Metro

Bayelsa: Again, Host Communities Shut Down NCDMB Building, Reject Training Of 100 Youths

Published

4 years ago

September 29, 2021

Hundreds of protesters on Wednesday, again, besieged and shut down activities at the headquarters building of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The angry protesters at the early hours of Wednesday stormed and barricaded the main entrance to the content tower, preventing visitors and workers from gaining entrance into the building.

The aggrieved youths said they rejected the offer of training just one hundred youths from the earlier agreed and approved 1000 youths from over 850 communities in the eight local government areas of the state.

Recall on Monday the protesters besieged and shut down activities at the headquarters building of the NCDMB, over the expiration of agreement and non-commencement of trainings for youths of the Oil and Gas communities.

The protesting youths who chanted solidarity songs to press home their demands, vowed never to accept anything less than 1000 youths for the first phrase of the training.

Speaking to DAILY POST, state chapter Chairman, Host Community of Nigeria producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), HRH Boma Kerekebina, said they were embarking on this peaceful protest based on their earlier agreement signed and approved by all stakeholders.

He stated that they will only accept the number of persons approved by the Bureau for Public Prosecution in a document which is 1000 youths in the first phrase in Bayelsa, adding that any other manipulation by the board will be totally rejected.

The Chairman, who was represented by the Sagbama Local Government coordinator, Mr. Safa Perekebina, disclosed that even after the board took away hundred slots from their approved 1000 and promised to train 900, they have resorted to playing tricks with the agreement.

He said, “Till now no date or venue have been communicated to the youths for the training after all documentation but rather officials of the NCDMB keep making flimsy excuses.”

According to the Executive Secretary HOSTCOM, Mr. Ofoni Ebimobowei, after several meetings, the board resorted to delay tactics.

“They told us that they can only train 100 youths because they have only N105 million naira, which we told them is unacceptable. The budget has been done and approved since 2019, and they delayed till now and they are telling us another lies, we will not accept it,” he said.

In his brief, Chief Dogibara Allison, said all they want is to make peace and the only way to go is abide by the earlier agreement, noting that the small way for the NCDMB to give back to the society is to train youths from the host communities in Bayelsa State.

When reached on the board’s reaction, the media officer to NCDMB, Mr. Obinna Ezeobi, said the board is not an agency responsible for training of youths in the state, but are for the oil and gas industry.

He added that the board will respond officially to any other claims.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.