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OPEN LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN, AGGE FEDERATED COMMUNITY, MR. FUNPUWEI AYERE ON THE NEED TO WORK WITH A BLUEPRINT FOR AGGE DEVELOPMENT
OPEN LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN, AGGE FEDERATED COMMUNITY, MR. FUNPUWEI AYERE ON THE NEED TO WORK WITH A BLUEPRINT FOR AGGE DEVELOPMENT
Mr Chairman,
May it please you that I want to start this missive with a brief story.
In 2016, I was deployed to Kwara State by the National Youth Service Commission (NYSC) to serve my fatherland, but I declined it, because I wanted to serve in Bayelsa State. In 2017, my desire to serve in Bayelsa State came to pass. But there was a challenge. I was posted to Yenagoa, and Yenagoa was not my choice. I wanted to serve in the land that now host the bones and dust of my mother beneath the solid crust of the earth — AGGE.
I was posted to a Ministry in Yenagoa that was perfect for my academic background, an environment where my professional skills would have been further honed and sharpened. But I ignored that offer and insisted on going to the land of my mother’s birth to serve. I very much wanted to contribute to the progress of the students in the community in my own little way.
I met my uncle, the late Chief Enio Joseph Alla and explained the reasons I wanted to serve in Agge. He endorsed my reasons. Fortunately, the NYSC head office in Yenagoa was behind his own office — a minute or two away from his office. I drafted the letter of redeployment right in his office and went to the NYSC head office. The NYSC Coordinator of Bayelsa State, a woman, welcomed us, and upon my uncle’s explanation of the purpose of the visit, she took the letter, and without even going through the content approved my request and appended her signature.
First, I told that story to point out the fact that we are concerned about the progress and development of Agge. Second, to prove that we have experienced Agge enough, even after the one year national service, to know some of the problems and challenges the community is facing.
So it is in alignment with the spirit of communal patriotism that I am crafting this open letter to you to remind you of things you know far better than myself. I am just a concerned youth expressing his concerns about his motherland, with the hope that things could be better if we all show some practical concern about fixing the problems of our community.
Mr Chairman, to not make the mistake of taking much of your time with “so long a letter”, I want to quickly and humbly suggest that, there is an urgent need for the Community Executive, Chiefs and Stakeholders to organize a communal confab to constructively discuss and chart the way forward for the community. We need unity of vision and purpose for Agge to move forward. We should be concerned that Agge is not where it ought to be. We should not be complacent seeing that Agge is ranking low in many ways.
It is time we come up with a Blueprint for the Development of Agge. And in such a Blueprint, should be stated, among others, these noble aspirations and projects:
1). SANDFILLING AND EMBANKMENT OF AGGE SHORELINES :
This fight should be renewed. We should mount pressure on the government, NDDC and our political representatives to attend to this pressing need. If we do nothing about it now, one day, we will wake up to find our community under the bitter and briny waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
2). LOBBY/AGITATE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AGGE DEEP SEAPORT:
This is one project that will change the story of Agge community forever. If it comes to pass, Agge is blessed forever.We should not expect others to fight this fight. Agge community should get involved. The traditional leadership should get involved. We should lobby, write letters, address the press and do everything within the ambit of the law and civic responsibility to actualize this seaport.
3). CONSTRUCTION OF PIPE BORNE WATER PLANTS, OR ESTABLISHMENT OF NOTHING LESS THAN THREE BOREHOLES IN EVERY IDUINMU (QUARTERS):
Now, this is what can be done even without the government. What is Agge doing with her monthly income from Sterling Oil and the Ilaje and Ghanaian fisher men and women? What developmental projects is the leadership of the community pursuing and doing with her monthly income? We should be accountable.
4). ESTABLISHMENT OF A GENERAL HOSPITAL OR RENOVATION, EQUIPMENT AND STAFFING OF THE NON-PERFORMING HEALTH CENTER:
We have political office holders representing us at the local and state government levels; we should pay them communal visit and appeal to them to use their offices to influence the establishment of a general hospital or renovate, equip and staff the existing health facility in the community.
5). TRAINING AND EQUIPPING AGGE INDIGENES WITH VARIOUS VOCATIONAL SKILLS BIANNUALLY:
This is one noble project we can negotiate with Sterling Oil to execute. It realization will definitely be of a great help to the many youths who are going about without skill in their hands and without dignified job to their existence.
6). ESTABLISHMENT OF GOOD AND QUALITY NETWORK MAST IN AGGE:
The recent attempt made in this regard is appreciated, but from all indications, it is not functioning well. There are not much difficulties having network mast established in a community. Hence, we should endeavor to work more to realize this important project in our dear community.
7). AGITATION FOR POLITICAL OFFICES TO BE ZONED TO AGGE:
Politics matters. Agge people should get involved in active politics, engage in political negotiation and keep building political bridges across communities, wards and constituencies in order to fly high in the political firmament of Bayelsa State.
8). THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE SHOULD BE UP TO ITS FUNCTIONS:
The Education Committee of Agge should be charged to be up to its purpose and tasks. Agge community needs some kind of strict rules and regulations to protect the Educational Structure of the community otherwise, the schools some communal patriots fought hard to bring to Agge will go into extinction. And let me also add that, in conjunction with Sterling Oil we should establish scholarship for deserving students in the community.
These thoughts or suggestions are not new to you, what might be unfamiliar are the sure channels through which these things can be achieved. And that is part of the reasons why a convention of a communal confab is necessary.
It is said that human progress is not automatic; it comes from the deliberate, consistent and strategic actions and sacrifices of patriotic and dedicated individuals. This Truth must be lived out if Agge must experience transformation.
Upon our individual and collective shoulders rest the task of building the great and developed Agge we are dreaming of.
If not you, who? If not me, who? If not now, then when? Let’s get to work. Let’s champion the cause of our dear community.
May God send help to Agge, and may God grant you the grace to make a difference.
Thanks and God bless.
© Tobouke JEMINE
22/04/2024
By: Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State has recently dominated media conversations – for both challenges and remarkable achievements. While reports of insecurity, cult clashes, and kidnapping occasionally surface, the state’s transformation under the administration of Senator Douye Diri continues to overshadow the negatives. From the Bayelsa Central Bus Terminal and the International Stadium to the Power Plant and now Bayelsa Air, the state’s development trajectory bears the mark of purposeful leadership. Indeed, the story of Governor Douye Diri aptly reflects the saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road.”
Good governance advocate and Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice, Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described Governor Douye Diri as not just “The Miracle Governor” but “A Miracle-Working Governor.” According to him, it is rare to see a second-term governor working with such intensity while many of his peers are content showcasing their first-term achievements. “Only a miracle,” he asserts, “can inspire such dedication and passion.”
From the outset, Governor Diri’s journey has carried divine undertones. His emergence as Bayelsa’s fifth democratically elected Governor remains one of the most extraordinary twists in Nigeria’s political history a clear testament to the hand of God. Many across the political and social spectrum agree that his leadership was divinely orchestrated for a special mission, not just for Bayelsa but for the entire Ijaw Nation.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Diri inherited a near-empty treasury. The state could barely afford basic operations, including fueling vehicles and generators in Government House. Yet, rather than despair, he focused on service delivery, setting aside personal comfort for the work at hand.
Just as his administration was finding its footing, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutting down economies and stalling progress. Hardly had the state recovered when the catastrophic 2022 flood one of the worst in Nigeria’s history ravaged communities. Being largely below sea level, Bayelsa was particularly devastated, with rivers and tributaries converging into the Atlantic Ocean across Ofits terrain.
At that point, many believed the governor’s tenure was doomed to fail. However, what seemed like setbacks were, in hindsight, divine tests preparing him for greatness. Each crisis became an avenue for providence to showcase grace. Today, the unfolding developments reveal a leader destined for transformation Generational Leader.
Such leaders appear once in a century figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. They share uncommon humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and people-oriented governance. Governor Douye Diri exemplifies these virtues. Those close to him attest to his calm disposition, forgiving spirit, and tireless devotion to service.
Observers with spiritual insight often say that the spirits of Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Okilo, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro dwell within him, guiding his actions and shaping his vision for Bayelsa.
Indeed, the governor’s record speaks volumes. Beyond rhetoric, tangible projects now redefine the state’s landscape:
New Gas Turbines ensuring 24-hour power supply for Yenagoa and environs, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa City Development Project, Glory Drive Phases II & III, Polaku-Sabagriea Road, Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road, 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard Stadium, Angiama-Enewari Road, 9-storey New State Secretariat Complex, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, among others
The latest addition – Bayelsa Air – has again stunned Bayelsans and the world. The state recently acquired two aircraft to operate routes from Yenagoa and Port Harcourt to Abuja, Lagos, and other destinations, with plans for additional fleets underway.
This bold move has sparked public admiration and curiosity: Is the governor campaigning for a third term? Though constitutionally impossible, such speculation underscores public awe at his relentless pursuit of progress uncommon trait among second-term an leaders who often retreat into complacency.
With uninterrupted power supply, improved infrastructure, and expanding connectivity, Bayelsa is poised for an economic renaissance. Investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists will soon flood the state, unlocking new opportunities and prosperity.
In all, the people of Bayelsa have every reason to give thanks – for the gift of Governor Douye Diri, the Miracle Governor, and for the dawn of a new era of hope, growth, and transformation.
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Just In: Ogulagha Community Mourn As Family Set To Lay Late Brateide Karawei To Rest October 10.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Karawei family of Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the burial arrangements for remains of Late Mr. Brateide Karavei, who died on August 6, 2025,at the age of 73.
Until his death, Brateide, a cherished elder of the Karawei family, was a descendant of late Pa. Kalaoru Karawei of Ofou-Ware in Ofougbene Community and Mama Ayan Olukpa Karawei of Egbenebo Idumu in Agge Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was widely regarded as a devoted husband, father,grandfather, uncle, and community figure whose life touched many across Ijaw land and beyond.
According to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), for the family and Tamarau-Layefa Karawei, for the Children, burial writes will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025. At 8:00AM., his body will leave Vennell Mortuary for his hometown, Ogulagha, where a brief Christian Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM) at his residence in Obuko Idumu, Ogulagha town, followed immediately by interment.
Guests are billed to be entertained later in the evening during an All-night Social Wakekeeping from 7:00PM till dawn, at Ogulagha Hotwater/Garage.
An Outing/Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 8:AM, at the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM), Ogulagha.
The death of Elder Brateide marks the departure of a respected figure in Ogulagha, Agge, and Ofougbene leaving behind memories of love, leadership, and community service as the Karawei family express deep sorrow over the home call of their father and patriarchal.
2027: Jerry Gana says Jonathan will Return as PDP Presidential candidate
Abuja – former of information, prof. Jerry Gana, has stirred Nigeria’s political space with a declaration that ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will return as the presidential candidate for the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in 2027.
Speaking during a political gathering, Gana recalled Jonathan’s famous word in 2025 when he started that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He noted that after Jonathan left office, another president served for eight years, and the current administration has spent two years in power. According to him, Nigerians have now experienced the difference and are calling for Jonathan’s comeback.
I can confirm that former president Goodluck Jonathan will contact the 2027 election as the PDP candidate, Gana affirmed.
The PDP Chieftain further expressed confidence in the resilience of his party, stressing that internal disputes would not derail it’s resurgence. He described the PDP as the most democratic political structure in the country, anchored on grassroots participation and popular support.
Gana maintained that Jonathan’s expected candidacy reflects the will of Nigerians who yearn for stability, utility, and credible leadership as the nation prepares for another election cycle.