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Akpe News Media, Osiri Ekeki, Yenagoa (2026)

14/06/2026

Bayelsa Governor Sues For Peace At Okolede Festival
-- as Oforji, Ingobere, Others harps on unity and cultural revival

Governor Douye Diri has enjoined the people of Bayelsa State to renew efforts to revive the positive aspects of their traditions and culture in order to prevent it from going into extinction.

Governor Diri represented by the Deputy Governor, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe Ph.D made the call on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the grand finale of the Ekpetiama Okolede New Yam Festival in Gbarantoru, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

He expressed concern over the fast declining Ijaw language and traditional farming, which forms an integral part of the Izon cultural heritage due to preference for foreign ways of life

The Bayelsa Governor listed training of Ijaw language teachers, compulsory learning of the language in public primary schools across the state as part of deliberate efforts made by the ASSURED Prosperity Administration to prevent the Izon Language and Culture.from going extinct

He commended the Ekpetiama people for sustaining the age-long yam festival,and urged them to promote farming, and other agricultural activities in order to contribute meaningfully to the realization of his administration's policy objective of ensuring food security in the state.

The Bayelsa helmsman also urged communities contending with chieftaincy crisis, particularly Agudama-Ekpetiama, Tombia and Akaibiri to embrace peace and unity for the common good of the people.

His words: "Our people are unique and wonderful. Our culture is also unique. Even our dance and several aspects of our lives are unique. But unfortunately, many aspects of our culture are going extinct.

"Most of us cannot even speak our Ijaw language very well. Some of us see this as great challenge. That is why as members of the state House of Assembly some years back, we made effort to enact a law to ensure that Ijaw language is taught in all our public primary schools.

"But the effort of government will be wasted if we don't start from our homes and villages. If a language is not spoken, you will forget it. So let us all make deliberate effort to keep our language alive because language is powerful.

"On behalf of the Governor, I want to appreciate the King and people of Ekpetiama for sustaining this Okolede Festival over the years, which is celebration of farming and harvest.

"I want to also use this opportunity to encourage you to remain united and live as brothers and sisters. Let all the communities in this kingdom where we have chieftaincy crisis like Agudama, Tombia and Akaibiri sink their difference for the sake of peace and progress."

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly and Chairman of the Occasion,RT. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, described the Okolede Festival as a celebration of identity and encouraged the Ekpetiama people to sustain their cultural heritage to ensure stability and sustainable development.

In their separate goodwill messages, the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency, Hon. Oforji Abonzibe Oboku and the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Shadrach Erebulu, extolled the leadership and people of Ekpetiama for maintaining Okolede as a unifying factor.

In his remarks, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, hinted that the festival provides a platform for his people to collectively appreciate God for blessing them with bountiful harvest every year.

King Dakolo used the occasion to thank Governor Diri for the construction of infrastructural projects, appointment of Ekpetiama sons and daughters to position of trust in his administration, saying that the measures taken were impacting positively on the lives of the people and appealed for the construction of a befitting auditorium for the Gbarantoru Community.

On his part, the Amananaowei of Gbarantoru, His Royal Highness, Chief Igonia Dakolo, expressed joy over the impressive attendance and thanked everyone for finding time to grace the festival.

Highpoint of the event was the breaking and eating of new yam by the Ekpetiama Monarch shortly after its presentation by women of the Kingdom led by his wife, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Timinipre Dakolo.

Signed

Mr Doubara Atasi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor
Bayelsa State.
Saturday 13th June, 2026.

07/06/2026

Well-Wishers Throng Ayamasa Community As Bayelsa Deputy Governor Buries Nonagenarian Aunt.

The coastal community of Ayamasa in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was agog at the weekend as crowds of sympathizers joined the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, in bidding farewell to his deceased aunt, Madam Adagba-ere Egberiwarebo, nee Akpe.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, said several serving and former top government officials including one-time deputy governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, commissioners and local government chairmen attended the colourful funeral ceremony.

In his remarks at the reception, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe Ph.D, expressed gratitude to God for the very impactful life his departed nonagenarian aunt lived, describing her as a good and kind-hearted woman.

The Deputy Governor, who equally appreciated everyone who came from far and wide to honour the memory of the late matriarch, prayed God to grant them long life that would call for celebration.

Speaking on behalf of the Ayamasa Community, Chief Thompson Amule, noted that the gathering was not to mourn the departed nonagenarian, but to celebrate the life and good legacies of Madam Adagba-ere.

Chief Amule, who is the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, described the deceased as a generous, loving and God-fearing woman who would be remembered for her generosity and acts of kindness.

The late Madam Adagba-ere Egberiwarebo, who passed on at the ripe age of 90 in April this year, was a devout and committed Christian, and Leader of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ayamasa Community.

She is survived by three direct children, several grand- and great-grandchildren, and two siblings including the biological father of the Deputy Governor, His Royal Highness Agadabiri John Akpe, the Amananaowei of the Ebedebiri Federated Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

Ijaw music maestro, Izonebi Alfred, gospel artiste Youkere-ere, among other entertainers thrilled guests at the event, which also had in attendance the Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, service commanders including the AIG Abubakar Zubairu, Zone 16 Yenagoa, and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa Command, CP Daniel Iyamah
Signed:

Mr Doubara Atasi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor
Bayelsa State
Saturday 6th June 2026

04/06/2026

Your Excellency Senator Douye Diri, on the occasion of your 67th birthday, I celebrate your life, leadership, and enduring commitment to the progress of Bayelsa State. I am grateful for your guidance and the opportunity to serve alongside you.

May God bless you with good health, strength, and many more years of impactful service. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.

27/05/2026

Happy Children's Day

On this blessed occasion of Children's Day, I extend my warmest and most heartfelt felicitations to the young souls who embody our greatest hope and the purest promise of tomorrow.

As we celebrate the innocence, boundless curiosity, and extraordinary potential of our children, let us be reminded that true legacy is not measured in empires built, but in the futures we nurture and the dreams we empower. In every child's smile lies the seed of greatness; in every young mind, the possibility of a more enlightened world.

To all the precious little ones across our dear state Bayelsa and beyond: may your days be filled with wonder, your hearts with joy, and your paths adorned with opportunity. You are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—you are the light of today.

With profound admiration and elegant regards,

~PPA

21/05/2026

HEALTH SECTOR REFORMS: Bayelsa Assures AFENET, Other Partners of Stronger Collaboration

Bayelsa State Government has assured the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and other development partners in the health sector of a better working relationship to further improve healthcare delivery in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe Ph.D, gave the assurance at separate meetings with a delegation of AFENET, Abuja, and the state Taskforce on Immunization at his office in Government House, Yenagoa, on Thursday.

A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, quoted the deputy governor as saying that the Governor Douye Diri-led administration is taking a measures, including putting in place a legislative framework to ensure sustainability of health projects and programmes in the state.

Dr Akpe expressed hope that the state Health Sector Reform Bill when passed into law will address the issue of funding of health projects and other critical challenges affecting healthcare delivery in Bayelsa.

The Deputy Governor, who is the Chairman of the State Immunization Taskforce, commended members of the taskforce, AFENET and other development partners for their efforts and support that enabled the state to achieve its current level of achievements, particularly in the area of immunization.

He, however, urged them not to rest on their oars, stressing that the present administration was irrevocably committed to improving the maternal and child health indices of the state as well as strengthening ongoing partnerships on healthcare interventions.

His words: "We really have to continue working together to see how we can achieve greater and better results. I don't want our state to come down from the height we have attained.

"My team and I will always be open to your counsel and any action you (AFENET) will want to shift to us as our area of responsibility; we will always try and see what we can do about it.

"I think government co-owning projects or initiatives such as this should not be an issue we should struggle with. I believe that with the team we have, we can work it out and make it effective and beneficial to our people.

"On the issue of legislative framework, I want to assure you that we are almost there. We are working on the state Health Sector Reform Bill, which when passed into law, I believe can address the concern you have raised here.

"It will take care of the issue of sustainability of funding and other challenges affecting healthcare delivery in the state."

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, disclosed that AFENET, which draws technical and financial support from the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, had been supporting the state Primary HealthCare Board since 2024.

According to the health Commissioner, the group largely collaborated with the state in the roll-out and implementation of Malaria Vaccines, optimization of outreach sessions which culminated in the immunization of over 18,000 children across the state in three cycles.

Earlier in his remarks, the National Coordinator of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), Dr Saheed Gidado, acknowledged the state government's achievements in healthcare delivery especially in the area of immunization.

While expressing AFENET's readiness for continued collaboration, Dr Gidado urged the state government to put in place a legislative framework to ensure sustainability for funding of the Malaria Vaccine Optimization Project and other health initiatives.

The Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Ministry of Health, Dr Gbanaibolou Orukari and her Pharmaceutical Services counterpart, Dr Ebikapaye Okoyen, also made presentations at the meeting.

Signed

Mr Doubara Atasi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor
Bayelsa State
Thursday 21st May, 2026

17/05/2026

BORO DAY: Governor Diri Harps On Ijaw Unity, Cooperation

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has again called on people of Ijaw extraction across the country to shun clannish and partisan differences to pursue the collective interest of the Ijaw nation.

Governor Diri renewed the call at the weekend while speaking at the wreath-laying ceremony in honour of Late Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro at the Ijaw Heroes Memorial Park in Yenagoa.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the Governor reminded the Ijaws and all those we believe in the ideals of Boro, that mere speeches and processions on Boro Days could not actualize the vision and plans the Kaiama-born freedom fighter had for the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region.

His words: "The greatest tribute we can pay to Major Adaka Boro is not in the wreaths we lay, however beautiful; nor in the speeches we deliver, however eloquent. It is not even in the processions we embark upon. It is in the unity we forge, the peace we keep, and the prosperity we build for generations yet unborn.

"So let us be united. Let us put clan, creek and party aside, and remember that we are first and foremost the children of one ancestor ...and the custodians of one heritage. A divided Ijaw nation cannot finish the work Boro began. But a united Ijaw nation cannot be denied its rightful place in the Nigerian Federation.

"Distinguished Compatriots, the struggle Boro began has not been in vain. Today, Bayelsa State stands as living proof that the seed he planted with his blood has germinated. Out of the Niger Delta Volunteer Service has grown a State, a people and a voice that is confident, organized and constitutionally recognized."

While paying glowing tributes to Late Major Isaac Boro, his compatriots in the 12th Day Revolution and other patriotic Ijaw sons and daughters for fighting against oppression and marginalization, Governor Diri stressed the need for stronger unity and cooperation amongst the people to achieve a better Ijaw nation.

The Bayelsa helmsman equally thanked the traditional rulers and elders for providing fatherly guidance, and urged the youths to embrace education and skills acquisition for them to be relevant in the scheme of things and make positive impact in society like Adaka Boro did.

He commended the youths for being peaceful throughout their Boro Day processions, and advised them to sustain the reasonable gesture in subsequent celebrations, pointing out that destruction of public infrastructure and perpetration of criminal activities under the pretext of celebrating Boro would not advance the Ijaw struggle.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Chief Godspower Oporomor, highlighted the importance of Boro Day, noting that the celebration will continue to provide Ijaw people an opportunity to honour the memory of the Late Major Adaka Boro and other freedom fighters who paid the supreme price with their lives for Ijaw nation.

Chief Oporomor, who commended the state government for supporting the yearly celebration, added that Boro Day will not only enable upcoming children and youths to learn of the heroic exploits of their departed leaders but also inspire them to pursue the Ijaw struggle with better understanding and determination.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders, CITRE, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, noted that although the Ijaw nation is relevant to the Nigerian Federation in terms of its God-given natural resources, the fourth largest ethnic group is yet to have a fair share of its rights and opportunities in the country.

King Dakolo, who is also the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, however, insisted that Ijaw nation can only attain a pride of place among the comity of ethnic nationalities, if Ijaw sons and daughters speak, act and work together for the common good of their land.

Highpoint of the event was the laying of wreaths at the tomb of Late Major Adaka Boro by the Governor represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Dakolo, a representative of the Boro Family, Madam Esther Boro, representatives of the Ijaw Youth Council and the Nigerian Legion, Bayelsa State Council, among other groups and individuals.

Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Acting Chief of Staff to Governor Diri, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Mayor of Yenagoa City, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, traditional rulers including the Ebenanawei of Bomo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Joshua Igbugburu, among other notable personalities attended the wreath-laying ceremony.

Signed

Mr Doubara Atasi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor
Bayelsa State
Saturday 16th May, 2026.

17/05/2026

APC party Primary Elections for the house of Reps Ward 5 Ebedebiri.

16/05/2026

Akpe News Media
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — Saturday, 16th May 2026

Governor Douye Diri Represented at Isaac Adaka Boro Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony
His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, was ably represented by His Excellency, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe Ph.D, at the wreath-laying ceremony held in honour of the late Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro.

The event, part of activities commemorating Isaac Adaka Boro Day, took place at Heroes Park, by Ijaw House, along Sani Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa.

Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe laid the wreath on behalf of the Governor and the good people of Bayelsa State, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the revered Ijaw hero, Isaac Adaka Boro, whose sacrifice and struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta region remain a beacon of inspiration.

The ceremony was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, Ijaw leaders, and other notable personalities who gathered to honour the memory of the legendary freedom fighter.

Boro lives on

08/05/2026

‎BAYELSA GOVERNOR'S CUP: Akpe Gives Thumbs Up To Organizers, Quality Of Grassroots Football
‎
‎The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe Ph.D , has expressed satisfaction with the general standard of organization and quality of football on display in the 2026 edition of the Bayelsa Governor's Cup.
‎
‎Dr. Akpe gave the passmark while fielding questions from newsmen at the main bowl of the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Thursday, during the halftime break of the third-place match between Mountain of the Lord's Deliverance Ministry, MLDM, Odi, and Crusaders FC of Peretorugbene.
‎
‎The Deputy Governor, who performed the ceremonial kick-off for the match, described Bayelsa as the hub of grassroots football in the country, reiterating that the yearly competition is aimed at harnessing budding football talents as well as dissuade youths away from crimes and criminality.
‎
‎According to Dr Akpe, the players featuring in this years edition of the largest grassroots soccer tournament in Nigeria were drawn from all the local government areas of the state.
‎
‎The Bayelsa Number Two Man expressed confidence that some bright talents discovered from the competition would find their way into big football clubs in the domestic and foreign leagues.
‎
‎Responding to concerns raised about the dwindling fortunes of Bayelsa United, Dr. Akpe assured that proactive steps were being taken to change the narrative of the Prosperity Boys in the Nigerian Football League.
‎
‎His words: "I think the purpose for which this event is organized is being achieved by my assessment. Through this programme we have discovered great talents and we will continue to discover more and export them to the Nigerian League and the world.
‎
‎"From what we have seen so far, I think there is very high level of improvement in the tournament. As a state and even at the level of the country, we should take grassroots sports development seriously.
‎
‎"If you forget the grassroots, that means your investment will yield little or nothing. That is why I commend the organizers of this grassroots tournament for going to all the nooks and crannies of Bayelsa State. '
‎
‎"On the issue of Bayelsa United, I will not divulge our plans and what we are doing about it. I agree with you that it is a challenge to us. But you know that when you have challenges you go back to the drawing board.
‎
‎"This grassroots event is what we are really going to encourage to see how we are going to put ourselves back in where we have been before. I can assure you that our team will bounce back again."
‎
‎At the end of the game, Mountain of the Lord's Deliverance Ministry, MLDM, FC of Odi beat Crusaders FC of Peretoru 4-3 on penalties after a three all draw in regulation time.
‎
‎Present at the ceremony were; the Chairman , Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Hon.Tare Porri; Commissioner for Sports Development Chief Daniel Igali, the Director General, Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Pere Efeke and the Director of Sports Bayelsa State Sports Council, Mr. Bibowei Lambert as well as FC Barcelona of Spain Scouts, Mr Alberto Lafuente and Bernat Villa Gorriz.

Mr Doubara Atasi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor
Bayelsa State
Friday 8th April, 2026.

04/05/2026

4th May, 2026

PHOTO NEWS!!

His Excellency, Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State Depart from the Bayelsa State International Airport, as His Excellency, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe Ph.D Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State wished him Journey Mercy.

He was in Bayelsa State on a Solidarity visit to His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State.

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