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Bayelsa Govt Shuts Down All Illegal Mining As Diri Issues Explosive Statewide Ban
The Bayelsa State Government has issued a sweeping order suspending all unauthorised and illegal mining activities across communities in the state’s eight local government areas. The directive came with a stern warning to traditional rulers and community leaders to desist from entering into memoranda of understanding with unapproved miners, as such agreements are now considered void.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, Governor Douye Diri announced the ban during a town hall meeting in Yenagoa on Monday, December 8, while addressing community leaders, senior government officials and stakeholders from Southern Ijaw, Brass and Ekeremor LGAs. Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor condemned the mining of silicon—commonly referred to as black sand—by external operators in Foropa, Agge, Die-ama and other coastal communities, describing the activity as both illegal and hazardous.
He warned that the operations endanger the environment, threaten public health, and undermine state regulations. The governor directed the immediate cessation of such mining, stressing that communities must no longer sign extraction agreements with companies without prior approval from the state government. He noted that while the administration is committed to welcoming genuine investors, it will not tolerate ventures that jeopardise community safety or security.
Governor Diri cautioned that any community leader who ignores the directive risks arrest and prosecution under state laws. He added that illegal mining violates environmental assessment rules, encourages insecurity, and deprives Bayelsa of vital revenue. He emphasised that similar unchecked activities in northern states contributed to the rise of banditry, insisting such developments would not be allowed in Bayelsa.
He reiterated that all existing MoUs entered into without government authorisation are now invalid and unenforceable. The Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ben-Ololo, also reminded communities of an established law passed by the State House of Assembly governing mining procedures and mandatory approval processes.
Several community heads, including the Paramount Ruler of Foropa, His Royal Highness Olabai Olozulu; the Paramount Ruler of Die-ama, His Royal Highness Baratuaipre Amaene; and the CDC Chairman of Odioma, Chief Forcebray Eketekpe, welcomed the government’s action and pledged their support.
This directive comes at a time of heightened national anxiety over illegal mining, following renewed calls from the Northern States Governors’ Forum for a six-month nationwide suspension of mining activities after escalating kidnappings and killings linked to unlawful mineral exploitation.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic breakthrough with the emergence of its first female pilot, Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, who recently earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The achievement was celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, marking a significant step in the agency’s drive to strengthen its aviation capacity for surveillance, logistics, and anti-smuggling operations.
At a ceremony attended by senior officers, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, described the development as a landmark moment for the service.
He said Balogun’s transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot represents a major breakthrough for the Customs aviation unit and highlights the agency’s commitment to professional growth and inclusivity.
He added that the milestone reflects expanding opportunities within the Service as it continues to integrate air assets into its enforcement and border monitoring operations.
Balogun expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that her journey required dedication and resilience, while pledging to apply her new skills in advancing the Customs mandate with professionalism and discipline.
The development has been widely described within the Service as an inspiration for greater female participation in technical and specialised roles.
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Osun 2026: APC Candidate Oyebamiji Pledges Inclusive Governance For Non-Indigenes, Interest Groups.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to ensure inclusive governance by integrating non-indigenes and various interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said his administration would operate a structured system that promotes participation and representation of all segments of society in governance.
The pledge was conveyed by a former lawmaker and ex-Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, after he represented the candidate at an engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area.
Oyintiloye said the plan is aimed at strengthening the link between government and grassroots communities, ensuring public policies reflect citizens’ real needs.
He added that all groups would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation to drive development in the state.
Oyebamiji also promised continued engagement with farmers, traders, artisans, and non-indigene communities as key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, leaders of the Arewa community commended past inclusion efforts and pledged support for the APC candidate ahead of the election.
Barely a year after its inauguration in Akwa Ibom State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep factional crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple factions are now locked in a struggle for control of the party, leaving members uncertain about the legitimate leadership structure.
One faction is led by John Akpanudodehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another is headed by the embattled state chairman, Dick Duke.
Although the leader of a third faction could not be immediately confirmed, findings indicate that another group also exists within the party.
Sources further suggest that the Akpanudodehe-led faction is seeking to remove the current chairman through a recently held congress that has sparked controversy.
In response, Dick Duke convened a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, where he rejected the legitimacy of the said congress.
He said the party had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distance itself from the exercise, citing a subsisting court order.
According to him, his tenure as state chairman is still valid until May, and any congress conducted before then would be unlawful.
Duke added that the party would only proceed with proper congresses after the expiration of his tenure and the resolution of legal issues, in line with due process.
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