Niger Delta

Bayelsa Flags Off Covid-19 Vaccines As Okowa, Others Receive Jabs

Published

5 years ago

March 15, 2021

Bayelsa State Government has called on people of the state to take the Covid-19 Vaccine as part of the pharmaceutical measures to check the spread and mortality rate of the pandemic.
Governor Douye Diri who made the call during the state Flag-off Ceremony for Covid-19 Vaccination in Government House, Yenagoa, promised that his administration would continue to give priority attention to the health sector.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Governor lauded the Federal Government and the various development agencies for their role in ensuring that the vaccine gets to Nigeria and Bayelsa State in particular.
A press release by the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, quoted him as saying the state takes the vaccination seriously due to its conviction that there cannot be prosperity without good health.
He said his administration’s commitment to healthcare development informed government’s decision to deploy its scarce resources towards curtailing the spread of the virus in the state during the peak of the infection.
Governor Diri assured that the state government would ensure that the Vaccination Programme succeeds and therefore called on Bayelsans to avail themselves of the vaccine as its benefits far outweigh the perceived side effects.
He also lauded the State Covid-19 Taskforce and health workers who have been on the frontline to check the spread of the virus.
He said the state government had directed the completion of all referral hospitals across the state in furtherance of its desire to improve the well-being of Bayelsans, urging the people not to drop their guards even with the availability of the vaccine but continually observe all Covid-19 protocols.
Diri also called on all relevant authorities to give attention to other diseases while the fight against Covid- 19 is on.
Earlier, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Igwele expressed appreciation to the Governor and his Deputy, for their proactive steps to check the spread of the virus in the state and their support in ensuring that the vaccines arrived the state.
In their goodwill messages, Dr. Daniel Otoh of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Richard Koko of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Eghe Abe of UNICEF and a representative of Center for Disease Control, Dr Gatei Wa Nganda, all lauded the state government for its efforts at fighting the pandemic.
Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, his wife, Edith and members of the state’s Executive Council, last Friday, took turns as they were administered Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccines.
The Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Patience Elumeze and health workers were also vaccinated in the exercise which was held at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Asaba.
Okowa said the vaccine was approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and encouraged the people to take it.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.