PDP GOVERNORS' FORUM

 Former World and African champions are among top Nigerian players that will slug it out at the third edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship. The two-day event hosted by the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA) in Yenagoa, the state capital, is slated for July 8 and 9 at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall. The Governor’s tournament serves as the final preparation for the Nigerian contingent to the World Scrabble Championship holding in the United States from July 15. Expected to participate in the masters category are former world champion, Wellington Jighere, current African champion, Enoch Nwali, his compatriot and defending champion of the tournament, Nsikak Etim among other top-rated players such as Emmanuel Umujose, Eta Karo as well as Oshevire Avwenaghagha, who won in the first edition. Chairman of the BYSA, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the readiness to host the third edition with over 300 players from across the country expected to ...

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has disclosed plans by his government to launch palliatives to cushion the impact of subsidy removal, declaring his administration's readiness to make life easy for residents of Osun State.  Former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other stakeholders of the party also commended the Governor for robust performance and delivery of good governance in the last seven months. The Governor made the disclosure at a stakeholder meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its party's office in Osogbo on Friday, stressing his conviction to run a government that brings smile on the faces of the people. Governor Adeleke who appreciated leaders of the PDP for their support since assuming office, noted that his administration has been working in line with "our election promises and the agenda of the party." While detailing projects and interventions implemented so far recorded by his government in the health, educati...

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with the Speaker of the State's House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun on the occasion of this 38th birthday, describing him as a honest leader with great deal of patriotism. Governor Adeleke who extolled the Speaker's maturity and sound judgement in the administration of the state's legislative body, noted in a statement signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, that all he has for Rt. Hon. Egbedun is respect and great expectations. He said Rt. Hon. Egbedun has in the short while heading the state's legislature justified the overwhelming confidence reposed him, adding that he has every hope in the capacity of the Speaker to mobilize the House towards the progressive agenda of his administration. "I have observed the Speaker, Egbedun, for a very long time, and what I have come to realize about his person and passion for service, are a strong pointer to his exceptional leade...

The Government of Osun State is working on a plan to enroll contributory pensioners in the state health insurance scheme even as the Governor has issued a directive for the immediate payment of pension entitlement as planned in the template released earlier this year. The Governor dropped the hints while receiving leaders of thought who paid him a sallah homage, noting that he has received many representations from the pensioners, restating his determination to address their issues in line with his campaign promises. The Governor noted that the template released earlier this year on clearing of outstanding salaries and pensions is still in force and he subsequently directed the Head of Service to fast track the implementation by ensuring the payment of the pension arrears in line with the approved template. "The template was created with an eye on gradual clearing of the salary and pension debts. This was in recognition of the financial status of the state which is well documented...

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a special appeal to all who want to celebrate his upcoming birthday anniversary to channel all gifts and donations to the Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy, for children with special needs in Edo State.  In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, said, “As His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki has maintained that his priority as a leader is to aid the vulnerable in society, he is using this opportunity to encourage all well-wishers to actively participate in supporting this cause. “With a heart for every child’s development, Governor Obaseki wishes to contribute to the success of the Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy which has demonstrated excellent capacity in the development of children with special needs.”  He added, “The Governor thanks all Nigerians, particularly the good people of Edo State, for their kind wishes and urges all to participate in this unique celebration to...

 Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described as sad the passing of a former acting Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Nestor Binabo. Hon. Binabo, who was acting Governor for a brief period between January 27 and February 14, 2012, passed on Thursday morning after a protracted illness. He also held other political offices, including being a Commissioner for Youth and Conflict Resolution, Deputy Speaker, Acting Speaker and Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly. Governor Diri in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said Binabo was a grassroots politician and will be greatly missed in the politics of the state. He also said Binabo contributed his quota to the development of the state and left at God’s ordained time, having battled to stay alive. Dir urged his immediate and political families to accept his demise as the will of God and be consoled by his great impact in the politics and development of the state. He equally prayed Go...

 Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid Mubarak festival, which honours the virtuous and heroic deed of Prophet Abraham in following Allah's (SAW) command. The Governor urged Tarabans and all Nigerians to learn from this season's teachings by being obedient, tolerant, exhibiting love, peace, and sacrifice in order to create a new society which we can all be proud and which is free from sentiment and division. Agbu further encourages Tarabans of all faiths to join him in the effort to create a new Taraba, which is feasible if everyone exhibits affection and embraces one another as taught by the two major religions. The Governor enjoined all Tarabans to pray for the state, the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and  create a new Nigeria that everyone can be proud of.  The Governor explains that as he executes development plans for the improvement of the state, he  acknowledges the ...

The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, wants Muslim faithful to praise Allah for graciously sparing their lives to witness yet another  Eid-el-Kabir celebration. According to the Governor in his Sallah message to the state, “the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, as we all know, is observed annually by Muslims to commemorate the spiritual sacrifice made by Prophet Abraham who, in total submission to the will of Allah, answered the  Divine call to sacrifice his only son, Prophet Ismail. It is incumbent on the Muslim Ummah to  observe the highest spiritual sacrifice ever made in observance of Divine injunction.” The Governor disclosed that the “occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir should be used to reflect on how we have fared morally and spiritually during the last one year so as to take corrective measures, where necessary, for us  to be amongst the believers who will enjoy the mercies of Allah in the hereafter.” Bala explained that as a religion, Islam propagates total...

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, joyously launched  454 houses as part of the Labondo Local Integration Project, designed to provide shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state. The housing units were constructed through the collaborative efforts of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the Central Emergency Fund (CERF), the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF), and other partners. During the launching ceremony held in Labondo today, June 27, 2023, at Girei Local Government Area, Governor Fintiri emphasized the quality, strength, and durability of the houses, assuring that they were built to withstand the test of time. He highlighted the project’s holistic nature, which not only includes housing but also focuses on enhancing education and healthcare, among other problems addressed by his administration. The Governor thanked the development partners for their unwavering commitment, perseverance, and dedication to the successful completion ...

...Assures On Peaceful Co-existence In Bayelsa Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, congratulates the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and particularly in the state on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The Bayelsa governor in a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, urged Muslim adherents to use the opportunity of the festival to renew their faith in the Creator and in the unity of our country. Governor Diri noted that Eid-el-Kabir is a feast of love, selflessness and sacrificial giving, calling on Muslims and other citizens in Bayelsa to continue to live in peace and brotherliness. He said his administration has guaranteed peaceful co-existence in the state and ensured that the right environment was created for business and work no matter your religion or where you are from. He said: “Love is the highest form of virtue. The Eid-el-Kabir celebration is a time to reflect on and manifest it.  “I urge our Muslim brothers to renew their faith in God Almighty...

 ...Bayelsa Gov Mulls Floating Fund For Graduates Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri’s re-election bid received a boost on Monday as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Union of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS) endorsed him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for a second term. They gave the endorsement at the first-ever students summit in the state organised by the Bayelsa State Students Management Committee.  The aim of the summit is to equip students with entrepreneurial skills. Speaking on behalf of the students, President of the NUBSS Worldwide, Dennis Ebobra, said the endorsement was as a result of the Governor's developmental projects not only in the education sector but in virtually all sectors. Ebobra said their support was to reciprocate the huge investment of the Diri administration in education and that they will ensure the Governor returns to office to continue with his good policies for the sector and the state. A...

 The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has paid June salaries of workers and pensioners in Edo State ahead of the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations. In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, said: “The Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has paid June salary of workers and pensions, in line with the government’s policy of meeting its salary obligations before or on the 26th of every month." “The Governor, as always, prioritises the welfare of workers and has continued to demonstrate this by ensuring that salaries and pension are paid as and when due." “Workers in Edo State received their salaries today, June 26th. Pensioners have also been paid. This will enable Muslim faithful across the state to have uninterrupted Eid-El-Kabir celebration." “The economy is in dire straits and it is only proper that workers are paid in time to enable them to do necessary shopping ahead of the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.” He noted ...

Governor Caleb  Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State on Monday attended the commencement of sitting of the Governorship election petition tribunal in Jos. The petitioners are challenging the Governor's overwhelming victory at the 18 March, 2023 Governorship election. Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who arrived the court room at about 8:30am ahead of the sitting, exchanged pleasantries with party loyalists, learned slik across parties, as well as his well wishers. His presence at the tribunal was greeted with cheers by the members of the audience with many bursting into songs and dances. The Governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel  Nanchang Jatau, Attorney  General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Philimon Daffi, Chief of Staff Government House, Engr. Jeremiah Satmark, Executive Private Secretary, Mr. Moses Nwan, and top PDP stalwarts. Director of Press and Public Affairs to Executive Governor of Plateau State  26th June, 2023.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday extolled the virtues of King Christian Atani Okpofaa Otobotekere, the late Amananaowei (king) of Tombia community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state. Governor Diri who spoke during the monarch’s funeral service at Our Saviour's Anglican Church, Tombia- Ekpetiama, said he not only impacted his family, but also his community, clan, state and the country. The late king, who died at 98 years, is father of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Dame Didi Walson-Jack. A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that life was so ephemeral that “98 years of our father looked like a few years ago.” “If it were our wish, we would have loved this poet, author, traditional ruler and father to stay longer. But we are just mortals." "We celebrate the life and times of a man who has not only impacted his family but also his community, clan, state and...

...Seeks Review Of Act  Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has advocated an amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in order to address the flaws in the legislation. Governor Diri also said the review would go a long way in tackling the ongoing crisis between oil companies and their host communities. Describing the Act as a time bomb, the Governor emphasised that since the country operates a federal system of government, it was an aberration for the Federal Government to deal directly with oil producing communities while excluding the states and local governments. Senator Diri stated this on Tuesday when the new Commander of the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Eugenio Ferreira, and other officers paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa. A press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted the Governor as saying that the oil producing states and the local governments were now being called upon to inte...

 ... commends Tompolo for influencing the ADRC to the Niger Delta region His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State Monday handed over the newly built Finance building to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission(NUPRC) as a temporary office. NUPRC is part of Alternative Dispute Resolution to resolve disputes in oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta region. At the hand over, Governor Diri commended Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo for, having heard of the relocation of the ADRC, and influencing it to Bayelsa State, stating that, he has displayed nationalism in the highest form to the people of the Niger Delta region. "This building was designed and tagged as the building meant for the Ministry of Finance and it was completed on record time. And so, the Ministry of Finance was preparing and warming up to pack into their new building.  However, within the same period, I received a letter from the NUPRC requesting an office space fo...

-Pledges Partnership with Donor Agencies Governor Bala Mohammed has said his administration will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in ensuring that the health sector in the state is revamped for sustainable growth and development. He stated this while flagging off the distribution of 4.4million free insecticide treated nets. The Governor appreciated the donor partners for their continuous support and charged relevant agencies responsible for the distribution exercise to ensure they reach out to people across the state. The state First Lady, Hajia Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, who doubles as the state net ambassador appreciated Governor Bala Mohammed for his support and urged women to turn out en masse at various health care centers to obtain the nets for themselves and their children. USAID Country Director represented by Mr. Kola Sheniyi, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and the Executive Chairman BACATMA Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, all lauded the Governor's effort...

 It was a gathering of ‘who-is-who’ in the society as former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Sunday, supported by family members, associates, friends and colleagues from all walks of life converged at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Rumuepirikon to celebrate his eight-year tenure as Governor. The thanksgiving Church service was graced by captains of industries, notable politicians amongst them Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, clergy, traditional rulers and well wishers. At the event, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo Olu representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by 30 honourable members, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former and serving Governors praised and thanked God for his faithfulness in the life of Wike, most especially on his meritorious service for the State and Nation. While testifying to ...

 … insists nation must prioritize agriculture, production to drive growth, devt …pledges to sustain reforms, partnerships to create wealth, achieve food security The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the nation spends about half a billion dollars annually on the importation of dairy products, reiterating the need for the country to refocus on agriculture and production to drive economic growth and development. The Governor said this when he received a team of Heifer International, who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City. He noted that his government is prioritizing agricultural production, sustaining investment in the sector to boost the state’s economy, tackle food insecurity and create wealth for citizens. According to him, “We have a small State of about five million people, 70 percent of the people are under the age of 35 years, and need to make them know and understand that we don't have the dollars to import food anymore as Nigeria s...