Niger Delta

Diri Wants Establishment Of Sports Varsity In Bayelsa

Published

4 years ago

July 12, 2021

Bayelsa State Government has called on the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development to site its proposed University of Sports at Asoama in the Kolokuma/ Opokuma council area of the state.
The State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, made the call while playing host to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare,at the weekend in Government House, Yenagoa.
He urged the ministry to take advantage of the world class facilities available at the state owned Sports Academy by locating the proposed sports university by the federal government in the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor assured the minister of his administration’s preparedness to contribute its part in implementing the already existing agreement (MoU) between Bayelsa and the Federal ministry on sports development.
He maintained that the facilities at Asoama could be used to groom young Nigerians both in academics and sports in line with the Minister’s three “Is” policy of infrastructure, incentives and investment, targeted at harnessing potentialities in the sports sector.
According to Governor Diri, the institution could begin with the diploma and certificate awarding programmes, in addition to short term in-service courses for Nigerian coaches to enhance their professional know-how.
”I want us to look at the specifics in that MoU we entered into. Now that we have an academy, which you have fallen in love with, we believe that if there is an idea of having a federal university of sports in the country, then it can actually start from Asoama,
“We have almost all the facilities on ground. The place is safe and good for studies. We can collaborate and start with diploma awarding programmes and grow to become a full fledged university.
“On our part, we are ready to do everything within our powers to realize this because it is going to help our country and economy. We also believe people from outside the country, particularly from the African continent will also come here when it kicks off”, he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, said he was in the state to visit and inspire the five wrestlers who are qualified to represent the country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which will commence in few days time.
Mr Dare lauded the state government for its commitment to the development of sports in terms of supporting its contingents to national sport meets and building of infrastructure.
He particularly commended the government for building a sports Academy at Asoama and indicated readiness to partner the state to upgrade the facility for use in no distant future.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of a wrestling gym, describing it as world class,just as he promised working with the present administration to build a national swimming pool in the state.
”Bayelsa is a sporting state. It is noted for the support you are giving to the growth of wrestling in this country. I dare say that, Bayelsa is the wrestling capital of Nigeria and indeed the African continent because our wrestlers dominate the continent,
“This morning I visited your wrestling gym that is under construction and I was excited that it met international standards. It shows a government that has foresight and really committed to sports development, which is rare”, the Minister said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.

Niger Delta

Joint Provincial Council, East Of The Niger Salutes Diocese Of Evo

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo’s Aides Lead Cancer Awareness Walk In Benin … Offers Free Screening

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

In a bid to promote cancer awareness and encourage early detection, officials of Edo State Government, last Thursday held a cancer awareness walk in Benin City.

The walk, led by Sally Suleiman, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was organised in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

The event also brought other health professionals, civil society groups, and residents to emphasise the importance of regular screenings, healthy lifestyles, and early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related deaths.

The notable stakeholders, include the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Edesili Anani; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Marie Bisi Idaomi.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening healthcare systems and to ensure that cancer awareness reached all corners of the state.

“Cancer remains a major public health challenge, but early detection can save lives.

“This walk is part of our efforts to educate residents on preventive measures and available healthcare services”, she said.

As part of the initiative, she said her office would be offering free mammograms and prostate screenings to encourage early detection.

“We are not just raising awareness; we are taking action. Early detection saves lives, and we want to ensure that more people get screened before it’s too late”, she added.

Suleiman expressed gratitude to all partners and urged continued collaboration in the fight against cancer.

“This is not just a one-day event. We must keep the conversation going and ensure that people have access to the healthcare they need”, she said.