BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

Sequel to the constitution of the Judicial commission of inquiry by the governor Mohammed Umar Bago, to investigate the death of the 37 alleged illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),the eleven member of the commission will commence their inaugural sitting Tuesday,29th, September 2026.

This was contained in a statement issued to Journalists in Minna by the Secretary of the Commission Mohammed Aliyu Kutigi Esq.

According to the statement,the inaugural sitting is expected to commence by 10 o’clock in the morning at the hall of the Teachers Professional Institute,along F.flayout by Tayi Junction in Minna Niger State

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry which is headed by a Minna High Court Judge,Justice Mohammed Adishetu Mohammed of the Minna High Court ,number four,the statement requested member of the public to attend urging member of the public to submit their memo to the commission.

Governor Umar Bago,while inaugurating the Judiciary Commission of Inquiry charged members of the Commission to discharge their duty with all sincerity and the fear of God.

He reminded them that the task ahead of them is enomouse and herculious urging them to put the fear of God in the discharge of their duty.

Governor Bago stated that the Commission which is saddled with the responsibility of getting to the root course of the incident has four weeks to operate and conclude it’s findings.

He informed members of the Commission that is not vested with the powers relating to look into the administrative conduct and possible punishment of the officers but rather to look into the act that was committed within the purview and powers of government of Niger State.

The Commission’s terms of reference,according to governor Bago,include to look into the arrest and essential legality of the of the custody and treatment of the victims while in custody and the circumstance of their deaths.

It is also to look at the responsibility and accountability of officers,medical foresenic investigation and evidence,and make it’s findings and recommendations.

By Dabid Owei

Bayelsa State Government on Sunday held an inter-denominational thanksgiving service to kick-start activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.

The service, held at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, attracted top government officials, religious leaders and stakeholders.

The service was used to reflect on the state’s journey since its creation on October 1, 1996, by the late General Sani Abacha administration.

Governor Douye Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Akpe, said the anniversary calls for deep thanksgiving to God for how far the state has come.

He said while the state celebrates its legacies at 30, there is a need for collective introspection to reposition it for greater purpose and development.

According to him, “If you were around 30 years ago, I believe you will say in all things we should give thanks, and specifically for where we are, we should appreciate God.

“The founding fathers, or those who were there, who played one role or the other, who came to Bayelsa or knew how Bayelsa was at the time we were created, they tell you the story. Some of us who are around can also tell you that we are not where we used to be, though we have a trajectory of where we are going to. The speed of getting there needs to be accelerated.”

Speaking on his administration’s scorecard, Diri highlighted infrastructure development as a major achievement of the Prosperity Administration.

He said from 2020 till date, over 85 per cent of communities in the state had been touched by one project or the other, aside from legacy projects.

He listed the construction of internal roads, the opening up of road networks and the deliberate policy of completing abandoned projects as proof of growth.

“Bayelsa is no longer a one entrance, one exit city anymore. You can now enter from all locations and all angles. We have ensured that there is no project abandoned as much as possible,” he said.

He explained that the government’s philosophy is that public funds must be judiciously used for economic sustainability, adding that projects are executed with Bayelsa money and should not be wasted on political sentiments.

“Any project that we execute, we are only guided as leaders to ensure those projects are executed. It is our money, the money of Bayelsans. There is no need to waste it with political thoughts. Check that alone – we have completed almost all the abandoned projects,” the governor stated.

In a sermon titled “Help From God,” Guest Preacher, Pastor Kontei Krinya, said every human being, irrespective of status, needs help at one point or the other.

Krinya said the teacher needs help from the government for promotion, the government officer needs help from the electorate to be voted into office, the electorate needs help from the government for social welfare, while the doctor needs the patient’s prayer and the patient needs the doctor for healing.

Referencing Isaiah chapter 6 where God asked “Whom shall I send, who will go for us?” and Judges chapter 5, he said a crime was committed because the people did not consider the help of the Lord, noting that man’s help is limited compared to God’s help.

He said as Bayelsa celebrates 30 years, the state must learn to look up to God for help, as only help from above guarantees lasting solutions and peace.

The service featured prayers for peace, economic sustainability and accelerated development as the state prepares for the grand celebration on October 1.

The service had in attendance wife of the governor, Gloria Diri; wife of the deputy governor, Favour Akpe; Senators representing Bayelsa East and Central, Benson Agadaga and Friday Kombowei-Benson; House of Representatives members, Oforgi Oboku, Rodney Ambaiowei and Marie Ebikake; Leader of the State House of Assembly, Monday Obolo-Bubou; Secretary to the State Government, Prof.Nimibofa Ayawei; commissioners, local government chairmen and other top government functionaries.

By David Owei

The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Benjamin Isaiah, has been confirmed among dignitaries expected to grace the activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

The confirmation was made on Friday by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, as the state intensifies preparations for the anniversary celebration.

Igali said, “the presence of the SWAN President would add further significance to the celebration and strengthen the cordial relationship between the Bayelsa State Government, through the Ministry of Sports Development, and sports journalists in the state.”

According to him, “sports journalists have continued to play an important role in promoting sporting activities and achievements in Bayelsa, making their partnership with the government an important component of the state’s sports development plans.”

The Commissioner noted that the administration of Governor Douye Diri had demonstrated considerable ambition in the development of sports infrastructure and human capacity, stressing that the state would continue to require the support and collaboration of SWAN to achieve its objectives.

Igali said, “the partnership would become even more important as Bayelsa prepares to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, with major sporting facilities currently under construction and rehabilitation across the state.”

He stated that “preparations for the National Sports Festival had already commenced, adding that the state was positioning itself to deliver facilities and programmes capable of supporting athletes and other participants when Bayelsa hosts the national sporting event in 2028.”

As part of the Bayelsa@30 celebration, Igali also confirmed a series of sporting activities scheduled to take place at the Samson Siasia Stadium on Monday, September 28, 2026.

The programme will commence at 2:00 p.m. with an Ogele Procession from Government House to the Samson Siasia Stadium, where sports legends, young athletes and other participants will take part in a lap around the pitch.

The procession will feature a symbolic torch handover ceremony, bringing together sports personalities from different generations to celebrate Bayelsa’s sporting journey over the past three decades.

This will be followed by a novelty football match between the team of Executive and Political Appointees and their counterparts from the Judiciary and Legislature, providing another major attraction for spectators.

The grand finale of the sporting activities will be a wrestling competition between Bayelsa and Delta State, urging members of the public to come out in large numbers and join government officials, athletes, sports legends and other stakeholders in celebrating Bayelsa’s 30 years of existence.