Niger Delta

Yenagoa Hosts Nigerian Content Consultative Forum

Published

15 years ago

November 24, 2010

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has concluded plans to host the 2010 edition of the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

A statement in Abuja last Saturday by the Public Affairs Officer of the Board, Mr Obinna Ezeobi, said the event would hold between Nov. 29 and November 30.

According to the statement, the theme of the event is: “The Nigerian Content Act: Building Capacities and Enhancing Opportunities.”

It stated that the forum was the first edition after President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act into law on April 22.

“NCCF 2010 will be the first Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition to be held in Bayelsa, the home state of Oloibiri, where commercial oil was first discovered in Nigeria in 1956,” the statement added.

It explained that the forum was in line with the Board’s mandate to open up the industry to Nigerians in its strategy of integrating oil producing communities into the operations of industry.

The community segment of the forum is targeted at Niger Delta residents.

It will help to interpret the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act to the people and discuss how small scale enterprises and residents of the region could key into the industry.

The statement quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Ernest Nwapa as saying that the conference would focus on sharing information on ways to build capacities.

It explained that building the capacities would enable Nigerians to take full advantage of opportunities available in the oil and gas industry through implementation of the Nigerian Content Act.

He expressed the hope that the event would provide the platform to facilitate the participation of stakeholders interested in the industry.

NCCF was first inaugurated in April 2005 by the Nigerian Content Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

It is a platform meant to provide effective collaboration between NNPC joint venture partners, international and indigenous oil companies, service providers, regulatory agencies and other key industry stakeholders on Nigerian Content initiatives.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke is expected to deliver the keynote address at the conference.

The programme also indicated that Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva , would declare open the exhibition and community event.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 days 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

4 days 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

4 days 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.