Niger Delta

Ayade Test-Runs New Feed Mill

Published

6 years ago

December 13, 2019

A test-run of the newly es-tablished Cross River State Feed Mill was carried out recently with Governor Ben Ayade calling on the management of Nexim Bank to partner with the state in its agro industrial revolution.
Located at the Ayade Industrial Park along Goodluck Jonathan Bypass in Calabar, the feed mill is one of the latest factories built by the
Ayade-led administration that is ready for commissioning.
The governor who witnessed the test-run along with the management of NEXIM Bank, that also toured other factories like the 24000 birds per day frozen chicken factory and the noodles factory, urged the bank to use the state to demonstrate Nigeria’s potentials.
“We are a very serious-minded people. Nexim Bank, you have a great opportunity, partner with us and let us build Cross River State as a showcase of the potentials and capabilities that Nigeria can actually be herself,” the governor remarked.
He said the factories, beside shoring up the economic base of the state, would provide jobs to thousands of people.
According to him, “from the start to the end, we have human beings given jobs in massive numbers. This is the way to go and this is agro industrial revolution.”
Declaring that the wheel of progress has just begun, Ayade expressed hope that Nexim Bank would support Cross River State to become a major exporter of goods.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Board Chairman, Nexim Bank, Okwu Joseph Nnanna, expressed excitement over the industrial park, affirming that the factories will boost job creation and economic empowerment.
His words: “We are impressed with what we have seen. Nexim Bank is established to encourage industrial parks of this nature as well as the factories that are located here. We are very happy to support the project because the job creation is fantastic and is a game changer.”
He said “if the government of Cross River State has need for financing, they will discuss with the executives of Nexim Bank, for what we have seen here is fantastic and similar to the projects we have financed at the federal level.

By: Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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.