Niger Delta

Jonathan Seeks Investment In Culture Industry

Published

15 years ago

November 5, 2010

President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the public and private sectors of the economy to explore the great prospects in nation’s culture industry to help alleviate poverty.

The president made the call in Uyo on Tuesday, while declaring open the 2010 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) hosted by Akwa Ibom government.

Represented by Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, the president said that investment in cultural industries would diversify the country’s revenue base.

He said the investment would also empower the people and generate wealth for the nation to enable it attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The president said: “NAFEST over the years, has done a lot in upholding the unity of this country as well as spreading the messages of good values of our shared heritage.

“I will at this juncture urge all states, the FCT and the local government authorities to continue to support cultural activities in their various localities as it has been proven that culture is the bedrock of wholesome development.

“The Federal Government on its part will continue to identify and support this festival and other such initiatives that will project the unique role of culture in our national development.”

The president then urged all stakeholders in the cultural industries to utilise the instrument of NAFEST with a view to leapfrogging the nation’s march toward realising its quest to make Nigeria one of the most developed economies in 2020.

In his welcome address, the Cultural and Tourism Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, noted that culture and tourism were emerging products that have great prospects of leading development of our economy in future.

Mohammed said that NAFEST had evolved over the years as an effective platform for promoting national unity among various cultures in Nigeria.

He said that NAFEST had been repositioned as a means to attain peace, unity and national development.

Mohammed said that the choice of Akwa Ibom to host NAFEST 2010 was informed by the rich cultural and historical antecedents of the state.

NAFEST 2010, which is the 24th has as its theme “Cultural industries and economic empowerment,” and attracted 23 states at the opening ceremony.

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.