By David Owei,Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has rejoiced with the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim and former Deputy Governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi as they celebrate their 60th Birthdays.

Governor Diri, who was represented in the separate celebrations which held in Warri and Yenagoa on Tuesday, described the celebrants as men of service that are passionate about making impact in life.

Speaking at the dedication of the new Champion Cathedral Annex of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Effurun-Warri in Delta State, Governor Diri appreciated Dr. Emefienim for building a magnificent place of worship for God.

The Bayelsa helmsman, however, said he was not surprised at the development as he has always known the celebrant as not only a sacrificial giver but also a man with an unwavering love and zeal for the things of God.

Governor Diri described Dr. Emefienim as a Bayelsan and a consummate banker whose bank has become a major brand among the comity of financial institutions in the country within a short space of its existence due to his penchant for excellence.

In his words: “On behalf of the Governor and people of Bayelsa State that I represent here , I want to say that, we are proud that you are one of us. You are from us and we can say this boldly anywhere.

“We appreciate God for what He is doing in your life. But I am not surprised because once you submit and sacrifice to God, He will sacrifice back to you in far greater dimensions. You just can not beat God in giving.

“Today, in the midst of Banks in Nigeria, our brother’s Bank has become a major brand within a very short span of existence. That tells you that there is a breath upon him. And that breath is available for those who will key into it.”

Preaching on a theme for a week-long programme culminating in the dedication of the new church building and birthday service, titled “Wonderful”, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, noted that God would not cease to do wonders in the world, particularly in the lives of those who believe in Him.

Pastor Adeboye, who was represented by the Continental Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Kalu Ndukwe, also acknowledged the commitment of Dr Emefienim to the service of God, and stressed the importance of a person’s name and occupation in society.

In his remarks, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, flanked by his wife, Mrs.Ifeoma Emefienim recounted his 24 years sojourn in Bayelsa and how the state had contributed to his present achievements in life.

He said: ” I came into Yenagoa in 2002. The story of my Banking career cannot be told without mentioning Bayelsa State, So when you see me flowing with everyone from Bayelsa, you can understand.

“It will be very difficult or practically impossible for any governor to emerge in Bayelsa that I will not have contact with because I have played in that space for over 20 years. I am happy and I am also proud with what God has used that location to do for me.”

The celebrant expressed gratitude to Governor Douye Diri, his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the RCCG family, particularly the General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the Continental Overseer, Pastor Kalu Ndukwe and everyone who took time to celebrate with him.

Meanwhile, Governor Douye Diri has commended the former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, for tirelessly contributing to the development of the state in and out of office.

Governor Diri, who spoke through his Deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, during an elaborate birthday ceremony at Latik Hotel in Yenagoa, acknowledged the contributions of Ebebi as a lawmaker in the Bayelsa House of Assembly, where he became Speaker and later as a Deputy Governor of the State.

According to him, Peremobowei Ebebi remains a household name in Bayelsa State because of the way and manner the Aleibiri-born politician related with people while in office.

Speaking on a personal capacity, Dr. Akpe, described Chief Ebebi as his leader, saying that he became well acquainted with the workings of the Office of the Deputy Governor some years ago when he started working as the Head of Administration in that office following his appointment by the celebrant.

Declaring the diamond jubilee ceremony open, the Chairman of the occasion and a former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd), described Chief Ebebi as a man of the people who gathers crowd in positive ways.

Others who spoke at the well attended event included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Reverend God’spower Asingba, the Alei of Aleibiri, His. Royal Highness James Sarakiri, all extolled the leadership qualities of the celebrant.

In his remarks, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi expressed gratitude to God and all who honoured him.

“I want to thank God for this clement weather that allowed us to celebrate in an open space. All glory to our Creator. I also thank Governor Diri, Deputy Governor Akpe, and all distinguished guests.”

Dignitaries on the entourage of the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe at both ceremonies include; his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe, members of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Charles Daniel, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, Hon. Tare Porri, Hon. Oteigbanyon George-Brah, and the Managing Director of Izon-Ibe Microfinance Bank Limited, Dr Ayakeme Whisky, among others.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has described Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, as a beauty with intellect, saying Nigeria stands a chance to produce another Miss World.

Senator Diri stated this on Tuesday when Karibi-George and her delegation paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

The Bayelsa governor, who commended Tamunosoye for making the state proud, having represented Bayelsa in the competition, assured her of his administration’s support in her bid to contest in this year’s Miss World in Vietnam.

He said her effort had greatly promoted the culture, traditions and environment of the Niger Delta.

Commenting on the arguments on social media regarding her state of origin, Senator Diri stated that she is an Ijaw daughter from both Bayelsa and Rivers states and that there was no discrimination since people from both states were one and the same.

The state’s helmsman particularly commended her for the costume she wore during the pageant, noting that it reflected her identity and environment as an Ijaw from the Niger Delta.

He equally applauded her parents for giving the beauty queen a proper upbringing.

His words: “Listening to her today and what l have also seen in the media space, clearly she is not just beautiful in outlook but she is indeed a beauty with brains. I urge you not be carried away by your success. This is the beginning of greater things to come and your future will be brighter than today.

“Today, you are Miss Nigeria. We are looking forward for you to become another Agbani Darego. As a government, we will support you, especially in your pursuit for the Miss World crown.

“I am aware of the arguments on in the social media space about her state of origin. She is not just our daughter but she is also the daughter of Nigeria. Rivers and Bayelsa states are one and the same people. She is indeed an Ijaw daughter, whether she is from Bayelsa, Rivers or Delta Ijaw.

“We appreciate and celebrate your parents who brought you up well until you became the cynosure of all eyes. It is not enough to give birth to children. Parents should try to bring them up well like Tamunosoye.”

In his remarks, President, Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, described her as the Amazon of the Mangrove Forest.

Lokpobiri and the Team Lead, Prince Iwefa Aganaba, explained that the visit was to formally present her crown to the Bayelsa governor in recognition of the fact that he is the Governor -General of the Ijaw nation and to also solicit his administration’s support for her in the Miss World competition.

“On behalf of the Ijaw Youth Council, the essence of our visit is to present this crown to you as the Governor General of the Ijaw nation before we take it to anywhere else.”

In her remarks, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George said before she entered the contest, she wanted a platform to represent her roots on the national stage depicting beauty, culture and grace.

She said she was proud to have carried the flag of the Ijaw nation to Nigeria and came out victorious.

Tamunosoye, who said she was inspired by former Miss World 2001, Agbani Darego, informed the governor about her initiative tagged, “Beyond Labels,” which she noted advocates for awareness, education and inclusivity, especially for children with special needs and other societal labels and stereotypes.

According to her, “such children see their disabilities first rather than their potential. But I believe that given the opportunity, they can thrive on the global stage.”

By Ignatius Okorocha

National President of Ekinrin-Adde Community,Elder Deinde Toyin Komolafe said the community is reputed as a pace-setter in social development initiatives noting that through self-help, the community has an unparallel records of first among communities in Ijumu local Government of Kogi State.

Making this declaration at a World Press Conference in Abuja on Wednesday,Elder Komolafe noted that the year 2026 and 33rd Ekinrin-Adde Day celebrations, for some obvious reasons among which includes; the Seven hundred and fifty million naira Infrastructural Development Fund as a self-help-driven community, which is a week-long events.

The celebration he explained includes: the new Yam Festival on the 20th June, EACDA Prayer Day on 21st, EACDA Culinary Day (where our traditional meals/soup will be on display), 22nd Music Extravaganza Day, 24th, first ever Ekinrin-Adde Youths Carnival with symposium, 25th,Clubs and Associations Day & Ground breaking and foundation laying ceremony of College of Nursing Science Ekinrin-Adde, 26th Akogba Mountain Hike, 40th Graduation anniversary of Class of 1986-Commissioning of Legacy Project.Medical Outreaches, Educational Interventions, and our flagship event EACDA OMO-ATATA AWARDS NIGHT.

According to the National President,” 27th, which is the Grand Finale of Ekinrin-Adde Day Celebrations, Swith the Launching of 750 Million Infrastructural and Community Development Fund.

“There will also be Awards and Honourary Chieftaincy to various illustrious Sons and Daughters including friends of the community from across various part of the country, which further confirmed our tendency to give the annual festival a national outlook and make it an International Tourists destination.

“We are intentional in upscaling our cultural heritage to global stage with our collaboration with Nigerian Tourisms Development Authority (NTDA) and the introduction of new and innovative contents such as; Essay Competition, Foods Exhibitions, cultural wears display and processions (Homage to our Traditional Council) by various Branches of Ekinrin-Adde communities’ home and abroad, traditional marriage protocols renaissance, Native Eulogies of various clan’s renaissance and various competitions with fantastic cash prizes to be won.”

The community he disclosed will be playing host to a number of dignitaries from across the Country, which includes H.E the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ahmed Ododo as the Chief Guest of Hounour, Special Guests of Honour includes; H.E Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum CON, Executive Governor of Borno State, H.E. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Chairman of the Occasion is Asiwaju Prince (Dr) Olatunji Olusoji, Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom and Chairman Grosvenor Group, Chief Launcher, Rt. Hon. Abdul Ibrahim Halims MHR, Deputy Leader, House of Representative, Abuja, Chairperson, Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination-Presidency, and a host of other dignitaries. Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke will be on ground along with Prince Babajide Kolade Otitoju.

Ekinrin-Adde Day festival he noted is in the contemporary of the popular Ojude Oba of Ijebu Ode and the yearly Lisabi Day in Abeokuta, as well as other of such days that have become defining features of many communities across Yoruba land in Nigeria.

“Ekinrin-Adde community is a remarkably modern Okun-Yoruba community in Ijumu LGA, in the West Senatorial District of Kogi State. It is renowned for its prodigious Human capital and natural resources endowment and has produced eminent sons and daughters who have made significant contributions to national development, pre and post -independence.

“The community is reputed as a pace-setter in social development initiatives. Through self-help, the community has an unparallel records of first among communities in Ijumu local Government of Kogi State; first Secondary School, first Maternity, first Posta Agency, first to have two secondary schools and first to have community banks- IBWA in 1985, (which later became Afribank) and Ekinrin-Adde Community Bank in 1992.”

The community he further explained is the native home of some highly esteemed individuals in Nigeria, notable for their strategic positions and contribution to National development.

These includes but not limited to the following:

Justice John Afolabi (JSC), OFR, CFR, CON, the first Okun man and Kogi compatriot to get appointed to the Supreme Court, he retired meritoriously in November 2015.

Gen. Oshanupin Rtd, former GOC,3rd Armored Division, Jos, former Commander Brigade of Guards Aso Villa Abuja. He was most recently recognized with National Honour by Mr President on June 12th 2026S.

Navy Commander LMO Fabiyi, former Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Navy.

Col. Tunde Fagbemi Rtd, former Deputy Chief of Staff, State House, Abuja and former Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Army.

Chief Felix Ikumapayi MFR, who retired as Director Operations, Department of State Services (DSS).

The famous Olympic Football Gold Medalist, Abiodun Obafemi, MON of the Atlanta ’96 fame.

Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, the immediate Past Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.

Prof. Solomon Ibileye the current Vice Chancellor of Same Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State- an unprecedented feat of meritorious succession byS many communities in Nigeria.

Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, National Publicity Secretary of Social Democratic Party -SDP Here Present.

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Chairman, House Committee on Finance, House of Representative, National Assembly, Abuja, who amongst several honours, was recently inducted into the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, (GAC) the highest advisory and decision-making body of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon. Jutice Alaba Omolaiye Ajileye PhD. Rtd, renowned Jurist and author.

Bishop Funke Adejumo of Agape Ministry, renowned clergy and motivational Speaker

Prince Babajide Kolade Otitoju (BKO), who have strived to represent our community well in his capacity as a journalist and an investigative one at that, all glory to God with the most recent National Honour by Mr President. And many others too numerous to mention.