From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Ijaw Patriotic Movement, (IPM) has inaugurated its pioneer executive members in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital to fight against environmental degradation plaguing the Niger Delta region.

They also pledge to evolve policies and programmes aimed at tackling the devastating ecological challenges facing Ijaw land headlong.

The matron of IPM, Irene Digitemie Opuene who spoke as a special guest of honour at the inauguration ceremony noted that Ijaw land is bedeviled with a lot of ecological problems owing largely to its coastal and riverine nature, emphasizing that this has made flooding of Ijaw lands a common sight, particularly during the raining seasons.

Irene further opined that the situation is increasingly worrisome and all patriotic Ijaw sons and daughters must come together to proffer lasting solutions to the issue, adding that erosion has eaten deep into almost every part of Ijaw land and it is presently threatening the socio-economic wellbeing and harmonious co-existence of Ijaws, especially at the grassroots level.

She however urged members of IPM to rekindle their commitment to the new executive members by making themselves available whenever the need arises, stressing that the emergence of the body should be seen as a calculated attempt to compliment the roles being played by other existing bodies like the Ijaw National Congress, (INC), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Movement For The Sovereignty Of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality (MOSIEND).

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Archbishop Steven Overy who represented His Royal Majesty, King Godspower Oporomo, the King of Kerebiri Kingdom encouraged the newly inaugurated executives of IPM to form a formidable synergy that can stand the test of time, advising them to put in their best so as to accomplish their vision for Ijaw nation.

Archbishop Steven Overy equally tasks every member of IPM to support the aims and aspirations of the new executive members, noting that this is the surest way to inspire them to contribute their quota to the overall socio-economic development of Ijaw nation.

The clergy admonished them never to be dismayed when challenges confront them in the course of discharging their duties but should rather be resolute and determined to surmount any challenge, noting that every member of IPM should imbibe the spirit of togetherness as it is the only way they can succeed in their respective assignments.

In his inaugural address, the President of IPM, Comrade Mislaw Genren opined that Ijaws all over the country have divergent cultures, values, heritages and traditions, reiterating that the vision of IPM is to evolve policies that would bring all Ijaws together under one specific umbrella by canvassing for a central King, common language, the celebration of Ijaw national day and the routing for Ijaw traditional rulers to be included in the payroll of the Federal Government to enable them move round all Ijaw speaking states and campaign for the unity and harmonious co-existence of Ijaws.

The inaugurated executives members include the National President, National Vice President, the General Secretary, National Women Leader, Publicity Secretary, National Financial Secretary, National Treasurer, National Legal Adviser , Organizing Secretary, Director Of Mobilisation, Director Of Welfare, Provost and Director Of Administration.

Others were the Eastern, Western and Central Zone Chairmen of the body.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

A female sociocultural group under the Izon Ladies Association (ILA) on Wednesday conducted a sensitization campaign at Bishop Diemeri Grammar School Ovom in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on the Ideals of Boy Child.

The event aimed to educate students about the importance of good behavior and the dangers of social vices.

In her opening speech, President of ILA Bayelsa, Meg Agidee emphasized the need for students to avoid negative influences and cultivate positive habits.

Agidee encouraged the young students to be role models in their communities and resist peer pressure that could lead them astray.

She also called on other civil society groups to look towards the boy child, because “the neglected boy child today will marry our daughters tomorrow.

The campaign featured several speakers who addressed various aspects of youth development and challenges. Dr. Stella Ugolo delivered a presentation titled “The Ideal Boy Child,” focusing on the qualities that define a well-nurtured child.

Hon. Patricia Isenah followed with her version of the same theme, highlighting contemporary issues faced by boys today.

Christy Ebelli addressed the potential dangers posed by modern devices in her talk, “Devices Can Destroy the Ideal Boy Child.” She discussed how excessive screen time and exposure to harmful content can negatively impact children’s development.

Beatrice Koroye concluded the series of talks with a discussion on “Legal Implications for Deviant Behavior of the Ideal Boy Child.” She outlined the legal consequences of engaging in criminal activities and stressed the importance of understanding laws to guide behavior.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dame Grace Fiepere, who reiterated the significance of nurturing ideal children for a better future.

Attendees enjoyed light refreshments before Chief Lilian Okus led a closing prayer, emphasizing unity and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The sensitization campaign was well received, with students actively participating in discussions and asking questions about the topics presented.

The ILA’s initiative reflects a commitment to empowering youths in Bayelsa State and fostering a generation that is aware of its responsibilities and potential.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Due to recent earth tremor in some parts of Abuja, the Acting Director General of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Abdulrahman Mohammed has set up an adhoc Committee on emergency preparedness plan.

Mohammed announced this after a meeting with stakeholders on recent vibrations in some parts of Mpape, Katampe and Maitama.

Abdulrahman informed that the ad hoc committee would sensitize residents on what to do during and after the tremor.

In a statement issued by FEMD and signed by Nkechi Isa, Head Public Affairs, I’m Abuja.

The FEMD boss said the earth tremor which first occurred on Saturday at Mpape exhibited no physical evidence of rock movement.

The Ag DG appealed to residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free numbers in the event of an emergency.

In a remark, Deputy Director, solid minerals, FCTA, Ulom Luke Ifop informed that fault lines under the ground place stress on the rocks causing tremors”.

This thing which has started will continue. There is a seismic substation at Toro and at Katampe Hill. We need a substation at Area 11, Asokoro and Maitama,” he said.

On his part, a water consultant, Taiwo Oyekan said human activities may have caused friction on the edges leading to the tremors.

Oyekan, who stated that there must be a blast threshold by quarry companies, suggested that all rock blasting in the area must be put on hold for now.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has confirmed earth tremors in some parts of the FCT urging residents not to panic.

The NGSA described the tremors as low and posing no threat.

In the meantime, FEMD has appealed to residents of the affected areas to evacuate their buildings in the event of a vibration.

FEMD appealed to residents to stay away from electric poles during the vibrations.