Bayelsa State Government To Build Another Stadium in Yenagoa 

**Reiterates Continued Investment in Sports Development***

Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to construct a thirty thousand capacity stadium in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Governor Diri gave the assurance at a media chat with journalists at the governor’s conference room, government house, Yenagoa at the weekend.

The state’s helmsman noted that his administration would soon award the contract to construct an ultra modern stadium this year, stating that the construction of the stadium would be completed before the expiration of his second tenure as governor.

He explained that the need to build a new stadium became imperative due to the state’s continuous dominance in national and international sporting events, stressing that it was time for Bayelsa to have another stadium apart from Samson Siasia Stadium.

The governor noted that the prosperity administration would continue it’s investments in the sports sector, stating that sports remain one sure way of youth engagement and empowerment.

According to the governor, sports has placed the prosperity administration in the spotlight and he has no regrets spending so much in the development of sports, pointing out that his aim is to see more of Blessing Oborududu and Tima Godbless flying the state flag at the global stage.

He asserted that he is elated seeing many youths in the state being engaged by the prosperity cup, stressing that the tournament has reduced unemployment and disgruntlement against government and that benefits of the prosperity cup are uncountable to Bayelsa youths describing sports as a big business.

Governor Diri noted that his administration’s investment in the development of sports has given the state some mileage because many talents that would have been left unnoticed were now being picked up by international scouts.

He maintained that the government of Bayelsa State will create a conducive environment needed by young sportsmen and women in the state to grow in their respective sporting careers.

Timi Frank Urges President Tinubu to Release Detained Protesters

**Calls for Restraint on the Use of Lethal Force by Police, Army, DSS

Comrade Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately order the unconditional release of all hunger protesters detained by the police and other security forces.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja and made available to Areanewsng.com, Frank also urged the President to prevent further violence and the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters by law enforcement agencies.

He criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his antagonistic stance towards the protesters and suggested that President Tinubu should dismiss him if he continues to show disrespect towards Nigerian youths.

“Nigerians have the inalienable right to protest against government policies that adversely affect them and to demand changes for the collective good,” Frank stated.

He acknowledged that while the ongoing protests are well-intentioned, they have been exploited by sponsored groups in some states, which have aimed to discredit the organizers and provide security forces with an excuse to suppress the demonstrations.

“This should not be the case. The vacation Judge in Abuja who curtailed the rights of protesters by unjustly restricting them to the Moshood Abiola Stadium and other public spaces in Lagos also ruled that the police and other security agencies should protect the protesters both in Abuja and other parts of the country,” he noted.

Frank criticized the security forces for failing to adhere to the court’s order, which resulted in the unjust killings, arrests, brutalization, and incarceration of protesters, as well as the hijacking of protests by government-sponsored agents to perpetuate criminal acts.

“This situation must not be allowed to continue. The President must genuinely protect the youths who are protesting. He must approach the protesters like a father dealing with an angry child. After all, the youths have no other country to call their own.”

As the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, Frank condemned FCT Minister Wike for obtaining a biased court order that sought to confine protesters to the Abuja Stadium. He also praised the courage of the demonstrators who defied the order.

“The enforcement of this unjust order has led to peaceful protesters being tear-gassed by the police, arrested, and detained in large numbers, alongside the harassment of journalists,” Frank emphasized.

He warned that any further acts of aggression against peaceful protesters by the police and other security agencies could escalate tensions and provoke resistance from the protesters.

Frank called for the international community to closely monitor the ongoing protests and the security forces’ brutal responses. He urged the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union to impose visa bans on the FCT Minister and the chiefs of police and the army responsible for the mistreatment of protesters.

Expressing condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured, Frank urged the International Criminal Court to hold the Inspector General of Police and all Service Chiefs in Nigeria accountable for the killings of unarmed protesters in recent days.

He vowed to petition the ICC to prosecute Wike and the IGP for ordering the police to use tear gas and live ammunition against unarmed peaceful protesters in Abuja and Kano, respectively.

Frank urged the Federal Government to avoid using force against the protesters, stating that “only dialogue and peaceful engagements can bring the much-needed resolution to the protests.”

Protests: Ehiwarior Calls For Calm, Commends Ika South residents, tells them to about their legitimate activities

The Executive Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, has called on residents of the area to remain calm and go about their legitimate activities.

The council boss expressed gratitude to the people of Ika South Local Government Area, particularly the youths, for ensuring the #EndBadGovernance protests, which commenced on Wednesday across the country, was devoid of violence and other criminal activities, in the area.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Onwuka, the Chairman noted that the protests were peaceful in the area, and that he had addressed and commended the protesters for the orderly manner in which they went about expressing their grievances, until some hoodlums tried to hijack the demonstrations on the second day, leading to avoidable injuries to some persons.

He praised security agents in the area for their professionalism and for also being of good conduct, and noted that the area remained peaceful.

The Chairman disclosed that some persons who sustained injuries during the attempted hijack of the protests by hoodlums, are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, and are in stable condition, assuring that the government would fully foot the bills for their treatment.

He called on residents of Ika South Local Government Area to remain law-abiding and go about their activities, as, according to him, the government, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders, were working round- the- clock to sustain the continued safety of life and protection of property of the people of the area

Bureau Chief advises Tinubu to address protesters, reverse anti people policy

**Says FG should partner Dangote Refinery, stop fuel importation

President Bola Tinubu and the federal government of Nigeria, have been advised to immediately stop the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (fuel), and fully patronize Dangote Refinery until the nation’s four refineries are fixed and ready for production.

The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, gave the advise while speaking as a guest of a national radio public affairs program on Friday, saying that the ongoing national protest is rapidly attracting negative image for Nigeria at the global stage.

He said Dangote Refinery in Lagos, has the capacity to refine and distribute fuel and other essential petroleum products to all the countries in Africa, adding that the ongoing nationwide protest will continue to dwindle and stifle operations at the nation’s stock market, as well as reduce the inflow of Direct Foreign Investment, FDI.

Dr Oghenesivbe, who is also a full member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, urged President Tinubu to be proactive in dealing with issues of grave concerns, especially the obvious acute hardship in Nigeria; so as to avoid the global negative publicity being generated for Nigeria via the international media as a result of the national protest.

He posited that it was and still a gross disservice to our country, and her people for the federal government not to fully utilize the glaring economic advantages which Dangote refinery offers on a platter of gold at this critical moment of Nigeria’s fragile economy.

He further stated that if the federal government partner Dangote Refinery by supplying it with sufficient crude oil on a regular basis and payments in local currency, pump price of petrol will be reduced drastically, and billions of dollars spent on fuel importation, payment of remote or direct fuel subsidy, and import duties shall be saved by government to strengthen the value of the Naira, reduce prices of food stuffs, essential commodities and cost of transportation.

The Bureau Chief appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to immediately reverse his administration’s anti people harsh economic policies, come out of his comfort zone to address protecting Nigerians who are dying slowly every passing day, as a result of the acute hunger, abject poverty, joblessness and hopelessness occasioned by the negative effects of the wrong approach to national economic remodelling.

“It is economically retrogressive for the federal government to continue to spend billions of dollars of our national resources and tax payers money through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to import fuel after the commissioning of Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa and Europe put together.

“Those behind fuel importation should have a rethink, and do the needful to save our country from total economic collapse. Our people deserves comfort, enjoyment of their nation’s resources and commonwealth.

“Nigerians deserve painless economic remodelling strategies, not importation of poverty and hunger via fuel importation.

“The international community is watching Nigeria, a nation blessed by God, but grossly mismanaged by some unpatriotic leaders. Vanity upon vanity equals to vanity.

“What then shall it profit some men to gain the whole world, while their people die of hunger and abject Poverty every day? It’s cheer greed and wickedness, period.

“Our national image is dwelling at the global stage, as a result of the national protest against bad governance staring us in the face 64 years after independence from our colonial masters. It’s shameful.

“Let’s stop this unprecedented greed, primitive accumulation of wealth and disservice to our country, and the time is now. Let’s purge ourselves and work to build a great nation where good governance, economic growth and prosperity thrives.

“And Very quickly, Mr President should as a matter of national and public interest, reverse his anti people harsh economic policies by abolishing importation of fuel, partner Dangote Refinery to strengthen the value of the Naira, solve the problem of insecurity, and save our country from the impending danger of food shortage, and total economic collapse.

“It’s time for President Tinubu to come out of his comfort zone to address the hungry, angry and frustrated protesting Nigerians who have been subjected to unbearable hardship.

“If truly the same protesting Nigerians are the ones that voted Tinubu to be their President in 2023, he must of a necessity treat them kindly and promptly by adopting their demands.

“And lastly, Mr President and members of the Federal Executive Council should immediately go back to the drawing board to plan and implement painless economic policies that would reduce cost of governance, grow the nation’s economy, and ensure prosperity for Nigerians,” Oghenesivbe added.

Prophet Fufeyin prays for President Tinubu, better Nigeria, its Currency, economy, Peace & Security

**Says Nigeria not in crisis, shall never be

By: Celestine Ukah 

The founder and Minister in charge of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries International, Billionaire Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin prays for the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the good of the country.

Prophet Fufeyin was praying for the country Friday August 2, during his Friday Live Prophet Service held at the Mount side of the Church inside Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries in Effurun near Warri Delta State Nigeria.

While praying for the economy of Nigeria, the Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries Founder , Prophet Fufeyin prayed for rebounce and strengthening of the Naira, better nigeria as well as peace and security of the nation.

According to the renowned Man of God Nigeria need prophets of God, he prayed for freedom and peace, noting that in Israel according to the Bible prophets prayed during famine in Israel and God answered and restored the country, he reiterated that a better nigeria is coming and that Nigeria doesn’t want any crisis.

Prophet Fufeyin futherr prayed for wisdom of God for the President and those in government to address the people, urging the youths to shun any destruction of lives and properties as they embark on the peaceful protest, emphasising that Nigeria need peace and one love to move on.

Prophet Fufeyin who’s also known as Papa J, said God revealed the current situation of the country to him since 12th March 2023 namely: Famine which he called hungry, starvation and Darkness that he described as a mystery, Prophet Fufeyin again emphasized his prayer focus on peace and no bloodshed and for the security agencies, stressing that Nigeria isn’t in crisis and shall never be, just as he appealed to the people to remain peaceful in their activities.

Endbadgovernance: Those protesting are emotional – Abiola, appeals to Nigeria to give President Tinubu more time to respond

By: Ella Akpa 

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Special Duties, Jamiu Abiola says those protesting in the ongoing nationwide endbadgovernance Protest are being emotional in their action.

Jamiu Abiola stated this on ChannelsTv Politics Today on a special interview Friday August 2, 2024, he urged those involved in the protest to be abreast with the current achievement of the renewed hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Areanewsng.com reports that Abiola, while responding to the protesters demands, appealed to Nigerians to give the government of President Tinubu more time to address issues affecting the country as raised by them, highlighting some of the federal government achievement to include the student loan support, grant to less less privileged in the country, more money to states improved security among others.

He also described President Tinubu as a man who means well for Nigeria and that he sees so many similarities on him like his late father M.K.O Abiola who had good heart for development of Nigeria.

Salimon Wits Foundation to Train youths in Delta on renewable energy, climate change advocacy, others

The Salimon Wits Foundation has disclosed plans to train Delta youths on renewable energy and climate change advocacy as parts of its effort to empower and make the youths self dependent.

The Coordinator of the foundation, Amb. Raymond Nduka who disclosed this at a press conference in Ughelli, said it is lunching its 2024 bio-gas and solar energy training for youths between the ages of 18 year to 40 years.

According to Nduka, “Salimon Wits Foundation is a Salt and Light Movement and is a foundation that is focused on the development of youths from the age of 18 years to 40 years. We are into capacity building, leadership skills development and others.

“We are doing this programme in collaboration from two supportive agencies, one of them is LEAP Africa and the other one is Nigerian Youth Future Funds. We are collaborating with them on this green Delta. They are the major sponsors of this green Delta that will soon kick off in Ozoro, Delta State.

On its choice of Delta State, he said, “There are many reasons for picking Delta State, we are talking about green energy, but you will agree with me, most importantly that Delta State is an energy state. And we see fossil fuel burning every now and then in various parts of the state and you see a lot of gas flaring there. And that is impacting on the environment. So we are looking at a situation where we can encourage green energy to combat these very effects.

“In Delta State though we have our turbines here but the electricity system is not relatively stable, so we are looking at a situation where we can make alternative provisions that will first of all solve the epileptic power situation and providing it in a way that such solution so not have negative impact on the society. And that solution is green energy. This is why we decided to bring such noble programs to Delta State.

He explained that, “Salimon and Wits Foundation is lunching the 2024 bio-data and solar change in Nigeria to address the pressing issue of climate change. The initiatives aimed to provide essential skills in renewable energy to the youths of Delta State, fostering youth empowerment, and community wide environmental stewardship.

“Our foundation is committed to empowering young people through educational and skill development in renewable energy, focusing on bio-gas and solar energy system, as well as climate change advocacy. Now the urgency of climate change advocacy is a present reality, impacting lives through rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, floods and draughts.

“In Delta State, coastal erosion, flooding and lots of viral diversity are threatening livelihood today. Addressing climate change requires a shift in mindset and behaviour with advocacy in educating and empowering youths about the importance of renewable energy and climate action that can foster a culture of sustainability across the society today.

“Some of our programme highlights are bio-gas training and solar energy training. The bio-gas training offers a wide solution to waste management and energy solutions. Our training program teaches participants how to design, install and maintain bio-gas system. The system teaches how to convert organic waste into renewable energy.

“The solar energy training is a cornerstone of our renewable energy landscape. Our training will cover installation, repair and maintenance of solar panel. Participants will learn to design inverter systems and calculate power loss.

“On climate change advocacy, we educate participants on the cause and effect of climate change, emphasizing the role of renewable energy in mitigating its impact. Advocacy training equip them with skills in public speaking, community engagements and social media campaigning, by integrating climate change education with practical renewable energy skills with aim to create advocate who can lead and inspire others to take action.”

14 Teams Set For Second Edition of Imo FA Veterans Competition

14 teams will trade tackles in the second edition of the Imo State Football Assocation Veterans Football Competition which kicks off on 10th August 2024 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.

The competition in the second year will kick start with seminar to educate the veteran players and officials of the role expected of them, rules and regulations and opportunities available through the competition for the retired footballers.

The competition which is a brain child of the Barrister Ifeanyi Dike led Imo State FA is aimed at promoting wellness and opportunities for networking of ideas between the ex-players and their fans, who may not have heard much about them since they retired from the game.

The competition will kick off with a mouth-watering encounter between Uzie na Abosi All Stars and Fit Friends All Stars at the practice pitch of the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.

According to silvernews.com.ng, it reports that it will bring together for the first time, the presence of two former African Footballers of the Year, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and Ambassador Kanu Nwankwo and other invited guests to the iconic ground that hosted the last continental football final in the country in 2009 when Iwuanyawu Nationale hosted TP Mazembe of Congo for the first leg of CAF champions league, with some of the players involved also in attendance.

The program which would have started with the seminar on the first day of August was postponed because of the ongoing nationwide hunger protest, will now hold on 4th August at the Imo State Football Assocation office Owerri.

Casmir Mbachu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, this year’s edition was supposed to be on a home and away format but was cancelled due to the various economic challenges facing the country.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Organizing Committee, Neville Okere appreciated the teams that registered for the competition and assured them of a smooth organization in this year’s edition.

It could be recalled that Dinamo Dinamic are the defending champions of the first ever organized Imo State Football Assocation Veterans Cup.

The defending champions, who were the first to register in this year’s competition believe they can defend the trophy they won last year.