Niger Delta

Delta Spent N789M On Drugs In 2011 -Commissioner

Published

14 years ago

February 27, 2012

Delta government says it spent N789.8 million to purchase drugs and other medical consumables for its healthcare services in 2011.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Otumara, disclosed this at a press conference in Asaba on Thursday.

He said the drugs were distributed to public hospitals and clinics through the state’s Drug Revolving Fund during the period under review.

Otumara said that of the amount, N639 million was used to buy drugs and pharmaceuticals for the free maternal healthcare programme and rural health scheme in the state.

He announced that Asaba General Hospital project would soon be completed and inaugurated, adding that it would reduce the current congestion and pressure on the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in the city.

He, however, stated that drugs valued at N150.8 million were still being held in stock in the hospitals and central medical stores.

Otumara said the medical incentives provided by the government for the citizens had greatly increased the number of persons accessing medical care in the state.

He said 652,924 out-patients and 66,615 in-patients were recorded in all the public health facilities in the state, during the period.

He said that maternal mortality ratio in the state dropped dramatically to 22 per 100,000 live births in 2011 as against 276 per 100,000 live births in 2010.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government spent more than N2 billion in the prosecution of its health programmes, particularly the free maternal, child healthcare and rural healthcare schemes, in the last four years.

“The state government expenditure on hospitals, outside salaries and allowances, is well over N6.5 billion.

“Besides, the present administration has since 2007, also spent more than N1 billion to assist people for treatment in Nigeria and abroad.’’

Otumara, who admitted that hospitals in the state lacked adequate manpower, blamed it on the large number of hospitals and insufficient funds but said that the issue was being addressed.

“We are making efforts to look at areas of need and fill them because most of the medical personnel are retiring and those vacancies need to be filled.

“But currently, the government pays about N600 million monthly to its hospitals management board alone and if you multiply this figure by 12 it amounts to N7.2 billion and that is the annual money to that sector”, he also said.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.