News

Diri To Cabinet Members: Prepare Your Handover Notes

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has directed members of his cabinet to begin to prepare their handover notes as his first term in office winds down.

He gave them the directive during the 126th state executive council meeting inside the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday.

Diri will be sworn in for another term on February 14, 2024, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He was declared the winner of the November 11, 2023, off-cycle governorship election, polling a total of 175,196 votes to defeat his major opponent, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 110,108 votes.

The governor asked the political appointees to tidy up their handover reports to achieve a smooth transition to his second term, a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said.

He commended his cabinet members for adding value to the state through their performance and thanked them for the selfless service they rendered in the last four years, noting that the achievements recorded by his administration in its first term were collective and were not an exclusive preserve of himself or his deputy.

While urging them to continue to contribute their best till the end of the term, Diri said, “As you are aware, our administration is winding down its first tenure and I know you will not wait for me to tell you to start preparing your handover notes. I believe some of you have started from last year. At the end of the day, everybody will see what you have done.

“I want to commend you for the selfless service you have rendered in the last four years and as you prepare your notes, dot the i’s and cross the t’s. So, for future purposes, those who will take over or even if you are continuing, you will be guided.

“I commend you for the spirit of oneness, unity and love we all saw in this executive council. That is why we have achieved so much under this four years. That is why the people said this government must come back for the next four years.

“It was not an exclusive preserve of myself as governor or my deputy governor. Yes, we led the pack but all of you contributed very well to the successes we have recorded in infrastructure, education, health, sports, security and even in the judiciary. So on behalf of the deputy governor, I say a big thank you to this state executive council. We have not dissolved the cabinet yet and today is not the last day.”

Earlier, the council held a valedictory session for the late former Commissioner for Finance, Steven Ogullah.

Diri said it was the policy of his administration to honour Exco members who served meritoriously, adding that he would propose an amendment to the policy to ensure that only those who served the state without blemish would be honoured.

He described the late Finance Commissioner as a dedicated man who gave his all to the service of the state and that he would be greatly missed.

The governor said even out of office, Ogullah remained committed to service to the state, as he was very supportive of his administration until his last days.

He also stated that Ogullah formed an organisation to galvanise support for his re-election and expressed gratitude to the departed commissioner for his abiding loyalty and support.

Diri urged members of his family to be comforted by his footprints in the development of the state, which he said will remain indelible.

News

Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican Reggae Legend, Cultural Icon, Is Dead

Published

27 minutes ago

November 24, 2025

Editor

Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican singer and actor whose music helped bring reggae to a global audience, has died at the age of 81.

His wife, Latifa Chambers, shared the news on Instagram, saying: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace.” The message was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.

Cliff rose to international fame with hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want, I Can See Clearly Now, and Wonderful World, Beautiful People. His lead role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come further cemented his place in Jamaican cultural history and introduced reggae to wider audiences, particularly in the United States.

He was one of only a few musicians, alongside Bob Marley, to receive the Jamaican Order of Merit.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute, calling him “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world … Jimmy Cliff told our story with honesty and soul. His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.”

Born in Saint James, Jamaica, in 1944, Cliff began his career in the early 1960s in Kingston, working with producer Leslie Kong. After early local success, he gained international attention through Island Records and by performing to diverse audiences in London. Cliff’s music often blended upbeat rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, addressing topics from war to social justice.

In addition to his music, Cliff acted in several films, toured widely, and collaborated with artists including the Rolling Stones, Sting, and Wyclef Jean. His most recent album, Refugees (2022), won a Grammy for best reggae album, marking one of two wins from seven nominations over his career.

Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae legend, cultural icon, leaves behind a legacy of music, film, and cultural influence that shaped both Jamaica and the world.

(The Guardian UK)

News

BREAKING: South-West Governors Hold Security Meeting In Ibadan

Published

1 hour ago

November 24, 2025

Editor

Governors of the South-West are meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over the security situation in the region.

The governors in attendance are Seyi Makinde, Oyo, Dapo Abiodun, Ogun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo and Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is represented by his deputy, Kola Adeusi.

According to reports, that the meeting was summoned to review the security situation in the South-West.

Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the development to DAILY POST on Monday afternoon.

Olanrewaju, in a brief telephone conversation with DAILY POST, noted that all the governors except Adeleke who sent his deputy are currently in the meeting.

He said, “The meeting has started. All the governors are present except Governor Adeleke who was represented by his deputy.”

News

Army Releases List Of Shortlisted Candidates For SSC Course

Published

2 hours ago

November 24, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Army has announced the release of the list of shortlisted candidates for the Short Service Combatant Commission Course 49/2026 Selection Board.

In a Monday statement signed by the Military Secretary (Army), the Army said the full list of successful applicants is now available on its recruitment portal: recruitment.army.mil.ng.

According to the statement, shortlisted candidates are to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy, Ribadu Campus, Kaduna State, on December 1, 2025

“The shortlisted candidates are to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy Ribadu Campus (Old Site), Kaduna State on 1 December 2025.

“Candidates are advised to be in Kaduna on 30 November 2025 and report to the Selection Board venue between 6 am 11 am on 1 December 2025,” the statement partly read.

The Army warned that “candidates who arrive after 11am on 1 December 2025 will be automatically disqualified.”

It was stated that candidates are required to present original and photocopies of all academic and professional certificates, including NYSC discharge or exemption certificates.

They must also bring a valid birth certificate, certificate of state of origin, BVN printout, NIN slip, and completed forms from the SSCC portal.

The Army further listed items candidates must come with, including writing materials, blue shorts, white T-shirts, white canvas shoes, toiletries, beddings, full-size coloured photographs, and scratch cards for checking WAEC or NECO results.

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Parents or guardians must also provide a “duly signed Letter of Consent” made in a recognised court of law, declaring they will not seek compensation for any injury or death during the exercise.

The selection process will include document verification, physical and medical tests, academic assessments and an oral interview.

The Army noted that any alteration on documents will automatically render them invalid.

According to the statement, candidates will be accommodated and fed during the exercise but must cater for their transportation. The use of private vehicles and visits from outsiders are prohibited for the entire duration.

The Army also cautioned that a high level of discipline is required, stressing that “candidates who violate any instruction during the Selection Board will be disqualified.”

The statement added that, due to the military nature of the exercise, the Nigerian Army will not be liable for injuries or deaths recorded during the selection.

“A high standard of discipline is expected from all candidates. Candidates who violate any instruction during the Selection Board will be disqualified.

“Due to the military nature of the Exercise, the Nigerian Army shall not be liable for any injuries/deaths recorded in the course of the Selection Board,” the statement concluded.