Niger Delta

Mrs Sylva Promises Improved Health For Bayelsans

Published

14 years ago

September 21, 2011

Wife of Bayelsa State

Governor, Mrs Alanyingi Sylva, has reiterated her resolve to improve the health and wellbeing of Bayelsans.

Sylva made the pledge at Koroama in Yenagoa Local Government Area at the beginning of a free medical outreach programme organised in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for communities in the three senatorial districts of the state.

She said the fight against the health challenges of Bayelsans was one she would not shy away from, adding that the good health of the citizens could aid the development of the society.

She said the free medical treatment would be carried out across the state and that those in need of minor surgery would be accommodated under the programme.

Sylva urged the people of Koroama to take their health seriously, saying that most deaths were due to neglect and lack of resources to tackle illnesses.

She also emphasised the need for cleanliness and routine medical check up to prevent the occurrence of diseases.

Sylva commended the state government for its support, and the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for living up to its social responsibilities.

Alabo Ekeuwei, the Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the State Government, said the programme was in line with the present administration’s desire to spread the dividends of democracy to the people.

Ekeuwei noted that no government worth its mandate could afford to toy with the health of the citizens, saying that a state could only be prosperous “if it can eradicate poverty and diseases’’.

While restating government’s preparedness to leave no stone unturned in line with the Millennium Development Goals, the SSG said government would continue to partner with relevant bodies to boost the living standards of rural dwellers.

Ekeuwei noted that in consonance with the objectives, government had provided emergency obstetric care units in all health institutions for emergency pregnancy-related cases.

He applauded the foresight of the governor’s wife in initiating the free medical outreach programme, saying that it had brought succour to Bayelsans.

Also speaking, the Leader of the Medical Team from SPDC, Dr Mosuro Olayinka, said the aim of the programme was to bring healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the people as part of the company’s social responsibility.

Olayinka also said the company was keying into the MDGs and expressed delight in partnering with the Centre for Gender Values and Culture in providing the service.

The SPDC team also announced that it would undertake free surgery, breast and cervical cancer screening, dental and eye care services, HIV and AIDs counseling.

It also said that it would distribute insecticide treated nets and de-worm children amongst others, during the programme.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.

Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.

The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.

The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.

Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.

The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.

The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.

The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.

Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.

Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.

“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.

Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.

Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.

“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.

The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.

It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.

Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.

He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.

“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.

‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.

In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.

Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.