Author: Preye Okah

An environmentalist and Field Officer with the Environmental Defenders Network, Allagoa Morris, has called on the Bayelsa State Government to urgently regulate black sand mining to protect coastal communities and ensure that the state and host communities benefit from the emerging industry. Morris said the government must develop clear guidelines on black sand mining, particularly in view of the environmental challenges confronting communities along the state’s Atlantic coastline. Speaking to our Correspondent on Wednesday, Morris said the state government should learn from the experience of the oil industry, where communities in the Niger Delta have suffered environmental degradation despite the…

Fresh concerns have been raised over the future of the Eraskon Lubricant and Chemicals Blending Plant in Obunagha, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as severe coastal erosion continues to devastate the multi-billion-naira industrial project. The Paramount Ruler of Obunagha Community, HRH Yeseibo Peremobowei, has appealed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention, warning that the erosion has already destroyed a major section of the facility and is now threatening critical storage infrastructure. The monarch made the appeal during an inspection of the project alongside the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Oboku Oforji, and…

Family members, friends, church leaders, traditional rulers and well-wishers gathered in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to bid a final farewell to the late Madam Evangeline Miediaye Koripamo, a respected educationist, counsellor and family matriarch, who was laid to rest at her country home after a well-attended funeral ceremony marked by solemnity, honour and colourful cultural displays. The late Madam Koripamo, who passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 88, hailed from the Koripamo and Amabebe families of Odi, the Amaran and Fetepigi families of Kaiama, the Nembe family, as well as the Oliki…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has restated its commitment to prioritising the inclusive and sustainable development of children in the Niger Delta region, emphasising equal opportunities. The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this during the commemoration of the International Children’s Day 2026 with the theme, “The Future Now – Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child” at an event centre in Port Harcourt. Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Deputy Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Mrs Chioma Nwakwue, stated that beyond infrastructural development, the Commission emphasises the development of the children in the region. He…

The Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa has adjourned the suit filed by the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA) against the Federal Government and the National Assembly over resource control and the creation of additional local government areas for Bayelsa State until July 1, 2026, for further hearing. Justice N. Ayo Emmanuel fixed the new date after proceedings in the matter, in which prominent members of the Supreme Egbesu Assembly, including Dr. Felix Tuodolo, Weri Digifa, Ebi Waribigha, Kabowei Akambe, Rosebella Jackson, Thomas Jacklloyd, Primrose Kpokposei, David Imole, and Welma Warri, are the applicants. The Federal Government and the National Assembly…

The Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa has adjourned the suit filed by the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA) against the Federal Government and the National Assembly over resource control and the creation of additional local government areas for Bayelsa State until July 1, 2026, for further hearing. Justice N. Ayo Emmanuel fixed the new date after proceedings in the matter marked FHC/YNG/CS/64/2026, in which prominent members of the Supreme Egbesu Assembly, including Dr. Felix Tuodolo, Weri Digifa, Ebi Waribigha, Kabowei Akambe, Rosebella Jackson, Thomas Jacklloyd, Primrose Kpokposei, David Imole, and Welma Warri, are the applicants. The Federal Government and the…

The final rites for Bayelsa State’s first female lawmaker, Hon. Vivien Eniekenumu Ere, commenced with a Service of Songs marked by tributes and glowing eulogies at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, on Friday, April 17, 2026. Late Ere represented Southern Ijaw Constituency I in the inaugural 1999 Bayelsa State House of Assembly. Delivering a sermon titled “Life Is a Journey,” the Presbyter of Royal House of Grace, Bishop Peter Leghemo, reminded the congregation of the transient nature of life, stressing that all mortals would one day give account. Drawing from Luke 16:19, he urged the living…

…seeks greater state’s control of natural resources The Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA) has urged the National Assembly to approve the creation of 24 additional local government areas for Bayelsa State and to grant states greater control over their natural resources. Speaking to journalists in Yenagoa on Tuesday after the first hearing of a suit filed against the Federal Government and the National Assembly, the Secretary-General of SEA, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, said the group had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding action on the matter. He explained that the assembly had proceeded to court following the expiration of the ultimatum without…

Gender Advocates in the South South region of Nigeria, under the auspices of Male Feminist Network once again gathered at the weekend in Uyo the State Capital of Akwaibom, to continue pushing for gender equality and to call for prevention of gender based violence. For the participants that gathered in a Stakeholders’ Town Hall Meeting on the instance of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), they all agreed that there is need to make some adjustments to encompass a larger number of the women folk in all aspects of the society. The participants comprising of traditional rulers, respected religious leaders,…

Traditional Worshipers at the weekend gathered at the Izon Cultural Heritage Center (ICHC), where the Temple of Woyin the mother god of Ijaw land is located to celebrate their festival. This according to them was to reverence the mother of Ijaw land which they called Woyin. The cultural festival which was called Woyin Festival of Motherhood brought worshipers from all parts of Ijaw Land who gathered at the Temple located at Tenacious Road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to dance, pour libations, and other forms of activities to celebrate their mother god. Of course, it was a celebration for those that believe…