Niger Delta

Dickson Marks One Year In Office

Published

13 years ago

January 25, 2013

Bayelsa Government says it is on course in its determination to reshape
the fortunes of the state for the benefits of all in terms of provision of
social amenities and, protection of lives and property.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Retired Admiral John
Jonah stated this in Yenagoa, Wednesday while briefing the press on success
story of the state for the past one year

Rtd Rear Admiral Jonah said the Dickson-led
administration has made significant impact in the areas of security, Works and
Infrastructure, Education, Energy, Transport and Agriculture.

The Deputy Governor, who described security
as the primary responsibility of government, noted that the administration’s
huge investment in the sub-sector has also yielded some positive results.

According to him, the enactment of the Bayelsa
State Secret Cult, Kidnapping And Similar Offences Prohibition Bill 2012
coupled with government’s policy on zero tolerance to crime and criminality
have succeeded in making Bayelsa one of the safest states in the country.

He said the operations of the state security
outfit, code-named, Doo Akpor, would soon be extended to the hinterlands.

On Works and Infrastructure, the Deputy Governor
disclosed that over 17 key projects have been awarded, which include the Ekoli
bridge, Amassoma-Toru-Ebeni bridge, Toru-Ebeni-Ofoni road, dualisation of
Issac Boro road, construction of the new secretariat annexes and the permanent
site of the National Youth Service Corps Orientation camp.

He enumerated the construction of the new complex
for the Traditional Rulers’ Council, Executive Council Chambers as well as the
new Governor’s Lodges in Sagbama and Nembe, which are nearing completion.

Rear Admiral John Jonah who mentioned the award of contracts
for the construction of 6 high profile roads in the state capital said
government intends to embark on the expansion of the Mbiama-Yenagoa road, which
requires demolition of structures and compensation as planned.

On Energy, he explained that the sum of N1.3
billion was released to enhance power supply in the state and currently the
state government is collaborating with its Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River
counterparts adding that about N2 billion has been spent in that regard.

The Deputy Governor said government would soon commence
the rehabilitation of the Gbarantoru-Sagbama 32 KVA line, stating that the
investment in the Energy sub-sector was not only to improve power supply but to
boost socio-economic activities in the state.

Commenting on the efforts made in Education, he
explained that N21 billion was allocated to the sector representing 16.8% of
the 2012 capital budget to enable the administration pursue vigorously its
ambitious and robust programmes.

Other efforts at improving the sector include,
re-establishment of the state College of Arts and Science, BYCAS, relocation of
the College of Education from Okpoama to Sagbama for purposes of accessibility,
establishment of Maritime academy at Okpoama as well as the disbursement of N1
billion for the post graduate scholarship scheme.

Rtd Rear Admiral John Jonah who also stressed the
administration’s readiness to implement the report of the Niger Delta University
Visitation Panel, however lamented the setback caused by the flood, which
affected the distribution of furniture and other educational materials.

On Agriculture, the Deputy Governor pointed out
that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with a foreign company for
the production of high quality Cassava, boost employment generation and food
security.

Identifying large-scale rice and fish production
as government’s area of priority, he noted that soft loans will be provided for
genuine farmers in the state.

Speaking further, Rear Admiral John Jonah
emphasized that a major reform in the transport sector was the ban on the
operation of commercial motorcycles, which has drastically reduced accidents
and incidents of robbery cases.

Describing its first year as a period of laying
foundation for development, the Deputy Governor said the achievements recorded
were commensurate with the resources and the environment occasioned by the
flood.

He therefore called for support from the people,
assuring that government would work hard to consolidate on its achievements and
take the state to greater heights

Niger Delta

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.