…as Bayelsans celebrate Ovieteme George’s double awards
From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Key political actors across different parties in Bayelsa State have stressed the need for Bayelsans to focus on the peace, unity and development of the State irrespective of political differences ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
They made the declaration at the
”Double Blessings” celebration-football match held at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, in honour of Arise News reporter, Ovieteme George for winning the “Africa Media Award” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the “Reporter of the Year” award from the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja.
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, said the unity, peace and development of the state remains paramount irrespective of political differences, stating that Bayelsa State Government is proud of the milestones Ovieteme George has achieved in the media industry.
Dr Akpe, who took the ceremonial kick-off of the novelty match shortly after the weekly Prosperity Walk, remarked that to a very large extent, the picture of journalism in the State changed, when Ovieteme George came on board.
He noted that Mr. Ovieteme George’s persistence and hard work has continued to put Bayelsa and the nation on the global map, and stated that he was proud of Ovieteme, adding that the award reflects his sacrifices and commitment towards his job over the years as a journalist.
Former Deputy Governor of State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, who described the celebrant as a “goal-getter”asserted that the broadcast journalist’s success story should be the model for the younger generation.
According to him, when you are focused in life, you can succeed irrespective of the environment you find yourself, urging the youths in the State and the Niger Delta region to see Ovieteme as a role model.
Also, another former deputy governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, noted that the double blessings celebration of Ovieteme George reflects the years of sacrifices and commitment he has put into his job, describing him as a core professional.
He explained that the turnout of personalities from across different political parties in the State was indicative of his years of service to humanity, maintaining that Ovieteme is a source of unity and that he deserved to be celebrated.
The State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Barr. George Turnah, opined that unity and peace is the only pathway to the development of the State, that the interest of the people comes before any political party.
He called on the political gladiators in the State to put Bayelsa before political interest, stating that Bayelsa has remained peaceful under the Prosperity administration in the last six years.
The celebrant, Mr. Ovieteme George in an interview, said the stories of life must not be told with the intention of winning awards but giving voice to the voiceless, expressing gratitude to the Almighty God for the feat achieved.
He appreciated the governor, Senator Douye Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, C.E.O. Tantita Security Services, Government Oweizide Ekpomupolo aka Tompolo, and the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, Engr. Kestin Pondi, for their immense support.
Mr. George equally lauded the former deputy governor of the State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, the Ministry of Sports Development, footballers and the media for their invaluable contributions.
In matches played in honour of Ovieteme George, Bayelsa Selected All-stars played out a one-all draw with Port Harcourt Ex-Professionals while Selected Elders lost 1-2 to Bayelsa Selected Elders.
Also present at the event were the: Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Warman Ogoriba; Former Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Isenah; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV Moses Teibowei, Representative of KOLGA Constituency II in the State House of Assembly, Hon Wisdom Fafi; the C.E.O, Monimichelle Sports Construction Ltd, Mr .Ebi Egbe, and the DG of Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe.
