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National Library Moves To Promote Reading Culture

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6 years ago

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The National Library of Nigeria, in partnership with Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State recently held an awareness programme aimed at promoting reading culture in Omoku, headquarters of the council. The  programme with the theme, “ Reading,  a Tool for Empowering the Vulnerable”, took place at Krisdera Hotel and attracted dignitaries from different walks of life.
A paper by Prof Blessing Ahiazu noted that lack of interest among Nigerians in reading was worst among the rural dwellers where there where no libraries and low access to reading materials.
According to the paper ,       ” from the young to adults, the quest for material wealth continues to dominate their attention rather than desire for knowledge, without realising that reading is a source of wealth creation “.
She stressed the need to make establishment of public libraries compulsory in schools and communities.
The National Librarian, Prof Lenrie Aina, said the problem of poor reading culture cuts across all social strata of Nigerian society and that semi-urban communities and custodial centres fell within the vulnerable category.
Aina stated that the aim of the programme was to sensitise the target groups to imbibe the culture of premises.
Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council, Hon Victor Odili, expressed delight at the event and commended organisers for the opportunity given to the people of the area.
The Council boss, who was represented by the Council Secretary, Dr Innocent Osam, supported the programme by giving out the former Eco Bank premises which he said has been renovated and ready for use.
He particularly praised the dogged efforts of Prof Blessing Ahiazu in improving readership and urged all lovers of knowledge to support her.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of variety of books to encourage readership in the locality.

 

By: Chris Oluoh

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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6 days ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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6 days ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

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

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6 days ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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