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10/02/2023

PURSUE LEGISLATIONS THAT WILL ADVANCE INFRASTRUCTURE AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT; ABURENI YOUTHS TELL APC JOINT CAMPAIGN TEAM
..Expresses confidence in the candidates ability and network to provide quality representation and people-focused leadership when elected...

The youths of Abureni Clan on Wednesday, 8th February 2023 asked for well intended legislations that will improve the infrastructural state as well as guarantee youth development in the Clan.
The youths made the call while interacting with the APC candidates for State Assembly, Ogbia Constituency 1, Federal House of Representative, Ogbia Federal Constituency, and Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Chief (Hon.) Ebiango Okoba Egain, Hon. (Barr.) Edi Orubo and Senator Degi Eremienyo respectively on their campaign visit to Idema, Eboh, and Obeduma Communities in Abureni Clan, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State.

The candidates who felt at home and enjoyed their reception were humbled and further encouraged when the National President of Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council Worldwide, Comr. (Amb.) Johnny S. Jonathan who spoke on behalf of the Abureni Youths reminded and recounted of the goodwill they enjoy in the Communities as a result of their development initiatives for the people. Comr. (Amb.) Johnny went further to highlight Hon. Ebiango's empowerment and support programs for Abureni communities including the monthly stipends to Communities in the Clan, placement of some youths on monthly payment courtesy of his private contract with the Government and constant support for youth activities and development.

Hon. (Barr) Edi Orubo, first as a Son of Abureni Clan, was appreciated by the youths for his influence and support to the Honorable Minister in making the Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Institute at Otuabagi a success which Abureni Clan is an impacted area and for his numerous reach out to the people of the Clan.

For Sen. Degi Eremienyo, the youths commended him for the renovation and upgrading of the palace of the Clan head, his legislative exploits which has brought to limelight the approval for the construction of the Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Institute and empowerment packages to Sons and Daughters of the Clan.

Furthermore, the youths called for a friendly campaign from the political parties as well as peaceful conduct on the part of the youths to ensure a successful election for a smooth development journey.

24/01/2023

BE DEVELOPMENT CONSCIOUS; OGBIA YOUTH LEADER ADMONISHES MEMBERS, AS POLITICAL ACTIVITIES HEAT UP AHEAD OF THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS..sues for peace, tolerance, and respect for democratic ideals

- 23rd January 2023 -

As campaigns by various political parties gain momentum ahead of the 2023 general elections, the National President of the revered Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) worldwide, the apex socio-cultural youth organization in Ogbia Kingdom, Comr. (Amb) Johnny S. Jonathan has called on the youth community to conduct themselves peacefully as they participate in various political activities, campaigns, and general elections, starting in February 2023.

The youth leader made the charge while fielding questions in one of his weekly media engagements in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital on the role of youths in ensuring peace and security ahead of the 2023 pools.
According to him, "Developments in any society is largely dependent on the degree of peace and security such an environment experiences. It is only under conditions of peace and security that people and government can direct their efforts and resources towards improving human life. Consequently, we must engage ourselves in peaceful campaigns devoid of hate speeches, violent conduct, and destruction of public facilities if we truly appreciate development in Ogbia kingdom".

"Again, while I appreciate the increasing number of youths who are participating actively in the political processes, particularly the high level of passion and consciousness shown by them in the political space, we must be constructive in all our engagements with the public and relevant stakeholders, respecting individual choices, party affiliation, and ideologies", the National President stated.

The youth leader reiterated that the needs, yearnings, and aspirations of the people are fundamentals, hence our choices, decisions, and judgments through our PVC must reflect on the candidates we vote for irrespective of the party, emphasizing that such candidates when elected will be saddled with the leadership responsibility to drive our development processes at their different level of leadership.

Comr. Jonathan in furtherance to the above is in the same measure calling on politicians to see the forthcoming elections as a call to duty; to provide the desired leadership that will bring about true and collective development for Ogbia kingdom, and not to be seen as a personal venture, nor a do-or-die affair.

To the electoral umpire and security agencies, the Ogbia youth leader said he was looking forward to see a high level of professionalism and good conduct in line with the laws of the land as the will of the people can only be guaranteed in a free, fair, and secured political atmosphere, in this case, the 2023 general election.

Comr. (Amb) Johnny S. Jonathan
National President, Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) Worldwide.

20/05/2022

*BAYELSA: Ogbia youths lament devastating erosion in Anyama community*

*…Call for help from government, interventionist agencies*

Read more at:
https://www.gbaramatuvoicenews.com/bayelsa-ogbia-youths-lament-devastating-erosion-in-anyama-community/

BAYELSA: Ogbia youths lament devastating erosion in Anyama community ...Call for help from government, interventionist agencies The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council, (OBYC) worldwide, the apex youth organization in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has lamented the devastating effect caus...

19/05/2022

GROUP CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PREVENT BAYELSA COMMUNITY FROM EXTINCTION
- by FirstNews May 18, 2022
https://firstnewsonline.ng/group-calls-for-immediate-action-to-prevent-bayelsa-community-from-extinction

The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council, (OBYC) worldwide, the apex youth organization in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has lamented the devastating effect caused by erosion in Anyama community. The youths on a working tour to the area led by its National President, Comr. Johnny Jonathan...

19/04/2022

OGBIA YOUTHS MAKES A CASE ON THE NEED TO IDOLIZE LATE MELFORD OBIENE OKILO AS ONE OF BAYELSA'S GREATEST PATRIARCHS..writes Governor Diri, seeks his executive pronouncement and subsequent inclusion of Okilo's name in the Bayelsa Heroes Day Celebration.

by, JEREMIAH JONATHAN, Niger Delta Harold

The Fourth (4th) National Executive Committee of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) world-wide under the competent, intellectual and pragmatic leadership of Comr. (Amb) Johnny S. Jonathan has pleaded with His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State to declare Late Chief Melford Obiene Okilo as one of Bayelsa's Greatest Patriarchs and the subsequent inclusion of his name in the Heroes Day Celebration in Bayelsa State.

The OBYC, an apex socio-cultural Youth organisation and umbrella body of all youth groups in Ogbia Kingdom made this known to His Excellency through the Honorable Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs in a letter dated; 24th March, 2022, with the title "THE NEED TO IDOLIZE LATE MELFORD OBIENE OKILO AS ONE OF BAYELSA'S GREATEST PATRIARCHS"

The four page document presented historical evidence and key-need to idolize Late Chief Melford Obiene Okilo as one of the greatest patriarchs of Bayelsa state, and a subsequent appeal to His Excellency's sound judgment for the pronouncement of an executive order for the remembrance and celebration of their beloved father and sage.

The letter which further chronicled the life and times of Chief Melford Obiene Okilo from his birth 30th of November 1933 at Emakalakala Community, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to his last day on earth, 5th July, 2008. at the age of 74, proved to His Excellency, that by all standards the quintessential Gem, Chief Melford Okilo fits into the perfect description of a political, religious, social, and customary role model. As he was an inspiration for advocative, goal-oriented, non-sentimental and all inclusive politics; he was an inspiration for selfless freedom fighters and a symbol for growth, Love, truth, trust and peace.

OKILO'S DEVELOPMENTAL STRIDES IN PART (Excerpts from the letter)
"He was Chairman of the Rivers State branch of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) 1978–1983, and was elected on the platform of NPN as Executive Governor of Rivers State in 1979. As governor, Okilo established the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST). He opened the Independent Power Plant at Imiringi in Ogbia local government area, now in Bayelsa State, a major gas turbine power station that supplied electricity to do many communities in the presentation Bayelsa State. He created fifty development units for the much neglected rural areas, thereby introducing a policy where local people were given the responsibility and power to govern and develop their local communities. He undertook programs to reclaim land across the Ijaw nation, control erosion, construct roads and canals, and build rural housing scheme and industrial estates"

"Giving the consistent demand for a majority Ijaw state as inherited and mastermind by Chief Melford Obiene Okilo in the 1950's, numerous Ijaw Nationalist Organizations supportive of an Ijaw-majority state in Southern Nigeria were founded, giving rise to his Ijaw and Ogbia born brother, Isaac Adaka Boro's attempt to proclaim a "Niger Delta Peoples Republic" in 1966. Chief Melford Obiene Okilo among other notable Ijaw stakeholders were instrumental in the creation of Bayelsa State on October 1, 1996 by the Sani Abacha's military government"

As a nonviolence advocate, Chief Okilo while speaking in July 2006, in Brixton, London, called on leaders of the Ijaw to take their case over sharing oil and gas revenue to the International Court of Justice. At the same time, he asked youths of the area to give up violence, and seek peaceful means to address their grievances.
"Furthermore, Chief Melford Obiene Okilo always stood in the forefront in the advocacy for Justice and fairness in the distribution and redistribution of the Nation’s wealth for the benefit of all. While consciously carrying out his advocacy, his views and contributions were never pretentious. In his words he would always say, "Man's highest duty is to serve his fellow man and not to oppress, exploit or cheat."

A PEEP IN TO HIS POLITICAL EXPLOITS:
- Okilo as interpreter in both magistrates and the High courts in the then eastern Nigeria between 1956 and 1959.
- Okilo as a Federal Representative, Brass Federal Constituency, pre-independence,
- Okilo as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, 1959 and later Deputy Foreign Minister. In the early 1963
- He represented Nigeria as one of the foundation members of the African Liberation Committee in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; and in the same year, Chief Melford Obiene
- Okilo was appointed as the delegate to represent Nigeria in the 18th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UN) in New York.
- Okilo led the struggle for the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Board and the Niger Delta Area Special Scholarship Scheme which ultimately brought enormous benefits to lots of Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Educationists, Accountants, Surveyors and administrators. 1961 and 1962.
- Okilo as Commissioner for Education in the then Rivers state under the first military Administrator of the state, General Yakubu Gowon. 1971 and 1973
- Okilo as Commissioner for Field Administration, Sports, Petroleum and Labor Matters in the military Governor's office in 1974.
- Okilo elected into the constituent Assembly 1977, General Olusegun Obasanjo's regime.
- Okilo as Executive Governor of Rivers State in 1979 and re-elected as Excutive Governor of Rivers State in 1983
- Okilo with the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CON) in 1983.
- Okilo as a Minister of Commerce and Tourism during the General Sani Abacha regime. In January 1994.
- Okilo as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bayelsa East May 1999 to May 2003.

Late Melford Obiene Okilo, as described by an illustrious Son of the Kingdom, Senior Comr. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, as "Supernatural Being" no doubt was supernatural in all standards, especially as his insatiable thirst and undying passion for more knowledge and educational achievements stands as great measure and inspiration for educational, social and political development.

- 19th April, 2022 -

13/04/2022

OGBIA BROTHERHOOD YOUTH COUNCIL (OBYC) WORLD-WIDE
National Secretariat, Ogbia Brotherhood Hall, Ogbia Town.

- NOTICE OF MEETING -

TO:
- All Community Youth Presidents and EXCO
- All Clan President and EXCO
- OBYC Advisory Council Committee
- IYC/MOSSEND Clan EXCO
- All Present and past Student Leaders
- All OBYC Affiliate Youth Organisation EXCO
- All former Presidents and EXCO of OBYC IYC, Clans
- Women Leaders of all Youth Organisations
- Other stakeholders and Opinion Leaders

INVITATION TO ATTEND AN EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH STAKEHOLDERS MEETING

Worried by the unprovoked and insistent attacks on innocent Ogbia Sons and Daughters by suspected herders on our farm lands, and the untamed destruction and theft of electric towers/cables along power lines and other prevalent vices bedeviling our Kingdom, the National Leadership of Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) world-wide, after due consultation with relevant stakeholders hereby convoke for an extraordinary youth stakeholders meeting holding as follows;
Date: Saturday 16th April, 2022.
Time: 10am prompt.
Venue: Government Secondary School (GSS) main Hall, Ogbia Town.

Consequently, as a youth stakeholder and indispensable component in community development, you are therefore specially invited to join the discuss, as we collectively xray modalities and proffer possible solutions to complement Government's effort at all levels, our Traditional institution, Community leaders and relevant Security agencies to arrest these ugly trend.

Signed:

COMR (AMB) JOHNNY S. JONATHAN
National President, Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) World-wide.

30/03/2022

CHIEF OF STAFF BAYELSA STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE RECEIVES OGBIA YOUTHS IN AUDIENCE; PREACHES UNITY AND NEUTRALITY IN THE FORTHCOMING GENERAL ELECTIONS:..says the Choice of Comr. Johnny S. Jonathan as National President of OBYC, is perfect and strategic for progress.

A varied collection of Ogbia Youths and Student leaders drawn across Ijaw Youth Council, National Union of Ogbia Students, Clans and Community Youth Presidents under the auspices of Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) world-wide on Tuesday, 29th March, 2022 visited the Chief of Staff Bayelsa State Government House, Hon. (Chief) Benson Sunday Agadaga.

Hon (Chief) Benson Sunday Agadaga who is popularly known and addressed as Double Chief, is a leader and father to reckon with in Ogbia Kingdom, as the Ogbia youths described him as a seasoned administrator, technocrat and a man of peaceful disposition whose quality has added value to the administration of the Government of Bayelsa State, x-raying his longstanding history as a lover of sustainable progress and development.

The National President of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) world-wide, Comr. (Amb) Johnny S. Jonathan who signaled the conversation called the attention of the Double Chief to the strategic direction of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council as it concerns youth development, security, volunteerism and community development, and accordingly called on Hon. (Chief) Benson Agadaga to provide the favourable environment for mentorship through engagements with other leaders of the kingdom to provide the needed support and encouragement to the youths to grow and compete favourably with their contemporaries. Highlighting the recent cases of vandalism and developmental challenges as grounds for prompt action.

Earlier, the Youth leader applauded the Chief of Staff Bayelsa State Government House for his undying love for Ogbia Kingdom and her people and his unwavering commitment and determination to promote unity, lasting peace, stability and progress in Ogbia Kingdom which is evidenced in his antecedents; being a veteran in traditional and social leadership (National Chairman Ogbia Brotherhood), as famed in the civil service/political leadership and successes in private enterprise.

Coroborating with the President's remarks, Comr. Juliana Okpu, former Woman Leader, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone commended the Ogbia leader, Hon. Agadaga for being a representation of a true Ogbia son and implored him to bring the State Government's attention to the recent security challenges in Ogbia land, especially bothering on the ra**ng and Killing of women in Ogbia communities' farmlands by suspected herders. Similarly, the Obhan Emeyal Council President, Comr. Okala Precious Peter bore his mind on the need for leaders of Ogbia Local Government Area to constantly Synergize with the youths to achieve desired results, emphasizing that the energetic and productive youths of Ogbia Kingdom are ever willing to partner with genuine, purposeful and visionary leaders who are passionate about the unity, peace and development of Ogbia Kingdom.

While responding to the visitors, Chief Benson Agadaga saluted the delegation for their display of intelligence and patriotism for Ogbia land, vouching his continued support for the advancement of Ogbia Kingdom, Bayelsa East Senatorial District and Bayelsa in general, as he has always been a front-runner having selflessly and formidably served Ogbia, Nembe, Brass and other LGAs in the State in his days as a teacher and in the civil service. He therefore promised to be more accessible and impactful when his dream of becoming a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is realized. According to him, he is well groomed and cultured both politically and socially to strategically advocate and drive home the drivables in line with the peoples needs, yearnings and aspirations. He further admonishes the youths to be neutral in the face of the heated political environment ahead of 2022, but to continue their unification agenda as it is ultimate for our collective development.

Beforehand, Comr. Efere Azibator Tony, the IYC Central Zone Mobilization Officer and other speakers on behalf of the delegation expressed the readiness of Ogbia youths to continue to pray and encourage the Double Chief to succeed in his Senatorial ambition, as his emergence according to them will speak more good for the youths of Ogbia Kingdom and Bayelsa East Senatorial District given his humility, peaceful disposition and undiluted love for people and their progress as well as his sound resume and developmental track record.

Presenting a vote of thanks to the host on behalf of the visitors, Comr. Napuru Bassuo, the immediate past National President of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) world-wide optimized that the best thing was yet to be heard of OGBIA KINGDOM in the political and developmental arena globally, likening Chief Agadaga's steady advancements in the political and social environment as the handiwork of God and having the strong belief that he (the Chief of Staff Bayelsa State Government House) represented that face that Ogbia needs to relaunch herself on the national and global stage.

29th March, 2022.

Signed:

Comr. Okala Igwe Christian
National Publicity Secretary, Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) world-wide.

29/03/2022

05/03/2022

NEW TALENTS HAVE BEEN BORN
"Bayelsa's Got The Talent"
Audition for Ogbia LGA.

01/03/2022

THE "OBYC" NATIONAL PRESIDENT HAS DESCRIBES THE ELEBELE BRIDGE COMMISSIONING AS PROSPERITY IN THE TRUE SENSE OF THE WORD, CONGRATULATES OGBIA KINGDOM FOR APPRECIATING BEAUTY, DILIGENCE, RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT:..appeals on Governor Diri to revive the Bayelsa State owned Gas Turbines at Imiringi.
1st March, 2022.

The National President of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) world-wide, the umbrella youth body of all youth organisation in Ogbia Kingdom, Comr. (Amb) Johnny S. Jonathan, has described the timely completion of the Elebele Bridge and official commissioning by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015) as a true reflection of prosperity to Ogbia kingdom and Bayelsa in general as visibly exemplified by His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State.

The OBYC National President said this while addressing a cross section of the media at Elebele Community yesterday, 28th February, 2022 during the commissioning exercise of the completed Elebele Bridge. He expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, for deliberately and consciously meeting the need, yearnings and aspiration of the people of Elebele Community, Ogbia kingdom and Brass Senatorial District by ensuring the speedy construction of the Elebele collapsed bridge. According to him, the construction and commissioning of this wonderful edifice (the Elebele Bridge) is a gesture that will aggressively improve the economic and social fortune of the people.

The National President who was joined by his National EXCO members, Clan Presidents, leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council Ogbia Clans, other youth stakeholders and an array of youth leaders, access the communities in Ogbia Kingdom while in jubilant mood, as the National President under the electrified environment depict the Ogbia people as at the moment as the most happiest people on planet earth, courtesy of Gov. Douye Diri, even as he appealed to the prosperity administration to consider the reactivation of the Bayelsa State owned Gas Turbine at Imiringi for effective power supply within the area of coverage, to help improve power supply within Bayelsa State.

The youth leader who used the medium to congratulate the leaders of Ogbia Kingdom particularly, His Eminence, King Dumaro Charles Owaba, Obanobhan III of Ogbia Kingdom, other Clan Royal Majesties, the Executive Chairman, Ogbia Local Government Area, Hon. Ebinyo Marvin Turner, House of Assembly members, Commissioners and other political leaders, communities leaders and the youths for their continued cooperation and support to the Government of Bayelsa especially in the area of peace and security. The overwhelming celebration, jubilation and colourful outing at the commissioning event's centre, in solidarity for the Governor, speaks volume of a people who appreciate effective representation, responsive and responsible leadership, beauty and sustainable development.

COMR. THANKGOD ALLEN IBHUGOM
Media Assistant to the National President,

For: Office of the National President, Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) world-wide

23/02/2022

THE QUEST FOR SYNERGISM; OGBIA BROTHERHOOD YOUTH COUNCIL (OBYC) WORLD-WIDE INTERACTS WITH THE OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SPOKESMAN, IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) WORLDWIDE
- 23rd February, 2022 -

The National leadership of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) world-wide ably led by its National President, Comr. (Amb) Johnny S. Jonathan, in her pursuit to draw in a robust youth development project for youths of Ogbia Kingdom, today interacted very extensively with the National Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Distinguished Comr. Ebilade Ekerefe.

The visitors, OBYC who first spoke through the National President, Comr. (Amb) Johnny S. Jonathan, introduced the purpose of the visit, stating that development in any society is a product of collaborative effort, hence this strategic meeting with the National Spokesman of IYC is to encourage the working together of both Councils to create a healthy youth development agenda in the areas of Agriculture, Education, Commerce/ Industry, Science/Technology Culture & Tourism etc.

The OBYC gave and expressed a well deserved encomium on the IYC National Spokesman, Distinguished Comr. Ebilade Ekerefe, recognising his consistent intellectual approach to the Niger Delta struggle and for vigorously projecting the Niger Delta question to the front burner for national and international discus.

In furtherance to the call for collaboration with the office of the National Spokesman of IYC, the National President of OBYC, the National Woman leader and other speakers appealed to Comr. Ebilade Ekerefe to always remember the youths of Ogbia Kingdom in all empowerment programs and engagements through the instrumentality of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, especially in women empowerment and entrepreneurship development.

The image maker of the Ijaw Youth Council, Comr. Ebilade Ekerefe while responding to the visitors, thank the National President of OBYC and his team for this strategic initiative; pursing for partnership in the areas of youth development, as he strongly endorsed the request for collaboration with the OBYC. Comr. Ebilade particularly frown at the ugly trend and high patronage of cyber crime in this part of the world by youths, especially with reported cases of ritual killings associated with it.

The Ijaw Youth Council National Spokesman, while affirming his readiness to work in synergy with the delegation, highlighted the strategic role of the Ogbia people in the development of Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta struggle and Nigeria in general, stating that such a partnership with the OBYC leadership, led by a focused and widely accepted President in person of Comr. Johnny S. Jonathan will definitely pay off.

Signed:……………………

Comr. Okala Igwe Christian
National Publicity Secretary, Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) World-wide

For: OBYC National Executive Council.