Niger Delta

‘Hosting NAFEST’ll Help Us To Harness Tourism Potentials’

Published

6 years ago

October 23, 2019

Chairmen of Local Government Areas of Edo State, have expressed readiness to use the opportunity of the 2019 National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) being hosted in the State to harness the tourism potentials of their various council areas.
The Chairmen spoke on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of this year’s NAFEST in Benin on Monday.
While commending the state government for hosting NAFEST, they stressed the advantage of showcasing the culture in the state to the world.
They noted that hosting the cultural festival by the government was not misplaced priority, as the state was known to be the cradle of civilisation as well as home of art and culture.
Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area (LGA), Mr Destiny Enabulele, described the hosting of the festival as the right step to take at this time.
He said Ovia LGA would build on whatever would be the outcome of the festival.
According to him, this hosting has further demonstrated that Edo is the home of arts and culture and also the cradle of civilisation.
He concluded by saying that the hosting would impact positively on the economy of the state.
Ovia North East LGA council boss, Mr Scott Ogbemudia, while commending the people and government of Edo, said it had provided an opportunity for the council to harness its tourism potential.
“You can see the desire in all of us to celebrate our culture; we are using this to show the world the uniqueness of our culture.
“In Ovia North East, we have a unique story and tourism potential that we will be showcasing. The council area is home to where Oba Ovonramwen was taken to Calabar and many more.
“All these are what we will be showcasing to the world,” he said.
The 18 council areas of the state were present at opening ceremony with their cultural troupes.
The Tide’s source reports that the seven-day cultural show would be held at four different venues in the ancient city; Oba’s Palace, UNIBEN Sports Complex, Benin Golf Club and Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre.
The State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr Osemwengie Ero, said that the festival would provide further cultural integration among the states of the federation.
He said the festival with the theme: “Our Royalty, Our Pride”, signifies the pride and dignity of Benin.
The source also reports that 500, 000 visitors from the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) and six countries are expected to participate in this year’s edition of the NAFEST.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.

The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.

It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.

In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.

She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.

She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.

Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.

She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.

The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.

In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.

She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.

The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.

Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.

Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.

The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.

Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.

Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.

Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.

Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.

“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.

“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.

Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.

He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.

He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.

The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.

The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.

Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.

He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.

According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.

Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.

Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.

Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.

The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.

Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.

The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.

Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.