NEWS
Diri Identifies Intellectual Capital as Enabler for Sustainable Development
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has identified knowledge, history and intellectual capital as veritable tools for promoting sustainable development and effective governance.
He said in an era where history was being distorted, fragmented or misinterpreted, the importance of deliberate documentation cannot be overemphasized.
Diri stated this at the launch of a book titled, “When the Tide Turns: Reflections on Bayelsa’s Historic Odyssey,” authored by the pioneer Commissioner for Works in Bayelsa State, Numoipre Wills, in Yenagoa, at the weekend.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Dr.
Peter Akpe, the governor stressed that human civilization does not consist in the building of physical infrastructure alone, but also in what a people preserve and understand about themselves.He said it was in recognition of this that his administration would continue to pursue infrastructural development as well as promote the culture of documentation that encourages effective leadership and intellectual capital development.
He described the publication as an “authoritative account that safeguards memories, reinforces identity and guides future generations”, and commended the author for bringing his experiences to public knowledge.
According to him, the book serves both as a mirror reflecting the state’s journey and as a compass directing its path towards unity, development and sustainable progress.
His words: “Across key sectors, we are witnessing progress; from strategic road infrastructure connecting communities, to power initiatives unlocking industrial potential, and the development of the Blue Economy as a pathway for sustainable growth.
But beyond infrastructure, the Prosperity Administration recognises that true development is anchored not only on what we build, but also on what we preserve and understand about ourselves.
“Knowledge, history and intellectual capital remain essential tools for sustainable development and effective governance.
“This publication aligns seamlessly with that vision, promoting a culture of documentation, encouraging reflective leadership and strengthening the intellectual foundation of our society.
“Engineer Wills has accomplished what many have contemplated, few have executed with such clarity. He has gathered the fragments of our collective experience and woven them into a coherent instructive narrative.
“To Engr Wills, I extend warm congratulations and deep appreciation. The completion of a work of this magnitude demands vision, discipline and conviction. You have demonstrated all with distinction.
“This work is not merely a book, it is a legacy document, an investment in preserving our identity and ensuring that the story of Bayelsa is neither lost nor distorted over time. In an era where history is often fragmented or misinterpreted, the importance of deliberate documentation cannot be overemphasized.”
Diri used the opportunity to urge citizens to be vigilant against individuals who thrive on misinformation and divisions, warning against the influence of sycophancy and disruptive elements within society.
Former President of Nigeria and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who was the Chairman of the occasion, eulogized the author for his foresight, discipline, and commitment in documenting the history from a standpoint of experience and service.
Dr. Jonathan who was represented by Chief James Tobias, noted that the author’s contributions to the growth of Bayelsa, both in public service and in literature, are worthy of recognition and emulation.
Reviewing the 247-page book, the Chairman of the state Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) Board, High Chief Fidelis Agbiki, described the publication as not only a descriptive literary work but also written in simple and straightforward style that makes for an interesting reading.
The Book Reviewer noted that although the book is not a chronicle of Bayelsa’s founding fathers, the author uses firsthand information to highlight critical contributions of a few of them as well as the difficulties encountered in the administration of the state at its Inception.
The author of the book, Numoipre Edward Wills, explained that the book was not merely a collection of words but a journey shaped by experience, service and a profound connection and love for his state.
Wills added that his decision to write the book was borne out of a simple but urgent realization that, “if we do not tell our own story, others will tell it for us, and not always with accuracy or sincerity.”
He recalled the rare privilege of serving in the executive councils of the old Rivers State, and that of Bayelsa, informing that he was one of the two commissioners deployed to the state following its creation in 1996.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing, at the weekend said it has concluded an arrangement to commence indefinite strike over non implementation of the N70,000 Minimum Wage and the payment of nine months’ arrears to the Primary School Teachers in the Federal Capital territory (FCT).
This was contained in a communique issued by the State Chairman, Abdullah Shafa, state secretary, Margaret Jethro and State Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye, after the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting in Abuja.
They commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his intervention on 11th March 2026, which expired on 19th March, 2026.
But they lamented that the Minister’s intervention, which facilitated the suspension of the Fourteen-week Strike by the Primary School Teachers on 9th July, 2025, is yet to be addressed.
They acknowledged that the Minister, in order to resolve the issue constituted a committee on the 7th July 2025 with a mandate to, within two weeks, harmonize all outstanding entitlements of Primary School Teachers and make appropriate recommendations that would lead to a permanent solution to the frequent industrial disputes involving FCT Primary School Teachers. Committee concluded its assignment and submitted its report in August 2025, however, the report is yet to be made public.
According to the communique, the FCT teachers lamented that they don’t know the reason for the unexplained delay in the implementation of the committee’s report and the continued silence on the legitimate demands of teachers amid the prevailing harsh economic realities in the country, particularly in the FCT.
It would be recalled that SWEC, at its session on 11th March 2026, issued a seven day ultimatum within which to:
“Release and implement the report of Primary School teachers’ outstanding entitlements, Remove the “Vacancies” precondition for the promotion of classroom teachers and totally review the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission to allow for the unhindered promotion of eligible teachers”.
The teachers are concerned that following the expiration of the Seven-day ultimatum on 19th March 2026, including the additional twenty eight day grace period granted to the authorities to enable them to intensify efforts towards meeting the demands of teachers as requested, there has been no tangible response from the authorities to all the industrial issues raised in our ultimatum.
“After exhaustive deliberations on the industrial issues that necessitated the seven-day ultimatum, and considering that the silence on the legitimate demands of teachers’ welfare and a threat to the stability of education in the territory, the meeting resolved that all Public Primary and Secondary School Teachers in the FCT shall, with effect from Monday, 20th April 2026, proceed on an indefinite Strike until the demands of the Union are met.
“The Union hereby directs all Public Primary and Secondary School Teachers in the FCT to comply with this directive and await further instructions from the Union”, the communique noted.
They therefore advised Parents to keep their children and wards in Primary and Secondary Schools safe at home until further notice.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a US decision to extend the period during which Russia is allowed to sell oil despite Western sanctions.
The move means countries can purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until 16 May.
The US argues that the waiver is meant to ease the energy supply crunch sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran.
But in his remarks on Sunday, Zelensky said “every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war” in Ukraine. Widespread sanctions have been in place against Russia since President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022.
The devastating US and Israel attacks against Iran have prompted it to retaliate not only against Israel and US military bases in the Gulf, but also against energy fatalities and other civilian sites across Arab allies of the US in the region.
Additionally, Iran has virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz – the narrow passage where some 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is usually transported through.
This has led to turmoil in energy markets, with fears that a world recession may ensue if it is not reopened soon.
The US move to ease Russian sanctions on 13 March was widely condemned by Zelensky as well as his European allies.
Extending the waiver on Friday, the US said it wanted “to ensure oil is available to those who need it” as negotiations to end the war “accelerate”.
The Ukrainian leader said Russia had more than 110 tankers from its “shadow fleet” – vessels with obscured ownership designed to help it bypass sanctions – with “over 12 million tons” of oil.
Their sale, he added, would bring $10bn (£7.4bn) to Moscow’s coffers as “a resource that is directly converted into new strikes against Ukraine”.
The Ukrainian leader did not explain what those figures were based on.
But he added that just over the past week, Russia had launched “over 2,360 attack drones, more than 1,320 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 60 missiles of various types at our cities and communities”.
That included the deadliest attack against Ukraine in months on 15 April during which more than 700 drones and missiles were used in multiple waves in one night, killing at least 18 people.
Ukraine has also attacked Russia, particularly focusing on energy facilities.
However, despite ongoing attacks, a stalemate has been reached in the war in Ukraine, with Russia in control of about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Efforts led by the US to end the war have been put on hold as a result of the war in Iran.
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting food security through the development of a clear and practical implementation work plan aimed at transforming the state’s food systems.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen, made this known during a two-day Implementation Work Plan Development Workshop organised by the State Steering Committee on Food Systems Transformation Pathways (FSTP).
Ekedayen, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Martina Amromanoh, highlighted the central role of food systems in driving economic growth, supporting livelihoods, and improving public health.
“Food is central to our daily lives. When the food system works well, people live better lives and economies grow stronger,” he said.
He, however, expressed concern over the growing pressure on food systems, noting that food is becoming increasingly expensive, unsafe, and less nutritious.
He added that hunger and malnutrition are rising, particularly among women and children, with negative impacts on health, education, and overall well-being.
The commissioner revealed that about 40 percent of Nigerians live in poverty, spending less than ₦137,430 per person, while access to nutritious food remains inadequate.
He also pointed to the increasing prevalence of diet-related illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, stating that roughly one in every sixteen adults is affected by diabetes.
“These challenges show that we are off-track in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. It is not just about producing more food, but ensuring it is safe, nutritious, accessible, and sustainably produced,” he added.
Ekedayen disclosed that Delta State has now been fully integrated into the national food systems transformation agenda following the approval of the State Steering Committee by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He noted that the state has strong agricultural potential in areas such as cassava, plantain, oil palm, fisheries, and horticulture, which could significantly enhance food security and economic growth if effectively harnessed.
He urged stakeholders at the workshop to collaborate actively to ensure the successful implementation of the plan.
The Secretary of the Steering Committee, Efe Orherhe, said the initiative is expected to improve food availability, affordability, safety, and nutrition, while also enhancing livelihoods across the state.
He added that Delta now has an approved Food Systems Transformation Work Plan to guide implementation from 2026 to 2030.
In separate presentations, Clementina Okoro of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning provided an overview of the national framework, while Julius Alikuna stressed the need for inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure sustainable food production and supply.
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