News
BAYELSA WELCOMES NGE TO ANEC 2024. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BAYELSA STATE. -By Paul Damgbor

Nickname – “The Glory of all Lands” . Yenagoa, the vibrant capital city of Bayelsa State, is poised to warmly welcome an estimated 350 distinguished media executives and directors from the broadcast, print, and online industries across Nigeria.
This gathering promises to ignite fresh ideas and foster collaborations that will shape the future of Media in our Nation.
It’s a Confab that will inspire the needed change, celebrate innovative ideas that would stimulate the economy and beef up strategies for sustainable development and National Growth .
A transformative journey taking place in the heart of the Niger Delta .
Significantly, Bayelsa State will be playing host to the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Guild of Editors.
With a population of over 2.2 million people (2016 forecast), Bayelsa State sits precariously at the brink of the Atlantic Ocean, spanning a landmark of about 21,108.4 square km.
A drive of approximately 546 km from Lagos State takes about 8 to 9 hours.
The distance is similar if you’re traveling from Abuja by road. Bayelsa is a land rich in natural resources and breathtaking rainforest beauty.
With an impressive contribution of about 40% of Nigeria’s oil and gas* to the federation account, it stands as a beacon of potential.
The primary occupation, fishing, showcases the resilience and richness of life, with over 200 species of fish thriving in its waters, embodying the spirit of sustenance and abundance.
Their major food is kekefia made from Plantain recipes.
With a population of over 2.2 million people (2016 forecast), Bayelsa State sits precariously at the brink of the Atlantic Ocean, spanning a landmark of about 21,108.4 square km.
⁰”Bole” is a popular delicacy within the Niger Delta region. Bayelsa State stands as the proud epitome of the Ijaw Nations, a vibrant tapestry woven from a rich cultural heritage.
This remarkable region, where the major language is Izon, is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, including the Ijaw, Kolokunu, Eketiama, Biseni, Atissa, and Igbriran.
Each community contributes unique traditions and stories, creating a harmonious blend of voices that resonate with the spirit of resilience and unity.
Bayelsa is not just a place; it is a celebration of identity and cultural richness that inspires all who call it home.
It was created from Rivers State in 1996 by the then Military Head of State, the late Gen. Sani Abacha.
It has the least number of Local Govt Areas in Nigeria ( 8 LGAs). The survey also reveals that the Poverty index is unfavorably high.
This year’s ANEC Chief Host is Governor Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Governor.
Coincidentally, it was in the month of November 16, 2019 Election in Bayelsa State that Governor Diri emerged victorious in the Governorship Race in his first tenure.
His triumph came through a Supreme Court verdict that disqualified Mr. David Lyon, the APC Gubernatorial Candidate, over certificate irregularities involving his Deputy.
The Theme of the Conference tagged : “Economic Growth and Development Strategies in Resource-Rich Country “, will provide the fulcrum of robust deliberations “aimed at addressing the challenges of the Nation’s economy and the Media space.
Key Experts , Actors and Players from various Sectors,” shall graced the conversation on possible way out of the Country’s onerous challenges.
Among those expected to led discussion at the Conference are : Vice President Kashim Shettima , Minister of Information and National Orientation , Mohammed Idris , National Security Adviser (NSA) -Nuru Ribadu ,etc .
While the Chairman/Editor-in-Chief,THIS DAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena is to chair the Conference.
The Confab kicks off from Wednesday 6th to Saturday 9th, November, 2024.
▪︎ Compiled by:Paul DamgborPH.
News
BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chair

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment last week after a rigorous screening session on October 16.
At the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and strengthening INEC’s institutional capacity.
“As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation reflect the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government. This marks the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust you will approach your duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic progress over 25 years, the President emphasized the need for continuous innovation and reform to maintain free, fair, and credible elections. He urged Amupitan to ensure transparency and public trust throughout the entire electoral process—from voter registration and campaigning to voting and counting.
Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the State House on Thursday dressed in traditional white agbada and gold cap ahead of the formal ceremony. He was accompanied by presidential aides.
During his Senate screening, the 58-year-old nominee pledged to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process by prioritizing reforms, including strengthening the Electoral Act to resolve inconsistencies in election timelines and enhance transparency.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser congratulates the winner fairly,” Amupitan told senators, emphasizing the need to rebuild voter confidence.
He also clarified his neutrality by denying any involvement in President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, stating, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any party.”
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive INEC chairman since the commission’s establishment. He is expected to immediately begin the transition process at INEC headquarters in Abuja following his swearing-in.
Profile
Born on April 25, 1967, the 58-year-old Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university.
He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.
After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.
Amupitan earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.
He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).
Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).
Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).
He is married and has four children.
Business
Dangote denies owning truck that killed eight in Ondo accident

Dangote Group has denied owning the truck that crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The company issued the clarification in a statement on its X account on Wednesday.
The statement followed reports that a cement-laden truck suffered brake failure and rammed into traders and other road users.
Reacting, Dangote Group said the truck involved in the tragic incident does not belong to the group or any of its subsidiaries.
It added that vehicle registration records confirm the truck is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.
“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.
“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement reads.
News
VIDEO: Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Premises, Abuja, After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.

Police operatives have arrested former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Sowore was forcibly taken away by armed police officers from the Federal High Court premises in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after attending the court session of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, who has been leading campaigns for Kanu’s release, was confronted by security operatives who insisted he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the officers surrounded him moments after he exited the courtroom, refusing to disclose specific details about his alleged offence.
When questioned by onlookers, one of the policemen stated that they were acting on the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
As of the time of filing this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest and his current whereabouts remain unclear.
Credit: Punch
-
Crime3 days ago
Indonesia to Repatriate British Grandmother on Death Row, Says Official
-
News3 days ago
Customs Launch Digital Vehicle Verification Platform to Combat Smuggling
-
News3 days ago
Moniepoint Managers Break Silence on $200M ‘Miraculous’ Fundraise Backed by DPI, Google, Visa, IFC & LeapFrog
-
Business2 days ago
How to Market and Sell Real Estate in Nigeria as a New Agent
-
Crime13 hours ago
BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Sacks All Lawyers, To Represent Himself
-
Business10 hours ago
Dangote denies owning truck that killed eight in Ondo accident
-
News9 hours ago
BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chair
-
Sports1 day ago
Davido Chairs Osun Sports Trust Fund