)

By David Owei,Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure increased production of made-in-Bayelsa rice by the end of 2026.

Bayelsa State governor,Douye Diri,Commissioner for Agriculture among other dignitaries


Speaking at the state-owned rice farm at Otuasega community in Ogbia Local Government Area on Tuesday during the flag off of the 2025/2026 dry farming season, Governor Diri expressed disaffection with the rice harvest in the last farming season.

The governor stated that having provided all the necessary support to the ministry and the farmers, he was not satisfied that the state still procured rice from outside during the Yuletide.

He also challenged the Agric Commissioner to ensure food security, noting that the state had comparative advantage in many crop areas and its soil does not require fertiliser to produce organic crops.

He, however, lauded the commissioner and stakeholders in the sector for organising the event and urged the ministry to ensure that it was not just a yearly ritual but one that impacted positively on the lives of Bayelsans.

According to the governor, agriculture was a veritable source of diversification, which the state government had taken seriously by investing heavily in it.

He urged civil servants and all Bayelsans to be involved in agriculture.

Governor Diri also stated that the linkage between road and bridges and agriculture was that the administration was not only connecting rural communities through these infrastructure but equally providing valuable support to the agric sector and making transportation of farm produce from rural areas to the state capital easier.

The Bayelsa helmsman remarked that in furtherance of government’s desire to develop the sector, he has approved a monthly grant of N200 million to farmers in the state.

He also approved a request for a meeting with farmers as well as the provision of farming inputs such as seedlings, herbicide and pesticide to improve production.

On the issue of herdsmen destroying farmlands, Diri cautioned traditional rulers against providing land for herders in the forest, saying anyone found guilty will be sanctioned.

His words: “Let it not be that we come here for a yearly ritual. This is something that affects us as a people and so we must all take it seriously. Food security will continue to be a top priority of my administration.

“Agriculture is a veritable source of diversification. Agric strengthens our economy.

“Transportation of produce from rural communities to the state capital is crucial and that is why we are investing in agriculture and connecting communities. The roads and bridges support agriculture.

“We have developed partnerships and collaboration and we will continue to partner with other agencies to ensure that Bayelsa attains the expected food security.

“All our workers too must participate in agriculture as it should be a culture. We need to reverse what was happening. Now, let our neighbours come and buy from us. It is a call to action.

“My directive to the Commissioner for Agriculture is that by the end of 2026, we should expect 300,000 kilogrammes of rice. I do not want to continue to buy rice from outside Bayelsa State for our people. Produce and government will buy from you.

“On the issue of herdsmen, they do not live in our farms. What is correct is that they move and destroy crops. Let me state again that our anti-grazing law is still in force. Contact any security agency in cases of herdsmen destruction rather than going to social media.

“Let me warn our traditional rulers who give herdsmen land in our forests that anyone caught will be sanctioned. Bayelsa must be safe and we must all contribute to the safety.

“For our farmers, we will always support you. Honourable Commissioner, identify the true farmers in the state and what I was doing for MSMEs will also be done for farmers. So, N200 million monthly will now be set aside to support our farmers.”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, said the event was a reaffirmation of the unwavering commitment of the state government to food security.

He commended the governor for his huge investment in the agric sector, saying it has been the driving force behind the success being celebrated.

In their separate remarks, representatives of All Farmers Association Of Nigeria, Bayelsa State chapter, Nigerian Women in Agriculture Business, Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation and the Central Bank of Nigeria among others hailed Governor Diri’s support to farmers, which they said had greatly improved the agricultural sector in the state.

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Outgoing SS3 Students of Anua Comprehensive High School Scores Propriator Inyang High, highlighting his impacts in the school ‎

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Chief Linus Inyang


‎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.

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RSG Moves To Commission 10 People-Oriented Projects

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Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma addressing journalists at the press conference on Friday.

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.

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Improved Life Expectancy and Role of Medical Lab Scientists Stressed At 2nd Public Lecture for FUO Ex-VC

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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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