News Waka Now - NWN, Ekeki, Yenagoa (2026)

05/09/2026

‎Gov. Diri hands over rescued fishermen to São Tomé and Principe Ambassador
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‎Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri today at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, formally handed over two rescued fishermen from Sao Tome and Principe to the country's ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno.
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‎The two fishermen, Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca were rescued eight days ago by Bayelsans in Agge, Ekeremor Local Government Area, when they missed their way while fishing in their country, and were handed to the state government by the Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Isaac Onniye.
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‎Governor Diri in his remarks, stated, "First, I like to thank God for a day like this that our brothers from Sao Tome and Principe who lost their way while embarking on their business, were found in Nigeria here in Bayelsa State.
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‎ Let it be on record that this is the second time that we are receiving our brothers from Sao Tome and Principe, because the last time, it was in Brass Local Government Area, and this time around, they were recovered in Ekeremor Local Government Area which is also by the Atlantic Ocean. I keep saying that all of our three senatorial districts leads to the Atlantic Ocean.
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‎ I want to thank God for the life of these two gentlemen, who are now looking very healthy, and let me also thank you for the prompt response from your embassy, because, as soon as we are informed by the chairman of the Ekeremor Local Government Area that some of our African brothers from Sao Tome and Principe lost their way, and that they have been in the sea for about eight days and strayed into the Nigerian waters, precisely to Bayelsa, I directed that they should be brought from Ekeremor.
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‎For me, every citizen, no matter how lowly or highly placed, is important, and we must treat every citizen with equity and equality that they actually deserve.
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‎ So, I want to officially hand them over to you, so that we know that the bond and the friendship between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe, and precisely Bayelsa, will continue to grow from strength to strength”, Governor Diri stated.
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‎The governor was joined by the Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, Commissioner for Information Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Faith Zibs Godwin, Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa and other top government officials.
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‎Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno was joined by Jerushah Danboyi, Executive secretary of embassy of Sao Tome and Principe.
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05/09/2026

Catholic Priest commends Okpebholo over roads, transformer

The Parish Administrator of St. James the Greater Catholic Church, Ogbeson, Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for road projects and the provision of a transformer to the community.

Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh spoke on Saturday during the dedication of the church building in Benin by most Rev, Donatus Ogun, the Apostolic Administrator, Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City.

He said the church had appealed to Governor Okpebholo during its December 2025 harvest over poor electricity supply and the deplorable road leading to the church.

According to him, the governor responded by providing a transformer, which was delivered on Dec. 23, and also commenced work on Electrics Road leading to the church.

The priest also praised the governor's ongoing road and flyover projects, saying they had eased traffic and improved access to the area.

He said some visitors had previously avoided the church because of the bad road but changed their perception after seeing the completed flyover and ongoing projects.

“We thank him immensely for what is happening on our roads, the flyovers and the first flyover in our state. Another flyover is also coming up on Sapele Road and we are grateful to him,” he said.

Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh also commended Governor Okpebholo for paying the hospital bill of a child who underwent surgery.

On his part, the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City. Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi, prayed to God for the governor's protection.

Responding, Governor Okpebholo pledged to sustain work on the ongoing road projects in Ogbeson, saying residents would see more progress before the end of the year.

"By the grace of God, between now and December, you will see work going on," he said.

05/09/2026

*EDOHERMA shuts Jess Royal Hospital over 10-year unregistered operation*

The Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) has ordered the immediate closure of Jess Royal Hospital in Benin after discovering that the facility had operated for more than 10 years without statutory registration.

The agency said the hospital was neither registered with the Edo State Ministry of Health nor currently registered with EDOHERMA.

The discovery was made during a monitoring exercise at an orphanage located in the same building as the hospital.

EDOHERMA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, said she engaged the hospital owner during the visit and was informed that the facility was not registered with the state government.

The owner reportedly told the agency that he was a member of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP).

Urhoghide-Edigin clarified that ANPMP membership does not amount to statutory registration and does not authorise anyone to operate a healthcare facility in Edo State.

She subsequently directed the agency's Medical Services Department to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the hospital.

The follow-up inspection, led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Peter Evbuomwan, identified several deficiencies in the facility.

The operator told the inspection team that health challenges had prevented him from completing the registration process.

EDOHERMA, however, said the facility was expected to meet all statutory requirements for continued operation since it had remained in service.

The agency said the inspection also revealed poor infection prevention and control practices, cobwebs on ceilings and walls, rusted and deteriorated ward equipment, badly damaged mattresses and a lack of evidence of routine fumigation or pest control.

The hospital was also found to have no valid and serviceable fire extinguisher, emergency preparedness plan or established referral system.

EDOHERMA said the deficiencies raised serious concerns about patient safety and the facility's ability to respond appropriately to emergencies.

The agency consequently directed the hospital to stop all medical operations immediately.

It gave the facility two weeks to begin the official EDOHERMA registration process and correct the identified infrastructural, environmental, equipment and health-standard deficiencies.

The agency said it would conduct a follow-up inspection to determine the level of compliance.

It added that Jess Royal Hospital would not be allowed to resume healthcare operations until it satisfactorily met the applicable regulatory requirements.

Urhoghide-Edigin said patient safety remained the agency's overriding priority, stressing that no healthcare facility would be allowed to compromise established health, sanitary and operational standards in the state.

EDOHERMA also reminded owners and operators of private hospitals and clinics in Edo that ANPMP membership does not constitute government approval or authorisation to operate.

The agency said statutory registration with EDOHERMA was mandatory to ensure that healthcare services were provided in appropriate environments, within approved scopes of practice and by suitably qualified personnel.

05/09/2026

Dakolo, Traditional Rulers Seek Stronger Public Education in Bayelsa.

The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, has called for sustained efforts by the government to strengthen public education in the state and make government schools more attractive to parents and pupils.

King Dakolo made the call when the management of the government-owned educational development project, "Bayelsa Promoting Reform to Improve and Modernize Education" (Bayelsa PRIME), presented its programme to the Traditional Rulers Council at the council’s secretariat in Yenagoa.

King Dakolo commended the educational initiative of the state government, which is aimed at providing statewide foundational education by accelerating children’s literacy and numeracy skills.

He, however, underscored the need for sustained investment in modern school infrastructure, equipment and other facilities such as this to provide conducive learning environments that meet contemporary standards comparable to those in public schools globally.

The traditional rulers’ council chairman observed that the continued dominance of private schools in the provision of quality educational opportunities indicated that more needed to be done to restore public confidence in the public school system.

While commending the management of Bayelsa PRIME, King Dakolo assured the programme of the full support of traditional institutions across the state.

He also proposed further engagement between Bayelsa PRIME and the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat to promote more meaningful participation by traditional institutions in the development of education across the state.

Contributing to the discussion, His Royal Majesty King Seiyefa ThankGod Koroye, Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom, welcomed the programme’s use of technology to support teachers and monitor attendance.
He, however, suggested that the digital platform should be expanded to track individual pupils’ attendance and academic performance.

Also speaking, His Royal Majesty King (Capt.) Egbesuwei Gbanraun X, Agadagba Pere of Gbanraun Kingdom, expressed concern over the state of education in rural communities, particularly the shortage of teachers and inadequate science facilities.
He urged Bayelsa PRIME to prioritise underserved communities where many children remain out of school.

Similarly, His Royal Majesty King Wapaebiama David Amakiri, Obeneobhan II, Obanobhan of Emeyal Kingdom, said the programme’s digital monitoring and tracking system, if properly developed, could strengthen oversight of activities in individual schools and classrooms and ultimately improve education delivery.

His Royal Majesty King (Dr.) Collins Boutuah Aranka, Opu-Okun V, Ibedaowei of Opokuma Kingdom, stressed the importance of providing attractive teaching and learning materials, noting that adequate resources and conducive facilities were essential to encouraging pupils to attend public schools.

In his presentation, the Chairman of Bayelsa PRIME, Barrister Warmate Jones, said the programme was introduced in 2023 following an education summit held in 2022 to address challenges including poor teacher attendance and weak learning outcomes.
According to him, the programme combines technology-enabled lesson delivery with teacher training and monitoring. He added that assessments in English and Mathematics had shown improved performance among pupils in participating schools.

Barrister Jones disclosed that the programme, which was initially piloted in four Local Government Areas, had been approved for expansion to Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw, Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas.
He said teachers and head teachers in the four areas were expected to undergo training between September and October.

The Bayelsa PRIME chairman appealed to traditional rulers to use their influence within their communities to encourage teachers and other stakeholders to embrace the programme.

He also disclosed that the programme’s results had undergone third-party evaluation, adding that more than 120,000 books and other learning materials were supplied annually to participating schools.

The meeting was attended by traditional rulers from various kingdoms across the state, as well as the Manager, Policy and Partnership of Bayelsa PRIME, Joshua Awudum, and its IT Associate, Musa Auta.

05/09/2026

Ekeremor stakeholders, women groups hails Gov. Diri on gender-inclusive disposition
.applaud Ekeremor RDA boss on performance

Key stakeholders from the three constituencies of Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsà State have commended the State Governor,Sen. Douye Diri for his gender-inclusive disposition and ensuring ensuring that the dividends of development to the area.

The Stakeholders,made up of political actors from three three constituencies of Ekeremor Local Government Area and the Ekeremor Female Grassroots Frontiers, in separate courtesy visits to the Chairman of the Ekeremor Rural Development Authority, Hon. Mrs. Deme Debra Pamosoo, Esq., affirmed that the administration of Gov. Douye Diri has done well for the councils area through the RDA leadership and the LGA.

While the Ekeremor Female Grassroots Frontiers expressed their appreciation for her exemplary leadership, remarkable contributions, and impactful projects implemented with the approval of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and the support of the capacity Deputy, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, Ph.D.

The stakeholders from the three constituencies resolved to fully support and promote the interests of the All Progressives Congress, APC, mobilise grassroots support, and work towards an overwhelming victory for the party in the forthcoming elections, in line with the political direction of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State.

The two groups were received during the visits by the Chairman of the Ekeremor Rural Development Authority, Hon. Mrs. Deme Debra Pamosoo, Esq.

Speaking during the call on the RDA Chairman, the Evening Sir , Akpos Egeniware for Chairperson of the Ekeremor Female Grassroots Frontiers,
Akpos Egeniware,described Hon. Mrs. Deme Debra Pamosoo, Esq. as an exemplary woman in politics who promotes inclusive leadership, carries people along, values the contributions of others, and treats members of the community with respect and dignity, irrespective of their social status or position.

The group prayed for her continued success and greater heights in her political career, expressing the hope that her advancement would create broader opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in politics, governance, and leadership.
The group also offered prayers for the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, the Deputy Governor, and the entire Government of Bayelsa State, seeking continued wisdom, strength, peace, and divine guidance for the administration. They further prayed for the sustenance of good governance, inclusive leadership, and continued development across the State.

A major highlight of the visit was a prayer for the emergence of more women in leadership and elective positions in the National Assembly, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and the forthcoming Local Government elections. The group expressed confidence in the gender-inclusive disposition of the Bayelsa State Government and prayed that more women would be given opportunities to contribute to governance and serve at various levels of government.

The visit reaffirmed the group's appreciation for purposeful leadership and its commitment to encouraging greater participation of women in politics, governance, and community development.

In response, the Chairman of the Ekeremor Rural Development Authority, Hon. Mrs. Deme Debra Pamosoo, Esq., appreciated the group for the visit and charged them to continue to support and promote good governance. She noted that the present administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to good governance, people-oriented leadership, and sustainable development, and urged the group to support policies and initiatives that advance the welfare of the people and communities.

On their part, the Stakeholders from the three constituencies of Ekeremor Local Government council area pledged their Support for APC Ahead of 2027 Elections.

According to the stakeholders, after a strategic engagement with the Chairman of the Ekeremor Rural Development Authority, Hon. Mrs. Deme Debra Pamosoo, Esq., resolved to fully support and promote the interests of the All Progressives Congress, APC, mobilise grassroots support, and work towards an overwhelming victory for the party in the forthcoming elections, in line with the political direction of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State.

They also pledged their full support for all duly nominated APC candidates and flag bearers.

The stakeholders commended the Chairman for her steadfast commitment to ensuring that the dividends of development facilitated by the Bayelsa State Government reach the grassroots and communities under the various Rural Development Areas.

They further prayed for the Government of Bayelsa State to recognize her for greater heights politically considering her antecedent, while appreciating all key stakeholders within and outside Bayelsa State, particularly the State Government, for their contributions to grassroots development and the welfare of the people.

04/09/2026

BAYELSA UNITED MANAGEMENT ADDRESSES BACKROOM STAFF SALARY DELAY, CITES RESTRUCTURING

The Management Board of Bayelsa United Football Club has responded to a social media post alleging that backroom staff of the club are owed three months’ salaries.

In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of the Management Board, Dr. Peter Singabele, said the Board chose to respond in the interest of transparency despite the misleading nature of the post.

According to him, the delay is a direct result of ongoing reforms and a staff restructuring exercise embarked upon by the new board following its inauguration ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria National League, NNL season.

“When this new management came on board, we had limited resources at our disposal. In line with best practice, we prioritized players with valid contracts to ensure team stability,” Dr. Singabele said.
“At the same time, we commenced a full restructuring of the backroom staff to align with the technical and administrative demands of returning to the NPFL. That process affected the immediate payment timeline.”

He assured all affected staff that the outstanding payments would be settled once the account department concludes the ongoing reconciliation and restructuring.

“We urge everyone involved to remain calm. In no distant time, the matter will be fully resolved and payments discharged,” he added.

Dr. Singabele reiterated that the Board remains focused on its mandate to return Bayelsa United to the elite division of Nigerian football and will not allow distractions to derail that objective.

04/09/2026

Gov Diri Gets UK Honour For Sports Development

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, was on Thursday night among some of the distinguished honorees at the 2026 edition of the Nigerian Universal Keystone Sports Awards (NUKSA) in London.

The Bayelsa governor was represented at the NUKSA Awards Gala Night held at the Ham Polo Club in Richmond by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, and his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.

Speaking briefly through Igali after receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Grassroots Sports Development Award, Governor Diri described the recognition from outside Nigeria as an “enormous honour” and a special endorsement of his administration’s achievements in the sector.

He said despite being one of the least populated states in Nigeria, Bayelsa had in the last six years recorded remarkable strides in sports.

He noted that the state was now consistently among the top three best performers in sports in the country and was preparing to host the National Sports Festival in 2028, with construction of world class sporting facilities ongoing.

“Let me express His Excellency’s sincere apologies for not being able to attend in person. The Chief Press Secretary and I are here to represent him.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, we thank the NUKSA organisers for this enormous honour.

“As you may know, Bayelsa is one of the smallest states in the country in terms of population. But in six years that Senator Diri has been governor, we have become one of the top three states in terms of sports in Nigeria. We are hosting the National Sports Festival in two years and are currently building a couple of stadia at the same time.

“Our goal is to bequeath to future generations facilities that when we leave office, in another 10 to 20 years, sports will continue to thrive in Bayelsa. Thank you very much.”

In his welcome remarks, Director of the 2026 NUKSA Awards, Mr. David Doherty, expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa governor for accepting the award and sending a delegation to represent.

He said the organisation counted it as a great honour to identify with Governor Diri, particularly for virtually breaking the glass ceiling to turn around the narrative about Bayelsa in sports and infrastructure development.

Doherty described Diri as a passionate sports enthusiast and one of Nigeria’s outstanding leaders.

He said: “It is a great honour to welcome you to the Nigerian UK Sports Award Gala. Tonight, we are celebrating much more than medals, trophies, and sporting achievements. We are celebrating determination, discipline, community, and the remarkable talents within the Nigerian community here in the UK and beyond.

“Sports has a special way of bringing people together, whether we are on the pitch, in the stands, or at home shouting advice at the television as though the manager can hear us. We are all part of the same team.

“Our mission is to recognise excellence, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation of athletes. On behalf of the committee, I like to express my sincere gratitude to our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and everyone who has contributed to making this wonderful evening possible.”

Other awardees included the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, his wife, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, wife of former Nigerian President, Dr. AyimaLott-Jonathan as well as chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Onoriode Oborevwori, and Chelsea’s new young sensation, Chizzy Ezenwata, who received the Emerging Talent award among other recipients.

04/09/2026

Horror in Edo: Armed Robbers Invade Two Apartments, Kill Vigilante Guard, Escape With Lexus

A 32-year-old vigilante guard, Edos Ojo, has been killed while pursuing suspected armed robbers who invaded two apartments in Ekiadolor, Edo State, stealing valuables and a Lexus ES 350 saloon car.

The incident, which occurred at about 1 a.m. on August 26, 2026, has triggered a police manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang.

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Patrick Daaor, disclosed the development to journalists in Benin City on Tuesday.

According to the police, four armed men broke into the apartments of Amaosa Happy and his neighbour, Osakpolor Abifade, and allegedly carted away four mobile phones, two power banks and a JBL speaker.

The suspects also reportedly stole Happy’s Lexus ES 350, with registration number BEN 05 CE, before fleeing the area.

But their escape triggered a deadly pursuit.

Ojo and another vigilante guard, Ben Omodjevwe, also 32, reportedly mounted a motorcycle and chased the suspects.

In a desperate bid to escape in the stolen Lexus, the suspects allegedly rammed the vehicle into the motorcycle carrying the two vigilantes.

Ojo sustained severe internal injuries and was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where he was later pronounced dead. Omodjevwe survived with minor injuries.

Police moved swiftly after the attack, tracking and arresting one of the suspects, identified as Bassey Henry, at about 4 a.m. along 2nd Power Line.

CP Daaor said Ojo’s remains had been deposited at the UBTH mortuary, while investigations were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover the stolen vehicle and other property.

The police command vowed to intensify efforts to dismantle the gang and bring all those involved in the deadly robbery to justice.

04/09/2026

Okpebholo charges newly sworn-in
LG chairmen to prioritise grassroots development

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has charged the newly sworn-in Local Government Chairmen in the state to prioritise grassroots development, shun corruption and justify the confidence reposed in them by the people.

Okpebholo gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the 18 local government chairmen held at Festival Hall, Government House, Benin, on Friday.

He described their emergence as the beginning of a new chapter in grassroots governance and development in the state.

The governor said the recent Local Government elections were free, fair and credible, adding that the turnout demonstrated the growing confidence of the people in democracy and his administration.

According to him, local governments, being the closest tier of government to the people, have a greater responsibility to ensure that development reaches communities across the state.

He said the renewed commitment to Local Government autonomy under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu had placed greater responsibility on the newly elected chairmen.

“The overwhelming victory recorded by our party at the recent polls is a call for more work.

“I charge you to go and work for the people, complement the development efforts of the State Government and ensure that the impact of government is felt in every community,” he said.

Okpebholo urged the chairmen to shun corruption, describing public office as a sacred trust and an opportunity to serve the people.

He said their legacies would be defined by the lives they touched, the problems they solved and how effectively they used the opportunities entrusted to them.

The governor also urged the chairmen to strengthen political structures at the grassroots and mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He charged them to work towards delivering the state’s collective target of 2.5 million votes for the president, stressing that the task required hard work, unity and sustained engagement with the people.

“The best way to earn their continued support is through good governance and visible development.

“The people have entrusted you with leadership. Go and justify that trust. Serve with humility, lead with integrity and work with passion,” Okpebholo added.

He expressed optimism that the tenure of the new chairmen would bring progress, peace and prosperity to the people of Edo.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in chairmen, Mr Gabriel Iduseri, the Chairman of Oredo local government, commended the governor for the confidence he reprosed on them.

He said they were deeply honored for the opportunity given them to serve their people, adding that they recognised that the mandate comes with great responsibilities.

"We pledged our commitment to provide purposeful and transparent and people oriented leadership at the grass-roots.

"We are ready to key into the project SHINE AGENDA of the governor and the Renewed Hope of the president, and to bring development to our various local governments," he said.

04/09/2026

BAYELSA MOVES TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC HEALTH LAWS, BOOST DISEASE OUTBREAK RESPONSE
..NCDC push multi-sectoral legal framework, emergency financing for stronger health security

The Bayelsa State Government has commenced moves to strengthen the State’s public health laws as part of efforts to enhance disease prevention, preparedness and response to future public health emergencies.

The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bayelsa State, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, disclosed this on Thursday, September 3, 2026, when he received a delegation of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on an advocacy visit to his office in Yenagoa.

Mr. Dambo, SAN, said the Governor Douye Diri-led administration had put in place effective health mechanisms aimed at ensuring that the healthcare needs of Bayelsans were adequately addressed.

He explained that the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, in keeping with its mandate to strengthen the State’s legal framework, would collaborate with relevant sister ministries, particularly the Ministries of Health and Environment, to develop a comprehensive public health law in line with the requirements of the International Health Regulations (2005), to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The Attorney-General expressed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the NCDC towards establishing a robust and effective legal framework for public health in Bayelsa State.

He assured that Governor Douye Diri remained committed to prioritising the health and well-being of Bayelsans and would continue to support measures aimed at strengthening public health institutions and ensuring that the State’s legal framework was responsive to emerging health challenges.

Earlier, the Legal Adviser to the NCDC, Safiya Musa, Esq., explained that the delegation was in Bayelsa State pursuant to the mandate of the International Health Regulations (2005), the global legal framework that guides countries in preventing, preparing for and responding to public health emergencies of international concern.

She said the NCDC was mandated to engage with States across the country to build their capacity for effective preparedness and response to disease outbreaks.

According to her, a sound legal framework was fundamental to building an effective public health emergency response system, stressing that when the next public health emergency occurs, institutions must have clear legal authority to take decisive action without uncertainty.

Musa disclosed that the delegation was in the State to undertake a comprehensive, multi-sectoral assessment of existing laws across the human health, animal health and environmental sectors.

She explained that the International Health Regulations had established a scoring mechanism to assess the level of preparedness of jurisdictions for disease outbreaks and identify areas requiring further strengthening.

According to her, Bayelsa State currently has a score of one, indicating that relevant laws are in place, while the NCDC is working with the State to advance it to score two through a comprehensive multi-sectoral legal assessment based on criteria developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

She said the assessment would enable the State to identify existing gaps and determine the legislative and institutional measures required to improve its preparedness and response capacity.

Musa further disclosed that the NCDC would collaborate with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice to develop a new public health law capable of addressing identified gaps and strengthening coordination during disease outbreaks.

She noted that the proposed legislation would include a dedicated provision for emergency financing, describing sustainable financing mechanisms as one of the major challenges to health security at the sub-national level.

The NCDC Legal Adviser therefore called for the institutionalisation of emergency financing mechanisms to ensure that adequate resources were readily available when public health emergencies arise.

She commended the Bayelsa State Government for its proactive approach to healthcare and emergency financing, as well as for having legislation covering the human, animal and environmental sectors.

Musa also acknowledged the commitment of the Governor Douye Diri-led administration to improving the health and well-being of Bayelsans, noting that the State’s existing efforts provided a strong foundation for further strengthening its health security architecture.

She called on the Ministry of Justice to establish a multi-sectoral Technical Working Group comprising legal practitioners and relevant stakeholders across the human, animal and environmental health sectors.

She also recommended the convening of a comprehensive meeting to assess the State’s existing public health laws and identify areas requiring review, harmonisation or new legislation.

In his remarks, a Deputy Director at the NCDC, Dr. Abiodun Ogunniyi, expressed optimism that the assessment would help identify and close existing gaps, adding that the recommendations arising from the exercise would support Bayelsa State in improving its preparedness and advancing its matrix score.

Dr. Ogunniyi observed that the global health landscape was constantly evolving, with emerging and re-emerging public health threats requiring responsive legislation and institutional mechanisms to prevent avoidable deaths and strengthen emergency response.

He stressed the need for legislative processes to keep pace with emerging public health challenges and ensure that relevant institutions were adequately empowered to respond effectively to health emergencies.

Also present at the meeting were the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Iyibosa Apulu, Esq.; the Head of the Legal Drafting Department, Mrs. Ngozi Ayafa, Esq.; Assistant Director, NCDC, Helen Daniel Fwanshishak; and other officials.

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