Bayelsa State Center for Youth Development

BAYELSA CENTRE FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TEAM PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO VICE CHANCELLOR FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF OTUEKE.

Otueke, Bayelsa — A significant move to bolster youth empowerment and academic progress unfolded recently as the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Federal University, Otuoke (FUO). The visit, led by the Centre's dynamic Director-General, Comrade Igali Robert Jp, signals a powerful intent to bridge state government initiatives with the vibrant population of one of Nigeria's key tertiary institutions.

Comrade Igali Robert Jp and his delegation were warmly received by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Teddy Adias, at the Vice Chancellor's building on the West Campus. The meeting centered on potential synergies between the state's youth agenda and the university's large student body.

Speaking during the visit, Comr. Igali Robert Jp lauded Prof. Adias for his "progressive leadership" and the impressive developmental strides recorded at FUO since his tenure began. He emphasized the crucial link between the Centre and the University, noting that "nothing less than 60% of the population in the University are young people."

This demographic reality, he argued, necessitates a deep collaboration to "further the youth development agenda of the Assured Prosperity Administration of His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State." The state's focus on nurturing its young citizens aligns perfectly with the intellectual hub of the university.

In his response, Prof. Charles Teddy Adias expressed his appreciation for the visit, wholeheartedly commending Comr. Igali Robert Jp and his team for their "wonderful works" impacting the lives of young people across the state. The Vice Chancellor assured the Centre of the University's willingness for a "possible partnership and collaboration," recognizing the mutual benefit of such an alliance.

Prof. Adias also seized the opportunity to highlight some of the transformative achievements under his leadership at the University, demonstrating FUO's rapid growth and commitment to excellence. These milestones include: The rapid accreditation and expansion of academic units, growing from 6 Faculties to a robust 16 Faculties, notably including the establishment of a Faculty of Law, the creation of specialized institutes like the Niger Delta Studies Centre and the Federal University Otueke Business (FUO Business) and major infrastructural projects, such as the complete fencing of the entire campus.

The positive discussions culminated with Prof. Adias presenting an appreciation plaque to Comr. Igali Robert Jp, symbolizing the goodwill and hope for a fruitful working relationship ahead.

Other key members of the delegation included Chief John Jacob Ogoroki, Deputy Director General East, and Hon. Temple Newman Dickson, Deputy Director General Central and amongst others.

The visit concluded on a highly positive note, setting the stage for future joint ventures that promise to elevate youth empowerment and academic excellence in Bayelsa StateSA

BAYELSA STATE CENTRE FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PRESS CONFERENCE
ON THE RESIGNATION OF CENTRE POLITICAL APPOINTEES FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP).

October 21, 2025.

Distinguished members of the press, compatriots in the Bayelsa project, ladies and gentlemen — good morning.

Today, we stand at a turning point in our state’s political odyssey — a defining moment when conscience must rise above convenience, and loyalty must be guided by conviction. As the Director General of the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development, I, alongside member of the board , LGA Directors and Constituency directors of the Centre, hereby formally announce our collective resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

This decision, though difficult, is neither impulsive nor ill-considered. It springs from deep reflection and a sense of duty to truth, progress, and the collective destiny of our state. Like a once-proud ship now battered by internal storms, the PDP has drifted far from the shore of unity, fairness, and purpose. The cracks have become too wide to paper over; the walls too fractured to pretend they still stand strong.

For months, we watched with concern as the party that once symbolized hope became a stage for suspicion and self-interest — a house divided against itself. The center no longer holds, and voices of reason are drowned by the noise of division. The PDP that once carried the dreams of Bayelsans and Nigerians has, regrettably, become a shadow of itself, ensnared by internal wranglings and consumed by ego wars that stifle the very ideals it once upheld.

In the midst of this disarray, Governor Douye Diri — a man of peace, prudence, and proven leadership — has chosen the higher path: the path of principle over politics, of unity over division, of progress over stagnation. Like a shepherd who refuses to abandon his flock in a storm, the Governor has once again demonstrated courage and clarity of vision by stepping away from the chaos to preserve the greater good of Bayelsa State.

We, the appointees of the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development, are not fair-weather friends. We are men and women of proven integrity who understand that loyalty is not blind allegiance but steadfast alignment with what is right and just. When the head moves, the body must follow — for what sense is there in a body disconnected from its head?

Our decision to stand with Governor Douye Diri is, therefore, not about political convenience but moral conviction. We have seen his commitment to youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and infrastructural development. We have watched him lead with calm strength. His Prosperity Administration has been a testament to inclusive governance, where every Bayelsan has a place and every youth has a voice.

To those who may see our resignation as betrayal, we say this: when the house you built with your sweat begins to leak, you don’t curse the rain — you seek a new roof. Our decision is a move towards stability, sincerity, and the collective advancement of Bayelsa, not an act of betrayal.

As the Good Book reminds us, “To everything there is a season.” The season for pretense is over; the time for purposeful alignment has come. We urge all Bayelsans — especially our youths — to stand with the Governor as he continues to chart a new course for our beloved state. The storm may rage, but the compass of vision remains true.

Governor Douye Diri is not just leading a government; he is steering a movement of conscience and continuity. And we, as his foot soldiers in the youth development sector, will not be found wanting on this journey.

Thank you, and may God bless the Governor, bless Bayelsa State, and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Comrade Robert Igali
Director General
Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development

Bayelsa Centre for Youth Development and NANS Leadership Forge Alliance for Student Development

​Yenagoa, Bayelsa – The Director-General of the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development, Comr. Igali Robert Jp, held a productive meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council (JCC), Bayelsa State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Comr. Cletus Nengi who paid him a courtesy visit at the centre's office.

The core focus of the meeting centered on establishing a robust partnership and potential collaborations between the NANS JCC and the Bayelsa Centre for Youth Development. This alliance is intended to foster the advancement and holistic development of students across the state.

​During the discussion, Comr. Igali Robert Jp assured the student leaders of his administration's strong commitment and willingness to collaborate on their programs and projects. These initiatives, he noted, must be directly targeted at ensuring student welfare and significantly improving learning opportunities for Nigerian students within Bayelsa State.

​"Our doors are always open to any meaningful collaboration that seeks to uplift the lives and educational standards of our young people," Comr. Igali stated. "We recognize the critical role NANS plays in articulating the needs of students, and we are ready to work hand-in-hand to achieve our shared goals."

​Comr. Cletus Nengi, in his remarks, commended the Director-General for his youth-friendly disposition and commitment to student issues, expressing optimism that the partnership would yield tangible benefits for the student community.

​Other principal members of the NANS JCC Bayelsa State Chapter delegation present at the meeting included the Vice Chairperson, Comr. Kofi Marshall, the Secretary, Comr. Grace, the Director of Transport and Travels, and Comr. Igbe Blessing Ayibamietei, the Director of Gender Affairs, amongst others.

The convergence marks a significant step towards a more coordinated approach to youth and student development in the state.

Special Assistant to President Tinubu on ICT, Hon. Tokoni Pays Solidarity Visit to Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development

In a significant development, Hon. Tokoni Peter Igoin, Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, paid a solidarity visit to the Secretariat Complex of the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development earlier today.

The delegation, which included Dr. Kelechi Benwosely Kachikwu, Technical Adviser on National Smart AI-Powered WhatsApp Response Initiative, Comr. Preye Sinclair Emmanuel, Chief of Staff and amongts others, was warmly received by the Director General of the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development, Comr. Igali Robert JP, and other top officials, including Hon. Temple Newman Dickson, Deputy Director-General (Central), and Chief John Jacob Ogoroki, Deputy Director-General (East).

Discussions during the meeting centered around potential collaborations between the Office of the Special Assistant on ICT Development and Digital Innovation and the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development. Both parties explored possible partnerships on youth-related initiatives in ICT that would contribute to the youth development efforts of the Assured Prosperity Administration of Governor Sen. Douye Diri and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The visit underscores the commitment of both the federal and state governments to harnessing digital innovation for youth empowerment and development. Further details on the proposed collaborations are expected to be announced in the coming days.

𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝

~𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐌 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫. 𝐊𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫

The Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development paid a courtesy visit to the General Manager Capacity Building, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Barr. Kikile Esueme, at the Local Content Tower in Yenagoa yesterday.

Led by the Director-General, Comr. Igali Robert Jp, the Centre's team sought collaboration and partnership with the Local Content Board in training, empowering, and developing the youths of Bayelsa State. Comr. Igali commended Barr. Esueme's effective leadership and appreciated the Board's successes since the inception of the Local Content Act in 2020.

The Director-General expressed interest in partnering with the Board to train and empower youths in the State. In response, Barr. Kikile assured the Centre of the Board's collaboration, particularly in improving the lives of young people in Bayelsa State.

The visit was attended by top officials of the Centre, including Chief Lawrence Lokiri, DDG West; Chief John Jacob Ogoroki, DDG East; Hon. Temple Newman Dickson, DDG Central; Comr. Mrs. Ebi Kutu Ayibakuro, DDG Females; and Mr. John Ogidi, DFA.