By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Youth Leader of Amarata in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, Comrade Ogbara Izibeya has commended Hon. Gifted Natus for committing resources to restore peace in the community.

Comrade Ogbara Izibeya in a commendation Press Release he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Amarata expressed deep appreciation to Hon.Gifted Natus, a notable producer, showbiz impressario and social media influencer for his outstanding contributions, dedication and selfless service to the people of Amarata.

He described the unwavering commitment of Hon.Gifted Natus to peace building and security as truly inspiring, stressing that his massive support has led to significant decrease in crime rate and led to remarkable progress and collaboration between residents and security agents

The Amarata Youth Leader said the actions of Hon.Gifted Natus demonstrate the true spirit of leadership and genuine passion for grassroots development.

Comrade Izibeya on behalf of the entire Amarata community extended heartfelt gratitude to Hon.Gifted Natus and prayed God to continue to grant him wisdom, strength and opportunities needed to serve the people, describing him as a shining example of responsive and people centered representation.

He said the good people of Amarata will remain forever grateful to God for bringing Hon. Gifted Natus to rescue them and pray God to bless him abundantly.

In a related development Amarata Youth Leader, Ogbara Izibeya has added his voice to the long chorus of call on the Bayelsa State Government to restore light in Amarata which has been in darkness for years

He said Amarata host the Bayelsa Medical University, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Banks, Filling Stations, Supermarkets and other businesses and appealed to the state government to station patrol van and conduct regular patrols to beef up security in the area to maintain, and sustain the prevailing peace.

He said Amarata was a hotbed of crime and criminality and expressed gratitude to God for intervention to allow peace to reign in the community with the people sleeping with their two eyes closed.

The Youth Leader enjoined the Bayelsa State Government to clear the Epie Creek as the flood season approaches, construct link roads, consider Amarata indigenes for appointment in the ASSURED Prosperity Administration.

He warned cult groups that hitherto terrorized the area to relocate or face the wrath of the law.

By George Mgbeleke

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has announced a personal donation of Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000) to victims of the recent windstorms that devastated communities across three Local Government Areas in his Senatorial District.

Senator Lawan made the announcement in a personally signed statement issued on Saturday.

He expressed deep sadness over the scale of destruction witnessed in Bade, Nguru and Karasuwa local government areas.

According to the breakdown provided, Bade Local Government is to receive N20,000,000, Nguru Local Government N20,000,000, and Karasuwa Local Government N10,000,000.

The lawmaker, who represents Yobe North in the National Assembly, stated that the funds are meant to provide immediate, direct relief to cushion the effects of the disaster.

He added that his team has been directed to work closely with the respective Local Government councils, traditional institutions, and emergency management committees to ensure the resources reach those who need them most without delay.

Lawan further disclosed that he is engaging with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Yobe State Government to ensure wider relief materials and reconstruction support are mobilised to complement his personal efforts.

“To the bereaved and the displaced, I assure you that you remain in our constant prayers. I am also engaging with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Government to ensure that wider relief materials and reconstruction support are mobilized to complement these personal efforts,” Lawan said

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Tuesday celebrated the Head, Institute of Peace and Security Studies, Niger Delta University, Prof. Philips Okolo, on his 57th birthday anniversary.

The celebration by the Long Table , held at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Azikoro Road, Ekeki, Yenagoa, was attended by journalists, academics, friends and well-wishers from within and outside the state.

Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission, Rivers State, Hon. Dr. Johnson Alalibo, described the celebrant as a cerebral scholar who has distinguished himself in his area of specialisation.

Alalibo, who hails from Akenfa-Epie in Yenagoa Local Government Area, said his relationship with Okolo dated back to their days at the Government House and later at the Institute of African Studies, now Institute of Peace and Security Studies,Niger Delta University, Amasomma.

He said they also met again at the Department of Political Science, Niger Delta University, where Okolo now heads the Institute of Peace and Security Studies.

He said, “Prof. Philips Okolo is a very cerebral personality. He has carved a niche for himself in every area of his specialisation. Today he is marking his 57th birthday, so I came to celebrate with him. It is good to keep good legacies so that people you meet along the line will come out to celebrate with you.”

Alalibo said he was surprised at the large turnout of members of the Bayelsa NUJ in honour of his friend, noting that the gesture underscored the celebrant’s goodwill and wide acceptability.

He noted that Okolo had contributed immensely to societal development through his scholarly works, mentorship of young academics and research in peace, security and governance, particularly in the Niger Delta.

According to him, Okolo’s intellectual interventions on conflict resolution, governance and sustainable development have continued to shape public discourse and policy direction in Bayelsa and beyond.

In his response, the celebrant, Prof. Okolo, who is an active and committed member of the Long Table, thanked members of the Bayelsa NUJ, friends and well-wishers who came out to celebrate him, saying he was overwhelmed by their show of love and solidarity.

The Long Table ,a social segment of the Bayelsa state Nigerian Union of Journalists is a forum where Journalists meet to celebrate and merry with their colleagues on their birthdays and promotions and other endeavours of life.
The long Table which has come to stay has been copied by Delta,Rivers,Akwa lbom, Edo states and some Northern states of the federation.