Amid growing fears over seasonal flooding and possible water release from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, state governments in Benue, Edo, and Bayelsa have stepped up preparedness efforts to mitigate disaster risks. Though the Federal Ministry of Water Resources dismissed reports that the dam had been opened, states are mobilising against the threat. The Benue State Government said it had intensified flood …

The seat of power in Bayelsa State was busy that Monday morning. With the local government tour behind him, Caleb Olubolade was set to make his first public broadcast, one week after taking office. Government House was overtaken by press men from far and near. Before him, still and video cameras jostled for space to get a vantage shot of …

I. B. Theophilus was only too glad to speak about the days of Caleb Olubolade inside the Creek Haven, and to reminisce on the high points of that government. In October 1996, at the infancy of Bayelsa, Theophilus served as Chief of Protocol, Government House, Yenagoa. He was among the nine staff of the state origin released by the Rivers …

Olubolade was so concerned about the future of Bayelsa State that he stayed back in Yenagoa for two weeks after he had been formally relieved of his appointment by General Abdulsalami Abubakar. That was a painful time for Olubolade. It was as if an era had come to an end.   He knew he would not be Military Administrator forever, …

On Sunday, 29 June 1997, two days after he assumed office as Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade stepped out in his sports gear and took part in the Olympic Day Run. Participants and onlookers alike thought the Captain would only flag off the 10-kilometre race, duck into his car, and drive off to await the runners …

Allow me to wish you a happy birthday in arrears, Your Excellency. A few days ago, I came across a portrait of you as a young man, and could not help but wonder how time flies. Looking at a younger version of you from many years ago, it is worth thanking God that you turned 66 years old this month. …

Helen Inafa Bob gained quick popularity as a female politician worthy of note in Bayelsa State. Her personal attributes recommended her to power brokers even before she knew it. She simply did her thing, not knowing that she was being watched. Her enthusiasm in whatever she did, to start with, was noticeable. Her friendly disposition could not be missed, and …

Two weeks to his fifth anniversary in office as Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri emerged as Chairman of the South-South Governor’s Forum. The title was the latest addition to a row of accolades pertaining to Diri since he took office on 14 February 2020. For many, he is better known as the Miracle Governor. For others, he is …

Senator Duoye Diri came into office as Governor of Bayelsa State a few weeks after the outbreak of the corona virus pandemic in China. Covid-19 was a virus that was not on the regular catalogue of medical science. When it came like a wave, therefore, doctors were left flustered, and so were nurses. The disease took a quick toll on …

Dear Governor Douye Diri, I could not help but see your passion as an Izon man on show, in a recent television appearance. I could feel the vibrant timbre of your voice belting out the resolutions of your government. I saw an expression of your ethnic mettle as a son of Ijaw land who would brook no nonsense under your …