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Tuesday 3 September 2013

On 2:41 am by Bayelsa News Update   No comments

3rd September, 2013 - 25 CONTESTANTS READY TO SLUG IT OUT AS MISS VIP NIGERIA HITS FINAL STAGE, GRAND FINALE SET FOR SEPTEMBER 28

So many hopes are currently raised high with media frenzy filling the skies. No pageantry is receiving much attention right now other than the prestigious ‘MISS VIP NIGERIA’ as it has reached its grand finale. 25 girls from different states are ready to slug it out for the Grand Prize of 1 Million Naira * in cash , a brand New KIA Rio, * A chance to represent Nigeria at the United Nations pageantry contest, *a 1 year Modelling contract, * an all-expense paid Trip to Ghana, * Strong campaign on Girl-child Education and Malaria sensitization.

The Participating states are Bayelsa state, Delta state, Rivers state, Edo state, Enugu , Akwa Ibom, Cross-River, Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Abia, Imo, Abuja, Benue, Kogi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Kano, Sokoto, Plateau and Oyo state. They (contestants) are to jostle for 3 crowns – Miss VIP Nigeria, Miss VIP Tourism, Miss VIP Culture.

The finale is due to hold at Banquet Hall of the Bayelsa State Government House on the 28th of September.
Special Guests billed for the gracious occasion includes the incumbent Commissioner of Culture, Dr Felix Tuodolo; DG Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency, Mrs Ebizi Brown; CEO ISIS Model and Organiser of Nigeria Next Super Model, Mrs Joan Okorodudu. SSA to the Bayelsa state Govt on talent development. Hon Mrs helen Bob. And beauty Celebrities.

This is the Second Edition of the only pageantry that focuses basically on inner beauty with no bikini raid. This event is supported by the Bayelsa State Government . Mall for Africa and Atlantic Choice Hotel. Media Partners include AIT, NDTV, Radio Bayelsa, Royal FM*.

According to the Organiser, Pereye Okorowanta of PFlamez Entertainment, - The 2013 edition will be choreographed in a unique and creative style and will be the 1st of its kind in Nigeria. He termed it ‘the contest of Champions’.


Monday 2 September 2013

On 5:16 am by Bayelsa News Update   No comments
May their Souls Rest in Peace


No fewer than 24 youth volunteers popularly known as Civilian JTF were killed yesterday when Boko Haram insurgents ambushed the vigilance group in Monguno, northern Borno. Sources also said many of the volunteers are still missing.

A police source hinted that the tragic incident occurred following a counter insurgency mission embarked upon by the Civilian JTF in Boko Haram camps around Kaleri, Shuwari, Maganari and Nannari villages in the Monguno Local Government Area. But the mission took a sad turn when the insurgents in a military vehicle ambushed the youths.

“The vigilante youths numbering over 100 were on a mission to smoke out some Boko Haram men but they were ambushed by the insurgents. About 24 people may have died while about 36 were still missing.

“There was an initial arrangement with military troops that they will accompany the vigilante youths to the Boko Haram camps but the youths had to leave after endless waiting. Because the military did not surface, they moved to Monguno in a convoy of about five vehicles but the armed Boko Haram who disguised in army camouflage and a captured military patrol confused the vigilante youths to think they were military troops. They just opened fire on the young men while many others fled,” one of the volunteers who could not make the trip to Monguno disclosed in Maiduguri.

Spokesman of the defunct Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt Col Sagir Musa and the Police Public Relations (PPRO), Jibril Gideon could not be reached as at press time.

Source: sunnewsonline.com

Sunday 1 September 2013

On 5:35 pm by Bayelsa News Update   No comments
Bayelsa State government yesterday dispelled rumours that the 45-year-old iron bridge linking the Igbogene and Okoloibiri communities in Yenagoa local government area of the state has collapsed, saying it was only shut down to motorists due to noticeable defects.

The State Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Vincent Jack, had been quoted as confirming the collapse of the bridge, stating that his men were engaged in rescue effort at the scene.

But the Bayelsa government, through the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Lawrence Erudjakpo, said the reported collapse was not true.

“Let me confirm to you that we got a report on the defective nature of the bridge and the possible threat of collapse. We quickly asked the construction firm working in the area to shut down the bridge from motorists. If you go there, you will see that it is still been used by pedestrians but not motorists,” he said.

The narrow bridge, used by the community and motorists traveling in and outside the state, was built by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the late 60s to enhance its exploration activity at the Ekelebo oil well in Okolobiri.

Friday 30 August 2013

On 2:34 am by Bayelsa News Update   No comments

Police declare Agip Surveillance contractor wanted over kidnap of Five Dredging workers

The Bayelsa Police Command yesterday declare a 37 years old Surveilance Contractor with Agip Oil Company in the Nembe Area of Bayelsa State,Mr. Inemor Worikumo-Lemec as the mastermind of the last week kidnap of Five Dredging Company Workers at Opuama community in Southern Ijaw Area of the State.

According to the Bayelsa Police Commissioner of Police, Mr.Hillary Okpara, though the 22 years old Female Friend and two other Kidnap gang members involved in the abduction of the Five Dredging Worker are in police custody,the anti-kidnapping squad of the Police is on the trail of the mastermind.

According to the Police,the alleged mastermind,Inemor Worikumo-Lemec is a Former Militant undergoing Amnesty Training, a Surveillance Contractor with the Agip Oil Company and operates a Fishing Camp at in Bayelsa State

Monday 4 February 2013

On 12:16 am by Bayelsa News Update   No comments
Governor Seriake Dickson’s Special Adviser on Security, Benard Kenebai, stated at the weekend that the Bayelsa State special security outfit, ‘Operation Doo Akpo’, arrested about 600 suspects over criminal and related offences in the last one year of the administration.

Kenebai said the 600 suspects were handed over to the appropriate security agency for further interrogation and prosecution in accordance to the criminal laws of the state.

He was briefing newsmen in Yenagoa on the administration’s achievement in the area of security as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the administration.

Kenebai, who is a retired colonel in the Nigerian Army, said the administration acquired 13 armoured patrol boats with a view to securing life and property on the waterways of the state, stressing that government had a constitutional obligation to ensure a secure environment for development.

According to him, the present administration had adopted a proactive approach to security issues because the security situation in the state was hitherto appalling.

He said government had evolved a security strategy code-named Bayelsa Integrated Security Measure (BISM) to comprehensively tackle security challenges in the state.

“Before this administration came on board, there were high incidents of criminal activities in urban and other metropolitan cities of the state”, stated Kenebai at the briefing.

He added: “ Our waterways then were no longer safe as there were reported cases of sea piracy and other related vices. We appreciate the fact that the incidents were not peculiar to Bayelsa State alone but unique in some sense.

“The impact of a state of insecurity is quite obvious. Criminals were taking institutions of government in an open confrontation.

There were reported cases of kidnapping, assassinations and the activities of the amnesty agitators were not left out”
On 12:16 am by Bayelsa News Update   No comments
Governor Seriake Dickson’s Special Adviser on Security, Benard Kenebai, stated at the weekend that the Bayelsa State special security outfit, ‘Operation Doo Akpo’, arrested about 600 suspects over criminal and related offences in the last one year of the administration.

Kenebai said the 600 suspects were handed over to the appropriate security agency for further interrogation and prosecution in accordance to the criminal laws of the state.

He was briefing newsmen in Yenagoa on the administration’s achievement in the area of security as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the administration.

Kenebai, who is a retired colonel in the Nigerian Army, said the administration acquired 13 armoured patrol boats with a view to securing life and property on the waterways of the state, stressing that government had a constitutional obligation to ensure a secure environment for development.

According to him, the present administration had adopted a proactive approach to security issues because the security situation in the state was hitherto appalling.

He said government had evolved a security strategy code-named Bayelsa Integrated Security Measure (BISM) to comprehensively tackle security challenges in the state.

“Before this administration came on board, there were high incidents of criminal activities in urban and other metropolitan cities of the state”, stated Kenebai at the briefing.

He added: “ Our waterways then were no longer safe as there were reported cases of sea piracy and other related vices. We appreciate the fact that the incidents were not peculiar to Bayelsa State alone but unique in some sense.

“The impact of a state of insecurity is quite obvious. Criminals were taking institutions of government in an open confrontation.

There were reported cases of kidnapping, assassinations and the activities of the amnesty agitators were not left out”

Tuesday 29 January 2013

On 9:35 pm by Bayelsa News Update   7 comments
Bayelsa State Government has erected 13 Emergency Response centres to check criminal activities in the state, especially kidnapping.

Our correspondent gathered that the buildings worth millions of naira were supervised by the Ministry of Special Projects, after due consultation with security commanders in the state.

The buildings, our correspondent, learnt were strategically located in various communities and linked to one another by security gadgets.

The Commissioner for Special Projects, Mr. Fred Obua, said when inaugurated the buildings and their installed security equipment would help track criminals.

He said the government deliberately sited the control rooms of the buildings at the entrance of Yenagoa, the state capital, to enable security agencies monitor all activities in the state and respond quickly to any act capable of threatening the peace.

“We have finished the buildings and they are ready for inauguration. When inaugurated, nobody will commit a crime in this state and go free. Nobody will pass the entrance of the star with weapons without being identified and captured”, he said.
On 9:35 pm by Bayelsa News Update   No comments
Bayelsa State Government has erected 13 Emergency Response centres to check criminal activities in the state, especially kidnapping.

Our correspondent gathered that the buildings worth millions of naira were supervised by the Ministry of Special Projects, after due consultation with security commanders in the state.

The buildings, our correspondent, learnt were strategically located in various communities and linked to one another by security gadgets.

The Commissioner for Special Projects, Mr. Fred Obua, said when inaugurated the buildings and their installed security equipment would help track criminals.

He said the government deliberately sited the control rooms of the buildings at the entrance of Yenagoa, the state capital, to enable security agencies monitor all activities in the state and respond quickly to any act capable of threatening the peace.

“We have finished the buildings and they are ready for inauguration. When inaugurated, nobody will commit a crime in this state and go free. Nobody will pass the entrance of the star with weapons without being identified and captured”, he said.
On 3:00 am by Bayelsa News Update   No comments

From the facts at our disposal, it is clear that some failed politicians, especially the arrow heads of those who have lost out in the power equation in the state, are working hard behind the scene with some forces outside the state to sponsor kidnapping of innocent citizens in Bayelsa State.

Their aim is not only to scare away investors and stall development, but also to make the state ungovernable and to give the impression that the government of the day is incapable of securing the lives and property of citizens.

The Government of Hon. Henry Dickson has not only given top priority to security, it has also shown enough political will in protecting lives and property in the state.

Indeed, it is clear to all that this Government has been able to turn around Bayelsa State from a haven of cultism, violence and criminality to a State that is clearly adjudged as one of the most peaceful and stable states in the Country.
The passage of the enabling law by government titled: BAYELSA STATE SECRET CULT, KIDNAPPING AND SIMILAR OFFENCES PROHIBITION LAW 2012, which makes it possible to effectively prosecute criminals who run foul of this law.

To this end, the Government of Bayelsa State wishes to sound a clear note of warning to anyone who runs, intends or is induced to run foul of this law.

The law will run its full course on any one or group of persons involved, directly or indirectly in crime and criminality in line with the provisions of the law irrespective of their status.

Let it be stated for the umpteenth time that there will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of law and order. The
era of playing politics with security matters are gone for good and shall remain so.

Government will sustain its zero tolerance on violence and criminality and even more vigorously this year and beyond. Government enjoins all law- abiding Bayelsans to be vigilant and report any act of crime and criminality to law
enforcement agencies.

Government also urges the youths to redirect their energies towards meaningful ventures and take advantage of the free and compulsory education policy of Government to acquire further education and useful skills instead of allowing themselves to be used as tools for crime and criminality.

Parents are also called upon to re-orientate their children and wards on the dangers of cultism, kidnapping and all forms of criminality.

This is a new Bayelsa and disgruntled politicians who think they can play politics with our collective security as a people should be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

Government however wishes to assure law-abiding citizens of their safety and urges them to go about their lawful businesses without fear because all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that Bayelsa State remains safe for all persons who reside in it, including those who come from far and near to do their genuine businesses.

Government wishes to state categorically that there is NO room for criminals and we will certainly make the environment extremely uncomfortable for them and their sponsor


Monday 28 January 2013

On 1:24 am by Bayelsa News Update   No comments
Bayelsa State Government says 90 percent of the ongoing projects including 41 road projects, 18 buildings, a multi million Naira world class Diagnostic Centre and a multi door Court House will be completed and due for commissioning as part of the activities marking Governor Seriake Dickson’s one year anniversary.
Contrary to fears being expressed in certain quarters, all ongoing projects being undertaken by the administration will be completed within its life span.
Conducting newsmen round some of the project sites within and outside the State capital, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr.
Lawrence Ewrudjakpor said the decision to open up the state is aimed at attracting local and foreign investors.
“Our dream is to make Bayelsa the Dubai of Africa. Governor Seriake Dickson has given us the task and it must be accomplished.”
“When we took over, there was nothing to write home about in terms of infrastructure and that is why the Governor was angry to develop the state. All the ongoing projects as well as the ones earmarked for construction would be completed within the tenure of the present administration”.
“The government embarked on this massive construction projects because Bayelsa State is backwards and has nothing to report on unlike its other southern counterparts. Therefore, the target of this administration is to restore the lost glory of the state and make the state measure up to the other states in the southern part and a befitting state capital”.
“Also to ensure and prove that governance in Bayelsa State can have a face contrary to the negative opinion of people that nothing can work in Bayelsa State”.
The commissioner for works in an interview with newsmen, told the people to put away fears of projects being abandoned as the government is conscious of what it is doing and is angrily desirous to develop the state that is why they put in place engineers to supervise the projects.
Some of the road projects as listed by Mr. Ewrudjakpor include the 3 senatorial roads, re-construction and dualisation of Ekoli bridge, Tombia-Etegwe road, expansion of Eradiri road, construction of Bayelsa Airport road and construction of outer ring road.
Also enumerated were the building projects such as the world class Diagnostic Centre located within the premises of the Melford Okilo Memorial hospital, 4 secretariat annexes, Multidoor Court House for the state Judiciary, Nigeria Prison’s Service, Governor and Deputy Governor’s lodges in Yenagoa, Sagbama and Nembe.