From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged newly wedded couples to make the virtues of love, forgiveness and compromise the bedrock of their marriage.

Diri gave the charge at the marriage ceremony of one of his aides, Binaebi Okpofabiri, and former Miss Janet October Lokpobiri, over the weekend at the Chief Diepreye Alameiyesegha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, he stressed that the ability to manage differences was key to sustaining a successful conjugal relationship.

The governor noted that marriage brings together two individuals with different backgrounds and personalities, thereby making disagreements inevitable, and therefore maintained that couples must learn to accommodate each  other at all times.

His words: “No two saints are married because we are all human with individual differences. Surely there is bound to be some difference but it is your ability to manage these differences that matters. Cultivate the habit of tolerance and make forgiveness your watchword in your day-to-day living.”

Diri congratulated the couple and commended family members, friends and well-wishers for coming together to celebrate the union, noting that support should not only be shown when people were no more.

He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who served as the father of the day, for his contributions to Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) and Father of the Day, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri expressed joy over the union and congratulated the couple as they began their journey of love and companionship.

He prayed to God to bless the marriage with peace, joy, understanding, good health and lasting love, urging the couple to nurture their bond and shared dreams.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Chief Executive Officer of De Wayles Group of Companies, Dr Victor Wayles Egukawhore, also congratulated the couple and advised them to cherish their marriage.

Binaebi Okpofabiri, an aide to Governor Diri, hails from Ogboloma Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state, while the bride, Janet October Lokpobiri, is a niece of Senator Lokpobiri

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, has again reminded politicians in the state not to allow politics to create division but rather be conscious of their common ancestry and brotherhood in whatever they do.

Dr Akpe stated this when he visited the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate running for the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency seat at the National Assembly, Chief Selekebina Saboh, at his residence in Yenagoa, to identify with him on his 53rd birthday anniversary.

The Deputy Governor, who urged the political class not to forget that they were brothers before politics, congratulated Chief Saboh on his birthday anniversary and prayed to God to bless the celebrant.

Responding, Chief Saboh commended the leadership style of Dr Akpe while thanking him and his entourage for the visit.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly will take on members of the State Executive Council in a novelty football match as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

The friendly encounter will bring together serving and former members of the State Assembly and the State Executive Council who have served the state between 1996 and 2026.

The much-anticipated match is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026, at 4:00 pm at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The novelty match is expected to promote camaraderie, unity and stronger relationships between the legislative and executive arms of government, while providing an opportunity for former and serving public officials to reconnect through sports.

The two arms of government have, in the past, engaged in similar sporting contests as part of efforts to strengthen cordial relations, promote teamwork and foster a shared commitment to good governance.

The day’s activities will commence at 2:00 p.m. with an Ogele Procession from the Bayelsa State Government House to the Samson Siasia Stadium, where the anniversary sporting activities will take place.

At the stadium, sports legends from different generations are expected to participate in a lap around the pitch, followed by a symbolic torch-passing ceremony representing the connection between generations and the continuity of sporting excellence in the state.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa State and neighbouring Delta State will renew their sporting rivalry in a special wrestling contest, with elite wrestlers from both states expected to go head-to-head as part of the anniversary celebrations.

The Bayelsa State Government, through the Sports Sub-committee, has called on residents, sports enthusiasts and members of the public to turn out in large numbers at the Samson Siasia Stadium to celebrate the state’s 30th anniversary through sports, unity and friendship.

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, patriotism, courage and resilience in their collective efforts to build a nation that reflects the aspirations of its citizens.

Oborevwori made the call on Sunday at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba.

The Governor, who paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s independence, urged citizens to demonstrate their love for Nigeria by continually praying for the peace, unity and prosperity of the nation.

He said the Church had a crucial role to play in the nation’s progress through sustained prayers and intercession.

“Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends. I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint,” he said.

Oborevwori also called on public servants, politicians and other leaders to place the interests of the people above personal considerations, stressing that every public position was held in trust.

“At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service.

“Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family,” the Governor said.

He further reminded public officials that they would ultimately give account of their stewardship to God, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, accountability and commitment to the common good.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Oborevwori said the occasion provided an opportunity to appreciate God for the country’s journey and achievements, particularly its progress in democratic governance.

He noted that Nigeria had, despite challenges along the way, recorded 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

“On May 29 this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for. Yes, there have been bumps and twists along the way, but overall, we are making steady progress, and the future remains promising and exciting,” he said.

The Governor also called on the Church to continue supporting efforts to sustain peace and stability in Nigeria, citing the biblical injunction in Jeremiah 29:7, which urges believers to seek the peace of the city and pray for it.

According to him, the peace and security enjoyed by citizens were dependent on the peace of the nation.

He attributed the relative peace being experienced in Delta State to the contributions of traditional rulers, Presidents-General, community leaders and other stakeholders, as well as the wisdom granted by God.

The Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country, stressing that nation-building required faith, patriotism and collective responsibility.

Johns expressed optimism that Nigeria was experiencing an awakening that would enable the country to unlock its vast potential and reclaim its rightful place among nations.

He identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution, love for the nation and positive impact on communities as some of the responsibilities expected of citizens, noting that no nation attained greatness by accident.

The pastor also used the occasion to pray for wisdom and divine guidance for leaders at all levels, with Governor Oborevwori as a point of contact, urging them to responsibly manage the nation’s resources and serve the common good.

The thanksgiving service was attended by the Governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; President of the Delta State Customary Court, Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Oritsedere; Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and other lawmakers; Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, Elder Moses Iduh; top government officials and traditional rulers, among others.