Niger Delta

Delta Empowers 85,000 With Micro-Credit

Published

15 years ago

December 27, 2010

About 85,000 people have so far been empowered and removed from the poverty line through the Delta State micro-credit scheme.

The acting governor of Delta state Prince Sam Obi who announced this at the 3rd anniversary celebration of the micro credit scheme in Asaba said the economic renaissance has positively touched the lives of those at the grassroot as well as the urban poor.

Prince Obi described the micro credit scheme as one of the most honest, transparent and caring programmes known in the state even as he explained that so far the scheme was devoid of politics.

He said the scheme did not only just change the status of the beneficiaries but moved them to a higher level of medium credit facility where they could employ other Deltans.

His words “At the beginning most of the beneficiaries did not need physical structures to start but now they are graduating to a higher level where they will be in a position to employ other Deltans in many endeavours”.

The acting governor said the products of the scheme which were on display clearly demonstrate the success of the programme as some of the products such as shoes, bags, beads among others could compare fovourably with those of the advanced countries.

Prince Obi commended the foresight for Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for initiating the programme and especially for identifying with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

Speaking further he said “we must be appreciative of the efforts of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for initiating this and other programmes which are touching the lives of our people”.

He also commended the leadership of the programme for their commitment and hard work just as he praised the participants for judiciously using the funds in productive ventures.

In his remarks Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan appealed to the acting governor to inject more funds into the scheme.

Dr Uduaghan said injection of more funds into the scheme would increase the economic prosperity of the participants and consequently boost economic activities in the state.

He expressed excitement over the investment choice of the participants explaining that they have shown commitment and business trust and tact.

Dr Uduaghan said he was happy that they did not waste their funds in marrying new wives, building new houses or buying new cars.

The state commissioner in charge of micro credit, Dr Anthonia Ashiedu said the scheme has redistributed wealth in the state.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.