Niger Delta
Ewhrudjakpo Eulogizes Late Bayelsa Ex-Commissioner
Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has described a former Commissioner for Special Duties, late Chief Nelson Ayebakuro, as a good man, saying his legacies will continue to speak well of for a long time.
The state’s number two citizen stated this on Friday at a special valedictory executive session held in honour of the deceased at the state Exco Chamber, Government House, Yenagoa, which had former Deputy Governors, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), and Chief Peremobowei Ebebi in attendance.
Ewhrudjakpo said judging from the testimonies of the former commissioner’s colleagues who served in the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the state, Late Chief Ayebakuro served the people of Bayelsa East and the state creditably well as a public servant.
Urging other public servants to emulate the departed commissioner’s dedication to duty, he stressed that what matters most is the impact one makes while alive, and not how long one lived.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo enjoined the bereaved family to take solace in the exemplary life of their son, father and husband and thank God for the impact 61 years he lived on earth.
He seized the opportunity to appreciate the State Governor, Douye Diri, for institutionalizing the practice of holding special valedictory sessions in honour of Bayelsans who had served as members of the State Executive Council at different times before their demise.
“Thank God for the life he has lived. We not only look forward to what is missing. We must also look backwards that this same man was appointed as commissioner over several other qualified persons from Brass Constituency Three to be part of the State Executive Council.
“The impact you make is what people will talk about . Today, Chief Ayebakuro is spoken of in clear and glowing terms . The question is, if you leave, will the same be said of you?”, the Deputy Governor said.
He continued that “From the reports we have heard, Ayebakuro lived a good life. He was a good man. So, I wish to plead with the family to draw enormous strength from the comments of those who have served with him and those who did not serve with him .
“I will encourage you not to see the death as a loss, but as a gain that comes in this kind of relationship. The strength you should draw is that he has children with you and they are alive.
“Having said that, we need to also appreciate Governor Douye Diri for initiating this move that gives those who had served our state the opportunity of also being honoured before they are interred just as it is done in the judiciary and the legislature”, he added.
In his remark, former Deputy Governor and Chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), attributed the strong character and good spiritedness of the deceased to the late father who was a brave naval officer that saved several lives while in service.
Also speaking, former colleagues of the late executive council member recalled that Chief Nelson Ayebakuro was a simple, jovial, accommodating and hardworking man, who understood his purpose on earth and served humanity with dedication.
Those who spoke include the former Commissioner for Special Duties, Central, Chief Adolphus Forcados; former Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Onoye Ebitimi Beredugo; and the former Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Senator Degi Eremienyo.
Serving commissioners who also paid tributes to late Chief Ayebakuro were the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo; the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah; and the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Commodore Martins Fakrogha, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Shipyard (NNS), Jubilee in Akwa Ibom, says the navy is winning the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the state.
Fakrogha made the expression at the opening of a free medical outreach programme yesterday in Ikot Abasi.
He said the Navy was using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the campaign against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.
The Commander said the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had directed personnel to do everything possible to tackle oil theft, illegal bunkering and vandalism.
“We are doing everything possible to win the hearts of the civil populace. We need them to be in synergy with us. We can partner through intelligence sharing.
“It is our collective duty to tackle crime so that we can all have a safe and secure environment.
“This free medical outreach is our own way of building confidence and aligning with the community around us”, he said.
Fakrogha continued that the outreach was also part of the navy’s corporate social responsibility to residents of the area.
He said residents of the community would be tested for malaria, HIV, blood-sugar and vision.
“They will also enjoy free consultancy services. This is our second free medical outreach for the year”, he said.
Also speaking, the Village Head, Ikot Essien, Ikpa Ibekwe Clan, Eteidung Ufot Nathaniel, commended the Navy for its series of kind gestures to the community.
Nathaniel urged the navy to seek ways providing potable water for the community, saying, “we are in need of safe water”.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Unah Udoh thanked the navy for the outreach, describing it as well-intended.
The Akwa Ibom State Government says next year would establish one modern healthcare centre each across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State to tackle health issues of the people across the state.
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, stated this during the 58th annual general meeting and scientific conference in Uyo .
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenye, expressed the hope that the citizens would take advantage of the healthcare centres when faced with health challenges.
He urged the citizenry to understand that government will always take care of her citizens despite the economic challenges, and would not relent.
According to him, Government would do everything possible to provide necessary facilities, while also improving access to healthcare centres where pregnant women across the rural areas can access quality healthcare
The National President, Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof. Okechukwu Ikpeze, commended the government for the ideology to improve healthcare services in the state.
He said “the conference would provide great platforms and opportunities for members, partners, and other professional groups involved in women health to interact, share ideas, network and push the agenda to the highest level of healthcare for our women through their journey from childhood to reproductive years and beyond”.
He used the medium to inform members that SOGEN house has been upgraded with solar power installation that would provide 24hrs uninterrupted electricity supply.
This, he said , can enable them host workshops, training and other activities in SOGON house, “making us very much visible and better branded”.
The Chairman, local organizing committee, Prof. Emem Bassey, said they are thrilled to gather the best minds in obstetrics and gynecology to share knowledge, innovation and experience that would shape the future of women’s healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
Christopher Tom, Uyo
The Edo State Chapter of Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has congratulated Mr. Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of the state following his victory in the last governorship election.
The miners said the victory was an indication of the confidence the people of Edo have in his capacity to take the state to a greater height.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Mike Okhumode, Chairman and Mr Fatai Jimoh, Secretary of the association issued in Benin yesterday.
They appealed to the Governor to be magnanimous in victory by running an inclusive government for the purpose of developing the state.
While describing the Governor as a man of intellect and a performer judging from his previous records, the miners urged him to urgently consider the issue of double taxation and insecurity.
They said the double-edged sword was retrogressing businesses across Edo.
“We are fully aware of your antecedents in both public office and private capacities; we know that you will not fail to deliver on your campaign promises to the people of Edo state.
“Electioneering has come and gone, as you settle down to the business of developing the state, we urged you to be magnanimous in victory.
“This will be done by embracing all shades of opinions and suggestions aimed at developing our dear state”, they said.
The miners appealed to the people to support the new government to succeed in building a new Edo.
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