Niger Delta

AIG Tasks Stakeholders On Crime Fighting, Prevention

Published

5 years ago

October 14, 2020

Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Zone 16, Yenagoa, Mr Austin Agbonlahor, has stressed the need for collaboration of all stakeholders in fighting and prevention of crime and criminality.
He stated this while playing host to executives and members of the Travel Writers Corps of the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, during the group’s formal courtesy call on him in Yenagoa.
“Safe environment is needed for tourism and tourists in the Niger Delta region. Effort is needed from all stakeholders to give meaningful attention to security and crime prevention”, he said.
Mr Agbonlahor, added that effective and responsible crime prevention enhances the quality of life of all citizens, with long-term benefits in terms of reducing the costs associated with the formal criminal justice system, as well as other social costs that may result from crime.
According to the police boss, crime can have a very negative impact on tourism promotion, saying there is urgent need for synergy on the part of all stakeholders, including the security community, policy makers and the private sector to collaborate and come up with crime preventive measures to ensure a safe environment for tourists and all citizens.
Speaking as head of the delegation to the zone, the Travel Writers Corps chairman, Mr Piriye Kirayamo, intimated the AIG of a planned tourism safety and security seminar in Yenagoa by the group.
Reacting, the AIG promised to be available to play his role to further enrich the security architecture of the zone.
It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police in a bid to further make policing nearer to Nigerians recently established additional police formations and zones, including zone 16 which has its headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Kiyaramo reiterated that it was necessary to ensure the cooperation of all stakeholders involved in the tourism sector, ranging from local government authorities, community leaders, policy makers, the police and other security agencies, including corporate organizations to make the planned event a success.
“The most significant impact of crime on a tourist destination is the negative image of the destination, which may result in reducing tourist appeal and demand for every destination as a result of negative reports about such destinations”, he said.
“The impact of crime on tourism can be seen at two levels: the macro and micro levels. The impact of crime on the macro level refers to its effects on society in general while on the social community or tourist destination, the impact of crime at the micro level have to do with the effects of crime on individuals. The impact of crime on the micro level is evident in the influence on the behaviour and attitudes of tourists, and their decision to visit or revisit a destination where criminal incidents happen”, he added.
Giving her vote of thanks, Vice Chairperson of the Travel Writers’ Corps, Mrs Pauline Onyibe, commended the AIG for his prompt response to the request for the visit, informing him of his nomination as patron of the body.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

5 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

5 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

1 week ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.