By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Central Organizing Committee of Nigeria’s largest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament — _Prosperity Cup_ — has felicitated the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement signed by the Tournament Director General, Mr. Ono Akpe, and Deputy Director General, Mr. Perela Aboro, the COC commended Dr. Emefienim for his exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and deep passion for humanitarian service.

The Committee noted that Premium Trust Bank’s consistent sponsorship of the Prosperity Cup reflects its dedication to sports development and youth empowerment across Bayelsa State and Nigeria. This partnership, it added, has been instrumental in reducing the burden on organizers and government, while productively engaging young people and curbing social vices.

“Your visionary leadership, anchored on compassion and integrity, has not only strengthened our state but also set a new benchmark for sports development,” the statement read.

The COC further described Dr. Emefienim as a thoroughbred administrator, philanthropist, and sports enthusiast whose stewardship has elevated Premium Trust Bank to national prominence while leaving a lasting impact on the Niger Delta and beyond.

“As you mark this milestone, we celebrate not just your life but the enduring legacy you continue to build. We pray for renewed strength, good health, and greater success in the year ahead. We remain grateful for your steadfast support of the Prosperity Cup and look forward to many more years of your wise counsel and partnership,” the statement concluded.

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.”