The Bayelsa State Government has commenced plans to introduce scrabble and chess into secondary schools as part of efforts to strengthen students’ intellectual development and promote mind sports across the state.

The initiative was unveiled during a meeting between officials of the Ministry of Sports Development and the Ministry of Education, where both ministries began preparations for the state’s first Secondary Schools Scrabble Championship.

The programme follows a directive by Governor Douye Diri, who announced the initiative during the sixth edition of the Governor Diri National Scrabble Classics.

Leading the delegation from the Ministry of Sports Development, Commissioner Daniel Igali said discussions focused on developing a practical roadmap for introducing scrabble into secondary schools across Bayelsa.

The ministries also considered incorporating chess into the programme to help students improve critical thinking, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive skills.

Igali said the initiative would adopt a train-the-trainer model, with coaches from the Bayelsa State Sports Council training selected teachers, who would in turn mentor students ahead of the championship.

“Today’s meeting is about developing a clear blueprint for the seamless implementation of His Excellency’s directive. The collaboration establishes a comprehensive roadmap that guarantees the smooth execution of that mandate,” Igali said.

He expressed confidence that the programme would help Bayelsa produce future national and international champions in scrabble and chess.

Commissioner for Education Gentle Emelah praised the Ministry of Sports Development for moving quickly to implement the governor’s directive.

According to him, Bayelsa has already built a strong reputation in school sports through its performances in national secondary school basketball competitions, adding that the introduction of intellectual sports would further enhance the state’s profile.

“Bayelsa has become a household name in Nigerian school sports, and this initiative will further strengthen our reputation for producing outstanding young talents,” Emelah said.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Education and Sports Development, senior officials of the Bayelsa State Sports Council, and the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Information and Strategic Communications.

The initiative is expected to encourage wider participation in intellectual sports while helping students develop strategic thinking, discipline and academic confidence.

The Federal Government has appointed the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to lead its delegation to the maiden Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference (NIDEC) holding in Toronto, Canada.

The three-day conference, themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” is scheduled to commence on Wednesday and is expected to bring together Nigerians in the diaspora, investors, business leaders, policymakers, and government officials to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and its citizens living abroad.

According to a statement by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the decision to send a high-level delegation reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to deepening trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.

Ministers, Governors Join Delegation

The delegation includes several senior government officials, among them:

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Also expected to participate are the governors of:

Anambra State – Charles Soludo

Borno State – Babagana Zulum

Kaduna State – Uba Sani

Plateau State – Caleb Mutfwang

Zamfara State – Dauda Lawal

Organisers say the conference is designed to encourage greater diaspora participation in Nigeria’s economic development by promoting investment opportunities across key sectors and fostering stronger partnerships between the government, private sector, and Nigerians living abroad.

The event is also expected to provide a platform for discussions on policies that can improve investment flows, strengthen business collaboration, and leverage the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora for national development.

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the killing of two police officers during a violent attack on a stop-and-search team in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

The officers were attacked on June 29, 2026, when armed assailants reportedly launched a commando-style assault, opened fire on the patrol team and fled with the officers’ AK-47 rifles.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, one of the officers suffered severe gunshot injuries that led to the amputation of one of his legs before he later died in hospital. The attack claimed the lives of two officers.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Agabe said the arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordering an intensive investigation and the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to apprehend those responsible.

She said operatives of the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) tracked the suspects to their hideout through credible intelligence and sustained tactical operations.

The arrested suspects were identified as:

Maduabuchi Emeka, alias “Doctor”, 34, from Egbata Community, Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

Chinedu Owhor, 42, a native of Akabuka in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, resident in Aluu.

Kamachi Joe, 28, also from Egbata Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

Police said operatives recovered three AK-47 rifles and one Scorpion rifle during the operation.

According to the command, one of the suspects has also linked members of the gang to other murder cases currently under investigation.

The police added that efforts were ongoing to arrest a fourth suspect, who remains at large.

Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju commended the officers involved in the operation, describing the arrests as evidence of the Command’s determination to ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.

He reaffirmed the Rivers State Police Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and warned that the state would not serve as a safe haven for criminals.

Adepoju also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information to assist ongoing crime-fighting efforts.

The latest breakthrough comes amid continued efforts by security agencies to tackle violent crime and improve public safety across Rivers State.