Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the ongoing infrastructure projects of his administration were progressing satisfactorily.
He stated this yesterday when he inspected a number of the projects, including the 25,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene, the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road and bridge at Angiama, as well as the spur to Otuan Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The Governor also inspected phase one of the Akaba-Okodi Road in Ogbia Local Government Area, phase three of the Glory Drive, and the bridge across the Epie creek at Imgbi Junction, Amarata, in Yenagoa, the State capital, as well as the Polaku-Sabagreia Road linking Kolokuma/Opokuma and Yenagoa Local Government Areas.
Diri said he was impressed by the pace of work on the projects and that the contractors assured that they will meet the agreed timelines for completion of the jobs.
“We visited the bridge project at Angiama leading to Oporoma. We all saw the spur to Otuan and Oporoma. We went to the Akaba-Okodi Road, the final phase of the Glory Drive, which is phase three, and then the stadium project.
“I am impressed and I believe the contractors will meet the dates they agreed with the government.
“The projects are all going on very well as expected and their delivery dates still stand. I commend the contractors for putting in their best.
“At the end of the day, we will deliver our objectives to the people of our state”, the Governor said.
He continued that he was elated driving with his convoy to Otuan Community, recalling that the last time he visited, it was by boat through Angiama.
According to him, the road to the community was another example of his administration’s commitment to opening up the hinterlands, noting that for the people of Otuan, it would be historic when the project is completed and inaugurated.
He further stated that the government was up-to-date with payments to the contractors and not owing any of them.
Also, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, acknowledged that regular supervision of the projects by his ministry has enabled the contractors meet government’s required standard and milestones.
The Business Manager of MCC Group, which is constructing the stadium, Mr. Dagogo Emmanuel, said the company will soon commence the actual construction of the stadium once it finished the ongoing piling work.
He said all the materials for the job were at the site and they were working to achieve substantial milestone before the peak of the rainy season.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has ordered the immediate promotion of the State Coordinator and Focal Person of the ARISE Human Capital Development, Mr. Uduak Isaac, to the position of Permanent Secretary in the office of the Governor.
He also announced his promotion from grade level 16 to grade level 17 in the State Civil Service.
The Governor announced the promotion during the unveiling of the ARISE Human Capital Development and Strategic Plan held at the Banquet hall, Government House, Uyo, on Monday.
At the launch was the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, who was the guest of honour, and other dignitaries, including members of the national assembly, State legislature and members of the State Executive Council (SEC).
Eno the new Permanent Secretary for his efforts in propelling the state up to ECOWAS committee, emphasizing that he needs the impetus and platform to do more in his assigned role.
The Governor noted that “one may have great ideas and visions but when there are no men to drive such ideas they die naturally.
“I want to thank the State Coordinator and the Focal Person, Mr. Uduak, for a great job, working quietly and effortlessly in the assignment and the task that he had accomplished in the past, and hope that he’ll being all the experienceshe has garnered to bear in his new assignment”.

Christopher Tom, Uyo

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has described renowned Niger Delta activist and former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as a distinguished son of the Niger Delta.
He said Tompolo has made remarkable contributions to the peace, stability, and development of the region and the nation at large.
The Governor, who stated this in a statement recentl by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, at an event marking the 54th birthday of Tompolo, commended the ex-militant for his role as Chairman of Tantita Security Services.
He said “Tompolo’s leadership had been instrumental in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, leading to improved oil production and enhanced national revenue”.
The Governor also acknowledged that both the state governments of the Niger Delta and the Federal Government recognize and appreciate Tompolo’s unwavering efforts in promoting peace and security in the region.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Delta State, I extend my heart-felt congratulations to a true son of the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, on the occasion of his 54th birth anniversary.
“Tompolo has played a vital role in the progress of the oil-rich Niger Delta and has consistently collaborated with regional and federal authorities to sustain peace and development.
“As he celebrates his birth anniversary, it is our prayer that God continues to bless him with good health, wisdom, and strength to further his service to the nation and humanity”, the Governor said.

By: Albert Ograka, Asaba