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PhotoNews: Bayelsa PDP Flagbearer Akinaka Courts Elders’ Backing, Unveils Trust Fund for Senatorial District

Mr Richard Akinaka, a young entrepreneur and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, over the weekend, embarked on a strategic consultation with some stakeholders and elders in the district, emphasising service, education, and the restoration of trust in leadership.

Fire Guts Female Hostel at Bayelsa Medical University

A fire gutted one of the rooms in the female hostel of Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, on Wednesday night, destroying students’ valuables and raising fresh concerns over persistent electrical faults in the building.

The incident has sparked fear and anxiety among students and parents of the institution.

Although no lives were lost, students said the fire, which started from an electrical spark, could have turned tragic if occupants had not escaped in time.

Narrating the how the fire occurred some students recounted the panic as thick smoke and flames spread rapidly.

A 400-level Nursing student said the fire occurred shortly after she went to bed around 9pm.

“I slept around after 9pm. Less than 20 minutes later, I started hearing people shouting. At first, I thought it was just another one of those regular electrical sparks we’ve become used to in the hostel,” she said.

“After the previous fire incident, there have been series of sparks. People would shout but we often felt we were overreacting. So I initially stayed calm. But then my roommate kept screaming ‘fire!’ That was when I jumped up and ran out in shock. This time, the room was seriously burning.”

She added that efforts to extinguish the fire were hampered by non-functional equipment and poor water supply.

“I ran downstairs and saw a girl with the fire extinguisher, but nothing came out — it was empty. She tried the tap, but water was only dripping. The hostel gate was also locked, which made escape and rescue more difficult. We’ve been begging the school authorities to keep the gate open, at least during the day, but they always cite security reasons.”

Another 400-level Nursing student said the affected room was almost completely destroyed before help arrived. She accused the school management of attempting to blame students rather than fixing the faulty electrical system.

“By the time we came out, the room had burnt to ashes. The fire extinguisher didn’t work. The boys had to break the back gate to gain access and help put out the fire. Before the fire service arrived, we had already quenched most of it, but all the students’ belongings — documents, laptops, clothes — were destroyed. Yet the school is trying to blame the students instead of admitting it’s their bad electrical connections causing these fires,” she alleged.

A 300-level Optometry student who returned to the hostel during the incident described the chaos she met.

“I went out to buy toiletries and provisions. On my way back, I saw security personnel running around. People were rushing downstairs with buckets. When I looked to my right, I saw a room engulfed in thick flames. The bunk beds were burning. I just froze,” she said.

A 400-level Medical Laboratory Science student noted that repeated fire incidents have made students less responsive to alarms.

“Fire is no longer new to any BMU student. Last week fire, this week fire. We thought it was minor again, but it quickly intensified. I had to rush upstairs to rescue my important documents, WAEC certificate, laptop and other valuables despite the heavy smoke. I don’t have asthma, but I nearly had an attack. The smoke was overwhelming. I had a panic attack and started crying,” she narrated.

Bayelsa APC Federal Reps candidate, Jonathan Obuebite, felicitates with Gov. Diri on Birthday celebration

Candidate of the All Progressive Party ( APC) for the Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency for the 2027 election in Bayelsa State, Hon. Jonathan R. Obuebite, has felicitated with the State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, on his birthday, describing him as a beacon of hope and inspiration to the people of the State.

According to Obuebite, despite the fact that his emergence as Governor came with great expectations, from the very first day in office, he has demonstrated that he i s fully prepared for the enormous responsibility of leadership.

Hon. Jonathan R. Obuebite, PhD, in a congratulatory message on Thursday to Governor Douye Diri on his birthday celebration, said over the years and
through deliberate planning, strategic governance and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, Gov. Diri have steadily transformed Bayelsa State and justified the confidence reposed in you by the citizens.

He said, "Under your Prosperity Administration, Bayelsa has witnessed unprecedented progress in critical sectors of development."

" From the construction of strategic road networks that have connected previously inaccessible communities to electricity, to significant investments in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure, your administration has continued to lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity."

"Beyond physical development, your government has consistently prioritised human capital development and the creation of opportunities for our young people. Your commitment to empowering the next generation, supporting entrepreneurs and investing in the future of Bayelsa remains one of the defining hallmarks of your administration."

"I particularly commend your unwavering dedication to peace, unity, and purposeful leadership. Through your calm disposition, inclusive style of governance and statesmanlike approach to public affairs, you have fostered a peaceful atmosphere across our communities and local government areas, creating an environment where development can thrive, and citizens can pursue their aspirations without fear."

"Indeed, it is to your credit that the political climate in Bayelsa has become remarkably cordial and accommodating. Today, political leaders and stakeholders across party lines interact and coexist with mutual respect, placing the collective interest of our dear state above partisan sentiments."

"This enduring culture of tolerance and political harmony remains one of your most commendable legacies. As one who has had the privilege of serving and contributing within the framework of the Prosperity Administration, I remain proud of your visionary leadership, foresight, dedication and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Bayelsa State."

" Your results-driven approach continues to reassure us that our state is firmly on the path of greatness under your stewardship"

"On this special occasion of your birthday, I pray that Almighty God grants you greater wisdom, divine guidance, sound health, renewed strength and many more years of impactful service to Bayelsa State and humanity. Happy Birthday, my dear elder brother, leader, mentor and boss."