A Bayelsa State House of Assembly Aspirant, Barr. Jonathan Etifa, has said that he will offer scholarship and provide basic amenities to students and indigenes of his constituency as part of his constituency project, if elected.

Etifa, made this known on Saturday, when he visited his kinsmen in Ndoro community, seeking their support to represent Ekeremor Constituency 2 in the State Assembly.

Etifa, who prior to this time had provided over 100 free jamb forms and scholarship to some students in his constituency, decried the challenges faced by people in his constituency, assuring that his representation and projects will be focused at improving the living standard of the people.

The lawyer who noted that government is an inclusive responsibility also said that he will regularly seek the opinion of people in the constituency, so as to present issue based bills and motions that will promote the development of his constituent at various levels.

By Reginald Tobin

A Councillor in Bayelsa State, Priye Ebisoru, has announced a one-day educational outreach, for students in tertiary institutions, primary and secondary schools.

Ebisoru, a member of the Yenagoa legislative assembly, representing ward 13, while announcing the outreach, said the programme will hold on Thursday, November 18, in Biseni community.

The lawmaker explained that the outreach is aimed at sensitizing students and also empowering them with computers, books, mathematical sets and other learning materials.

She said that the program will also feature lectures which will be delivered by guest lecturers.

Ebisoru, while stating her reason for initiating a programme for students in the state said “Education is the bedrock of every society and it is a collective responsibility which every critical stakeholder must contribute his or her quota.”

She also added that the outreach is a necessity to complement the educational drive of the Bayelsa State government.

By Atti J Moses

The Legitimacy of H.E HSD in Ekeremor LGA is empirically verifiable that he is the Consensus Candidate of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, to advocate for the fabulous characters of Sabama and Ekeremor people at the Red Chambers.

The good people of Ekeremor LGA has on various occasions, platforms ,individually and collectively displayed their love for His Excellency Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson the immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State.

Several Youths and Students Based organizations have visited H.E Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson before and after the Party Primaries, demonstrating their love by calling on him to contest the Senatorial Elections. Chiefs and Women Groups were not left out as they organized Congresses and town hall meetings to send a Clear signal that all should abide by the Zoning formula and throw their weight behind him, also several Encomiums, press release and campaigns were also observed and carried out by individuals and organizations.

Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson is a man of the people and for the people following his blue prints especially on education and human capacity development which birthed his wide acceptance by the People of Bayelsa West Senatorial District and we all believe he has the capacity to represent us and bring the Needed development.

The National Assembly is not for chicken hearted people who will not stand up to the face of injustice, marginalization, deprivation ,exploitation melted on the Ijaw people and Bayelsa West in particular by the Nigerian Nation. This has led to brain drain and Under development in our region, hence there is the Need for a man who will attract Development and federal projects to the Senatorial District and that Man is His Excellency Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson for Senate Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

Hence I join faith with HE Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson and our Wide supporters as we anticipate victory in the forthcoming Senatorial Bye- Elections in Bayelsa West, and its also clear that there is no opposition.

Hon. Atti Joshua Moses (Chairman Sub.Comm. on Stud. Mobilization PDP Bayelsa West Senatorial Campaign Organization)

Clever Inodu is a native of Dorgu-Ewoama Community (Okoroma clan) in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Education:
During his early age, He obtained his first school leaving certificate at Universal Primary Education (UPE) Ogbia Town, and went on to Government Secondary School (GSS) Ogbia Town and later proceeded to Future Leaders Ovom, Yenagoa.

He started his tetiary education at the Ondo State Polytechnic where he studied Civil Engineering and obtained his Diploma. Thereafter, he proceeded to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) Nkpolu, Port Harcourt and bagged his B.Sc in Civil Engineering.
His struggle against marginalisation and oppression began in his University days where he was known for his doggedness and resillience. A trait that propeled him to serve as Financial Secretary, National Union of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS) RSUST chapter.

Political Career:
He sojourn into politics started in 2007 when he served as Personal Assistant to the then Petroleum Task Force Chairman, Hon. Kuromioye Tekena (2007 - 2012).
As a staunch Ijaw Youth that believes in the ideals of late Adaka Boro, he saw the need to have a formidable voice for a better Niger Delta and an all inclusive Government at all levels.
With regards to the above, he founded a United front in the guise of "I PLEDGE FOR A BETTER NIGER DELTA" to drive the Ijaw struggle message to all quaters.
His zeal and dedication to service preceded him and he was appointed Youth Coordinator Directorate of Youth Mobilisation in the Henry Seriake Dickson Governorship campaign organization (2011).
He was appointed Member & Coordinator of the Bayelsa State Youth Development Committee in 2012 and in recognition of his immense contribution he was promoted to Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State in 2015. A feat that did not come as a suprise because he is a man that always put in his best wherever he finds himself.
In 2016, He served as Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroot Mobilization and once again, he was promoted to Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroot Mobilisation and Orientation.
Due to his undisputed loyalty and dedication to service, His Excellency Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson found him worthy to continue in service and he was appointed Special Adviser to the Governor in 2019.

Clever Inodu is A Man of his Words, A Visionary and Progressive Youth Leader of Sterling Example. He is a bridge builder, a passionate and a trialblazer of inestimable value, Tested and trusted, a brave and fearless leader worthy of emulation and experience reckoned with humility and pragmatism.

Drawing from the above and having found him worthy of the meritorious positions he has served, I find him worthy to continue to serve our dear State as he is blessed with an extraordinary capacity to deliver in leadership positions.
Lets keep our fingers crossed.
Long live Bayelsa!

Student union leaders drawn from some institutions in Bayelsa State, has endorsed the aspiration of Comrade Egba Raphael Micah, in his bid to represent students in the central zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

The endorsement was made known on Monday, after the aspirant purchased his nomination form to contest as students representative in the council, in the July 18 election.

Speaking during the endorsement, Comrade Atti Moses, a student leader and campaign director to Egba Micah, enjoined students in the state, to believe in the leadership qualities of the aspirant, stressing that he’s an experienced scholar and advanced student leader who will impact positively to young minds.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Bayelsa axis, of the National Association of Nigerian students (NANS), Comrade Kenneth Jacob, reiterated the need for Micah as students representative in the IYC.

According to Jacob, Micah’s emergence will resuscitate the students community as well as introducing the contemporary ijaw affairs to students in the zone.

Comrade Fesin Ebiola, of the National Union of Bayelsa State students (NUBSS), federal university, Otueke noted that Egba Micah’s representation will bring substantial and quality progress to the students in the central zone.

Micah, an alumni of the Niger Delta University, while thanking the student leaders for the endorsement also pledged not to disappoint them if elected.

By Reginald Tobin

There can't be any better way to see the emergence of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, as 5th executive governor of Bayelsa State than a “miracle”. Following the result as announced by INEC, governor Douye Diri was badly defeated during the November 16th governorship election in Bayelsa State, winning only two out of the eight local government areas of the state. A man who may have lost hope in becoming the state governor and was ready to face his old job as the senator representing Bayelsa central senatorial district in the National Assembly.

It came as a surprise to everyone in Bayelsa, I think even to Governor Diri himself, that on 13th February 2020, just some hours before the swearing in of Chief David Lyon, the man who had given him heavy blows during the election to emerge governor elect, was a Supreme Court ruling disqualifing Senator Biobarakuma Degi, the running mate to David Lyon who had also become the deputy governor elect.

The disqualification came from the side of Lyon's deputy, but since it was a joint ticket, Lyon was affected and all hopes of him becoming governor of the state came to a sad end.

Following governor Diri's heavy loss during the election, as he could only win two local governments out of eight, the argument of Governor Diri meeting the required vote spread to become the next man as stated in the judgment and in the electoral act, sprang up among various people in the state.

However, on 14th February 2020, the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) put that argument to rest as the Commission issued a certificate of return to Governor Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewrhujakpo. Governor Diri and his deputy also took the oath of allegiance to serve as governor and deputy on the same day. It all happened like a miracle, didn't it? in this regard, the title “miracle governor” was given.

Having been disqualified by the Supreme Court, the APC in Bayelsa State decided to challenge the ruling of Justice Mary Odili, by seeking a review of the earlier judgment, but it still didn't change anything, as their attempt ended in futility and was thrown out. It had come to the final end for the APC in Bayelsa State and David Lyon.

After the swearing in of governor Diri, he was under scrutiny by the people, especially by members of the main opposition party in the state who were watching out for loopholes to criticize the governor. But governor Diri was quietly doing well, especially in the civil service as he started clearing backlog pensions owed by his predecessors. He has also made sure civil servants in the state receive salary alert when due.

Due to the governors consistency in the payment of salaries and pension, the narrative about him began to change. Those who earlier criticized his candidature because of their perceptions that he would become a stooge to his principal, the immediate past governor of the state, saw a different man.

Governor Diri, in a meeting with traditional rulers in state had said that pensions had not been payed since 2008 and this is not good for a state like Bayelsa which depends heavily on civil service salary and retirement benefits for retirees.

The governor's seriousness in paying pensioners speaks volume of a man who cares about the elderly in the state who have worked and deserve to enjoy the benefits of their labour. The governor also said that he has an old father who is also a pensioner, therefore he cannot allow them suffer. The governor in that meeting also spoke about an old retiree who received his pension of over 2million naira and thought the money was paid into a wrong account as he never believed he could eat his pension while alive.

That is to say that governor Diri's emergence is also a miracle for pensioners and workers in the state or you can choose to say God has remembered them by sending Governor Diri their way. Imagine people who have not received pension since 2008, suddenly receiving it in bulk after twelve years, It really is a miracle.

But that is not all, as the governor has also demonstrated true leadership in the fight against the sudden coronavirus pandemic which hit the grounds of Nigeria in February. The governor with wisdom, leadership, team work and maturity had fought the disease to see that Bayelsa records one of the fewest cases in Nigeria. All these, the governor did quietly without making so much noise like his counterparts in other states.

Governor Diri, has also rolled out some miraculous plans for Bayelsa State, one of which include the construction of a flyover at the Tombia area of Yenagoa, the state's capital. A standard flyover which will justify the true meaning of what is called a “flyover” and the first of its kind in the state, among other things he has started and plans to finish soon.

Not long ago, governor Diri marked his first 100 days in office, and all of these that he has achieved within the short period is undoubtedly a clear sign that he has come to bring development to the state.

The governor has however impressed the people of Bayelsa state and has gained the respect of Bayelsans and Nigerians, as they now believe that he has not come as a figure head that will only take instructions from the immediate past governor, but to govern the people.

With a good start, we all believe that governor Diri will continue in his exceptional style of leadership for the good of Bayelsa State.

Truly, there is no better way to celebrate 61 as governor Diri clocks this sweet age in a miraculous time of his life.

Reginald Tobin is a student and writer from Bayelsa State.

The Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Bayelsa State axis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has passed a vote of confidence on the administration of Engr. Simbi Wabote, as Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Chairman of the committee, Comrade Kenneth Jacob, who gave the commendation in a statement on Monday, said the board, under the leadership of Engr. Simbi Wabote, has recorded milestone achievements in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region.

The committee, while enjoining the people of Bayelsa State and Niger Delta to support the NCDMB, also appealed to President Buhari, for the subsequent reappointment of Simbi Wabote as Executive Secretary of the Board.


The statement reads, “Wabote deserves the support and encouragement of the people of the Niger Delta and Bayelsa State, in particular, to enable him transform the entire Nigerian oil and gas industry dominated by foreign content with Nigerian content.“People should focus more on collective gains rather than individual gains so that our region will not continue to wallow in poverty in the mist of plenty.

“Amidst cheap blackmails and sponsored attacks, the Students Body comprising of over 80% of youths pass a vote of confidence on the Executive Secretary of the board, Engr. Simbi K. Wabote and call for his subsequent reappointment for the following reasons:

1. Completion of the 17-story building headquarters of the NCDMB office complex in Yenagoa;

2. The acquisition of equity in the 12,000 barrel per day Azikel Refinery and the 5,000 barrel per day Waltersmith and Petrochemical Company Limited modular refineries;

3. Reduction of expatriate participation in the oil industry by 80 percent.

4. The ongoing construction of oil and gas industrial park in Cross Rivers and Bayelsa States;

5. The leasing of NCDMB land to Shell Gas Nigeria for the production of domestic gas;

6. The construction of 25 megawatts independent power project in conjunction with the Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

7. The training of hundreds of youths, most of whom have been employed within and outside the country and all these achievements translate to employment generation for Nigerian Students after graduation.

“Going forward, the board is doing tremendously well under his watch as Executive Secretary and for the sake of posterity we lend our voices to this plea as silence is not always golden.

“Consequently, we appeal to the president Buhari led federal government not to withdraw their trust on the son of the soil, and consider his reappointment as there is no need to change a winning team.

“We wish to state clearly, that our submission is for the common good of all and the growth of the board most importantly.”

To economically tackle the wide spread of covid-19 in the country, Youth Activist, Comrade Atti Moses, has called on the Bayelsa State government to begin the production of hand sanitizers with locally made gin, best known as “kai kai” which is mostly produced in the area.

Moses, who made this call in a statement issued by his media assistant, Reginald Tobin, on Thursday said the state should see the present challenge as an advantage to help the world by producing and selling what can be used to prevent the pandemic.

Speaking on the alleged acceptance of alcohol to fight the disease, Moses explained that the locally made gin apart from being hand sanitizers can also be a remedy to covid-19 if subjected to proper laboratory investigations.

According to him “In every problem or demand in the world, every state has a comparative advantage and the problem currently facing the world has taken thousands of lives in less than a week and this calls for concern of all citizens of the world.

“There has being a wide acceptance of alcohol as a preventive liquid in the control of the dreaded corona virus, and this has being recommended by many nations of the world, and I also think that the products of this particular tropical trees will not only be effective has sanitizers but also a treatment for the disease if proper laboratory investigations are being carried out by scientists.”

He appealed to global solution seekers, investors and individuals to patronize the locally made gin produced in Bayelsa.

He also appealed to the state government not to jettison the idea of locally made alcohol in the fight against the virus as it can also be a source of employment for people living in the rural areas.

"Therefore i am appealing to global solution seekers, investors ,individuals to patronize the locally made gin in Bayelsa State Nigeria and i'm also calling on the state government to look at that direction and i bet you we will be remembered for our contribution in the control and treatment of corona virus.

“This will also serve as a Source of Employment to our people living in the rural communities,” He added.

Cross Rivers State Governor, Professor Benedict Ayade, has appointed music manager and CEO of Made Men Music Group, Ubi Ekapong Ofem, popularly known as Ubi Franklin, as his Special Adviser on Tourism.
https://www.ourtory247.com/2020/01/ayade-appoints-music-manager-ubi.html?m=1

By Reginald Tobin

A Youth and Student Advocate in Bayelsa State, Comrade Atti Moses, has warned against excluding ex agitators from government appointments in the state, noting that any attempt to do so will be a deliberate form of victimizing them.

Moses, in a statement issued on Wednesday, faulted the assertions of an ex Niger Delta Agitator, Paul Eris, popularly known as Ogunboss, who warned the Bayelsa State Governor elect, David Lyon, against appointing ex militants as commissioners, as well as giving them several appointments in his administration.

According to him, governance is a collective responsibility, which requires everyone to serve in their best capacity, irrespective of size and handwork.

Moses, noted that ex agitators can play their roles in enhancing governance, as those who are intellectually qualified should be called to service.

He said “Governance and public administration covers a wide range of prospects and agents including the spiritual and physical aspects and behaviors of agents. Hence, excluding Ex agitators in the State Executive Council and subsidiary appointments and responsibility is a deliberate attempt to victimize Ex agitators by limiting them to only elective positions.

“Governance is a collective responsibility, it therefore means that all hands must be on deck irrespective of size or handwork. Ex agitator are also part of governance, They should be called to service in any capacity if intellectually qualified. ex agitates are not dummies and just gun Shooters, we have a lot of them who are well educated in literature, Agriculture, Science and technology, Politics and Arts etc.”

Moses, appealed that ex militants should be recruited and appointed into offices where they can be useful in serving Bayelsa State, such as the State Volunteers and Vigilantes services.

“I hereby make this submission that there are specific areas in Bayelsa State that Ex agitators can function at their full capacity especially in relations to their social appellation and a few of those areas are the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service and the Bayelsa State Volunteers,” Moses Added.

By Reginald Tobin

Ahead of the November 16 Governorship election in Bayelsa State, A youth advocate in the State, Comrade Atti Moses, has called on youths to shun electoral violence and see each other as members of the same family, stating that no election is worth the blood of anyone.

Read more at
https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/11/youth-advocate-calls-for-violent-free.html?m=1

By David Aribima

Lawmaker and Deputy Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Honourable Major Jack, has hailed the victory of Governor Nyesom Wike, at the Apex Court.

The lawmaker, while speaking after the ruling in Port Harcourt on Friday, described the judgment of the Apex court as a landmark victory for the people of Rivers State.

He said "This is a victory long awaited. I have stated it many times before that the voice of Rivers people will always prevail.

"I want to congratulate our leader the Governor, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for a victory well deserved. This is indeed another victory for Rivers people."

Jack, commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, by striking out the suit filed by the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Mr. Biokpomabo Awara, who had asked the Supreme Court to declare him winner of the March 9 governorship election in Rivers State.

He further called on the people of the state and beyond, to support the governor Wike led administration in moving Rivers State foward.

"The Governor has proven himself worthy of our mandate. Now that we have nothing more to fight over, I call on all Rivers people and the good people of Nigeria to join Wike in building the Rivers State of our dream," Jack Added.

By Reginald Tobin, Yenagoa

In line with the forth coming governorship election in Bayelsa State, a youth group of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, has called on youths in Bayelsa, to work together, stating that the youths have a role to play in the practice of Nigeria's democracy.

The group which can be identified as Diri/Lawrence Youth project, made this call in a statement issued by Comrade Atti Moses, Deputy Director General of the group on Friday.

Atti, in his statement said the youths are meant to be among the decision makers in the country, as that can only happen when they work as like minds.

He said “We as Youths of Bayelsa State we have a very Critical role to Play in ensuring that the true tenets of democracy is being Practiced, hence we have to be among the decision makers and this can only be achieved when we are like minds.”

The statement also endorsed the candidature of Senator Douye Diri, PDP gubernatorial candidate in Bayelsa State, and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewrujiakpo for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Atti commended the PDP for bringing the duo as the party's candidate and running mate in the state, describing them as the right candidates for the state.

“It is time to elect a new Governor in Bayelsa State we are calling On all Bayelsans to choose the right Candidates and the Right Candidates are No other Persons than Sen. Douye Diri and Lawrence Ewrujiakpor for Governor and Deputy Governor Come November 16 2019,” Atti said.

He Further called on everyone with the ambition of governing the state, to support the project of Senator Douye Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewrujiakpo.

"All those Contesting for same office with good ideologies should be ready to key into the Prosperity Project of Sen. Diri Douye and Sen . Lawrence Ewrujiakpor, ” He added.

Atti, however lauded the DG of Diri/Lawrence Youth Project Barrister Igbeta Ayibakuro and the entire Leadership for mobilizing the Grassroot for PDP.

Some persons suspected to be political thugs of the All Progressive Congress(APC) in Bayelsa State, during a rally on Saturday, vandalised a vehicle belonging to Comrade Atti Moses, a PDP chieftain in the state, as well as catering away with some properties belonging to him.

Chief David Lyon, Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress(APC) in Bayelsa State, had visited the state on Saturday, 28 September, with supporters of the party in the state rallying around to welcome him.

It was gathered that some persons, who were suspected to be thugs hired by the APC for the rally in the state, were not given their due as promised by the party, which resulted to vandalism and street robbery by this aggrieved persons.

The incident, however left the vehicle of Comrade Atti Moses a Special Assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Student Affairs and others vandalised.

Comrade Atti Moses, a staunch supporter of the PDP, and founder of the PDP students' wing, who will be organising a campaign known as Street2Street campaign for Senator Douye Diri, gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in Bayelsa State, has expressed sadness over the ugly outcome of the rally by the opposition party in the state, which left his vehicle vandalised and robbed.

Gubernatorial candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has been honoured as the most articulate member of the Nigerian National Assemby, by the Bayelsa Youth Leadership Award.

Read more at

https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/09/pdp-guber-candidate-bags-youth.html?m=1

Read more at:

https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/09/we-will-win-kogi-and-bayelsa-polls.html?m=1

A secondary school boy has been struck to death by thunderbolt in Emure Ekiti. The incident which occurred at the early hours of Saturday has thrown the community into mourning.

Read more at:

https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/08/breaking-thunderbolt-strikes-boy-to.html?m=1

The World assembly of youths (WAY) will partner with a youth leader in Bayelsa State, Comrade Atti J Moses to mark the 2019 edition of the United Nations International Youth day in the state and also to host the 3rd edition of the Bayelsa youth leadership award.

Read more at

https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/08/way-partners-with-bayelsa-youth-leader.html?m=1

Former Minister for Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode, has said that he will move the motion for the independence of the Oduduwa people from the Nigerian rule.

Read more at
https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/06/i-shall-move-for-oduduwas-independence.html?m=1

Read more at
https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/06/discipline-members-involved-in.html?m=1

The People Democratic Party (PDP) students' wing in Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, have congratulated the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Imo State governor, Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and all PDP governors on inauguration.

The students' wing congratulated the governors in a statement issued by its coordinator, Reginald Tobin on Wednesday.

The students' wing tasked all governors under the umbrella of the PDP to exhibit the best style of leadership to their people.

The students' wing urged all 1st term governors to govern in their best capacity, as to uphold the high standard and good name of the party, rather than bringing the party to ridicule.

They also urged all PDP governors to continue to support the cause of students' advocacy in politics, and carry the students' along in their respective states.

Read more at
https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/05/our-children-our-most-important.html?m=1

Nollywood actress Tonto Dike is organising a 2.8km walk tour in Abuja for the elimination of drug abuse and human trafficking.

Dike in a post on Instagram said the walk which will take place at 1 pm is scheduled to take off from Aguiyi Ironsi Street to the SENSITIZATION ground @ THE JUNKYARD, RIVER PLATE NIG Garden, Abuja.

https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/05/tonto-dikeh-organises-walk-tour-for.html?m=1

Operatives of Benue state Police Command have uncovered another firearms manufacturing site at Ikache village in Oju local government area of the state, recovering locally fabricated fire arms at different levels of completion while the alleged arms manufacturer, 37 year old father of five, Orohu Akodi was also appended.

This is coming about two months after troops of the military spike operation in the state code named ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’ uncovered a similar plant in Logo local government area of the state.

Parading the arms manufacturer yesterday in Makurdi alongside 18 other robbery and kidnap suspects arrested with over 30 different caliber of firearms and live ammunitions in various parts of the state, the Police Commissioner Mr. Garba Mukaddas said the suspect was arrested following a tip off.

“We gathered information that he manufactures prohibited fire arms and supplies same to criminals. Our investigation led to his arrest and a search in his house led to the recovery of three assorted live ammunition, two empty shells of expended ammunition and parts of locally made guns,” Mukaddas said.

The alleged arms manufacturer in his confessional statement to reporters said, “I have been in the business of manufacturing guns for over seven years though I hardly stay at home, I always travel to Lagos because my family reside there.

“Most of the guns I made were for people from Cross River State. When they had their crisis sometime back, some of the people needed guns and they approached me to manufacture for them I did and I sold each to them for as low as N7,000.”

The Police Commissioner assured that the Command would carry out thorough investigation into the respective cases of the suspects and arraign them accordingly.

Meanwhile the command has flagged off “Operation Puff Adder” in the state to tackle incidences of kidnappings and criminality with a charge on the populace, religious and traditional leaders, youth groups and cooperative unions to join the fight against heinous crimes in the state.

https://www.ourtory247.com/2019/05/police-uncover-another-arms.html?m=1

By Timbiri Ebitimi J Eberibe

Let me start with the famous inaugural speech of the youngest elected president of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy in January 20th 1961, says:
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man”.

The above quotation is imperative to set the centre stage of our discourse today. Voluntarism and patriotism are two mutually inclusive concepts required for any nation to achieve accelerated national development.

Volunteerism is the policy or practice of volunteering one’s own time or services, for charitable or community works. It is to offer to do something without being forced to do it or without getting paid for it. The essence of volunteering is to help those in need. Statistics shows that more than one billion people volunteer globally. Volunteerism is multi-sectoral depending on the policy needs of a targeted society. In 1985, the United Nations designated December 5th annually as the International observance day to celebrate the power and potentials of volunteers. It is a day for volunteer organizations and volunteers to raise awareness of and gain understanding for the contributions they make to their communities.
Patriotism is the act of supporting the values set forth in the constitution, helping to ensure that everybody regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion has the opportunity to enjoy the democratic freedoms of our nation. Patriotism means having a love of and devotion for one’s country. It means being responsible for your family, your community and all levels of government with your willingness to work, to volunteer, to pay your share of taxes etc. It is also the love of your country and willingness to defend it as well as reaching out to embrace others in time of need. Our military veterans and those serving now loved their country enough to volunteer their selfless services to the nation. They are the living definition of patriotism, not those that attempted to enact unpopular and unpatriotic laws such as the recent Bayelsa State House of Assembly Pension Bill that was declined assent by the executive governor.
Volunteerism and patriotism has similar attributes and are both linked to each other. The twin concepts takes conviction of heart, intellect and caring for a particular cause or idea and it is done mostly without personal or financial gains. Volunteerism is an act of patriotism and is the vehicle by which a person can be patriotic. The both conceptual analysis is anchored on demonstrating affections and caring for people’s burden and it is biblical.
1 John 3:18 says: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”.
Also Galatians 6:2 says: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”.
However, some factors are responsible for low tendency to volunteerism and patriotism by citizens particularly young people. For the purpose of the scope of this presentation, they are as follows, flawed leadership and fellowship, get rich quick syndrome, non-compliance to civic duties and obligations, faulty value system, absence of volunteer motivation and engagement. Sin is also a factor mitigating against the zeal to patriotism and volunteerism.
In 2 Chronicle 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”.
Also Proverbs 14:34 says “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”.
God admonishes nations to refrain from sin to better the lives of people in every nation.
Furthermore, youth development is the overall improvement of the welfare of young people and it is an integral part of our national development. We shall now consider some benefits of patriotism and volunteerism to youth and the growth of our nation.
1. INCREASE SELF CONFIDENCE: Volunteerism and patriotism increases self confidence, self esteem and life satisfaction. As a youth, you are doing good for others and the society, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment.
2. CONNECTS YOU WITH OTHERS: Volunteerism and patriotism connects you with others and helps you make new friends, expand your network and boost your social skills.
3. GENERATES WELLBEING: Volunteerism and patriotism makes specific contributions by generating wellbeing for people, communities and improves the quality of their lives.
4. MAKES GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE AND RESPONSIVE: Volunteers and true patriots play vital roles in making government worldwide more accountable and responsive to their citizens.
5. ADVANCES YOUR CAREER AND JOB SKILLS: Volunteerism and patriotism advances your career, job and civic skills to attach more importance to serving the public interest and to be more politically active.
6. ENHANCES PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH: Active involvement in volunteerism and patriotism enhances your physical and mental health, it is good for the mind and the body.
7. PRODUCTIVITY: Patriotism and volunteerism drives one’s incentives towards making positive contributions to their nation’s economic performance. Patriotic people work hard towards the economic prosperity of their country.
8. MOTIVATE SOCIETAL VALUES: Volunteerism and patriotism motivate societal values like justice, equality, freedom and the principles of servant leadership as expressed in the United Nations Charter. A society which supports and encourages volunteering and patriotic gestures is likely to be a society which also promotes the wellbeing of its citizens.
In conclusion, patriotism and volunteerism should not be ignored as part of youth development. Young people should be passionate and have positivity mindset to add value to their nation by volunteering and being patriotic. We must be focused, determined, hardworking, diligent, persevering, creative, productive and becoming spiritually conscious for God and our dear nation. As I take my leave, remember youth is a time frame, use it well.
1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity”.

Timbiri Ebitimi J Eberibe is a former member of the Nigerian youth parliament, and National youth council of Nigeria (NYCN) chairmanship aspirant, Bayelsa State.

Bayelsa guber: “We need a youth development advocate to be our next governor” Says Bayelsa youth leader

A youth leader in Bayelsa State, and member of the Nigerian youth parliament, Hon Atti Moses has said that Bayelsa State needs a youth development advocate as it's next Governor.

Atti, said this in a statement signed by his special assistant on media, Reginald Tobin, on Thursday.

In his statement, he stated that the youths are the engine room of development, and critical stakeholders of governance in any state or nation, but have been relegated to the background without any form of recognition or empowerment.

He said“ The youths of any given Nation or State is the engine room of development and critical stakeholders in governance. But on many occasions, they have been relegated to the background without any form of recognition or empowerment, and this has led to several uprising in many states and Bayelsa State is not an exception”

“We need a youth development advocate to be our next governor, and his blue print should be made public to attract critical analysis to test the pragmatic nature of his blue print that will go beyond utopian concept or a mere manifesto”

Atti also stated that the Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson has been an hardened agent of youth development in politics and education, and that it's pertinent for his successor to raise the bar.

“Bayelsa State will soon usher in her fifth Governor that will succeed His Excellency, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson who has been an hardened agent of youth development especially in the area of politics and education, and it's pertinent that his successor should raise the bar” Atti said.

The Bayelsa born youth leader also stated that youth leaders in the state should also be involved in other means of endeavor, such as entrepreneurship, communication technology, sports, entertainment, science and technology, agriculture and education. stating that politics alone cannot attract development to the state.

“There is a Stunted growth amongst Youth Leaders in Bayelsa State with Politics as its mainstream endeavour and this alone cannot attract development to the State. We need our Youths to be intellectually capacitated to venture into Entrepreneurship,Communication Technology,Sports and Entertainment,Science and technology,Agriculture and Education” He said

After a joint participation of over 500 youths from various universities, youth groups and local government areas in Bayelsa State, they all came to an observation that:

1. The twin challenges of youth in the state are ignorance and poverty.
2. That the education system in the state lacks enough deliverables.
3. That youth are not playing their proper roles in the society.
4. That youth are still allowing themselves to be used as thugs during elections.
5. That students are still engaging in drug abuse
6. That elected representatives are not engaging constituents in consultations to be abreast of their challenges.
7. That imposition of candidates on the electorate is a major hindrance to development and democracy.
8. That the youths lack job opportunities.
9. That scholarship must be given on merit to those who cannot afford fees.
10. That those in privileged positions are amassing the commonwealth to the detriment of the society.
11. That the youth and students are disadvantaged in policy formulation and implementation.

They also made some recommendations which are as follows:

1. That there is need for the youth to get it right now in order to make the desired impact on the state.
2. That there should be a declaration of a campaign against ignorance and poverty.
3. That the youth must make electoral choices for the growth and development of the state.
4. That the youth must shun drug abuse and get the best education possible while scholarships should be awarded on merit.
5. That they should shun all inducements in electing the best candidates during elections.
6. That Legislators must hold consultations with their constituents on the way forward as part of a bottom-top approach to the issue of development.
7. That the issue of imposition of candidates must be stopped.
8. That government must provide adequate opportunities for the youths.
9. Youths must be uncompromising in exterminating the negative effects of poor leadership in the state.
10. Students must use their population to lead a revolution to right the wrongs in the education system.
11. That the youth must also learn to be self reliant.

Signed:
Dr. Ekiyor Welson
Executive Director,
Coalition for Development and Democracy Bayelsa

A Senior special assistant to Gov Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Atti J Moses has presented a branded campaign car to a PDP house of assembly candidate in the state.

Atti presented the car to the campaign team of the PDP house of assembly candidate for Ekeremor constituency II, Mrs Grace Ekiottene Ayakpo, in Yenagoa, on Saturday.

Atti, while presenting the car described his action as a way of showing his support for the divine Grace candidacy. He also said the concept behind the move is for the car to be driven all round Yenagoa, and also at Ekeremor constituency II, to propagate the option of Honorable Grace Ayakpo on the forth coming house of assembly poll.

Grace Ayakpo while receiving the car expressed optimism and commended Atti for the move and confidence he has for her candidacy. Ayakpo also said that the car would go a long way in selling her to the people.

During the presentation, the PDP Chairman in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Pastor Okpeke Meeting, Chairman Ekeremor PDP Restoration Caucus, Chief TK Okorotie OFR, and Ebikebina Okorotie all commended the move, describing it as a definition of selfless service and also urged for the car to be driven to Ekeremor soon.

• Receives royal blessing from monarch

The Accord party candidate for Bayelsa East senatorial district of Bayelsa State, Silva Opuala Charles, has signed a memorandum of understanding and peace accord in Nembe Local government area of the state.

Opuala Charles signed the MoU on Wednesday 2, alongside candidates of different political parties from the local government area .

The MoU and peace accord was for the purpose of maintaining peace and ejecting violence in the community, before and after election.

The peace accord meeting was put in place by a peace accord and non violence committee, set up by the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, HE king Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru.

Opuala Charles before the peace accord, received a royal blessing from the Nembe monarch, the royal blessing was secured before the council of chiefs present at the palace of the monarch.

An aid to Gov. Henry Sariake Dickson, Atti J Moses has been named youth of the year, by the Bayelsa merit award.

The award ceremony held on December 22, at Trendy event centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Atti, an award winning youth leader, who has contributed immensely to youth development, was named youth of the year for the second time in 2018.

Atti, who is a member of the Nigerian youth parliament, A special assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor on student affairs, arguably the youngest political appointee in the Bayelsa State government, have organised numerous youth development programmes that are geared towards unifying enlightening and strengthening the youths of Bayelsa , and this he has done consistently.



Reginald Tobin

Special assistant to Hon. Atti J Moses on media.

• Re affirms government commitment to education

Special adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State on student affairs, Barr. Adigio Austin has said that the State government is ready and will always support students activities at all times.

Adigio said this while speaking with the Bayelsa State students management committee who paid a cordial visit to his office on Teusday 18.

Adigio commended the committee on their pro activeness to student matters and further encouraged them to continue engaging students and communicate government educational policies and programs to them.

The special adviser also congratulated the students on their new befitting secretariat to carry out their administrative activities, he also urged the students community to continuously support the PDP at all levels in the forth coming election, stating that the PDP presents a better alternative for the youths of the country.

Adigio however re affirmed the commitment of the government to students welfare, and the education of the youths at all level.

The committee led by the special assistant to the Governor on student affairs, Atti Moses, also briefed the special adviser on the recent happenings in the student community, and further proposed an interactive session between top government officials and student organization leaders.