Niger Delta

Delta Approves N269m For Graduate Scholarship Scheme

Published

14 years ago

October 26, 2011

The Delta State Government has in Asaba approved the release of N269.9 million to cover the scholarship awarded to 40 graduates from the state who made first class in their fields of study.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Chike Ogeah, who briefed newsmen after the state’s Executive Council meeting, Wednesday said that 35 of the beneficiaries graduated this year while five others were those whom the scheme could not accommodate in 2010.

He said that the council also approved N833.9 million for the construction and renovation of secondary school classrooms across the state.

“For the State Vision 2020 road map, the council also approved N90.3 million to cover the activities for the year.

“The council approved the sum of N260.9 million for the construction of Ojafe-Ibuku road at Isoko North Local Government Area and for Ubulu-Uku road at Aniocha LGA, the sum of N136.6 million was also approved.

“While the sum of N344 million was approved for the construction of Owa Ifeziomo road through Owa Alero Phase II road at Ika North LGA,” he said.

Ogeah said that the state had also approved the released of N852.6 million as counterpart funds toward the building of a youth centre at Egbokodo, adding that when completed it would create employment for youths.

He said that the state had also resolved to return some secondary schools to their former owners while the government had approved the reversal of the secondary system to its former state where both junior and secondary schools were being run together.

In another development, the state has asked its ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to submit quarterly reports of their performances in the previous years.

Mr Kenneth Okpara, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, called for the reports at a forum with heads of MDAs, in preparation for the defence of the 2012 budget proposals in Asaba.

Okpara said that the quarterly reports would help the government to assess the level of progress recorded in the past.

“The quarterly reports will be analysed and standards will be set. This will serve as a guide in ensuring that all approved projects are properly monitored and implemented,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that the due process would be strictly followed in the allocation of funds to the MDAs in the 2012 budget.

Okpara said that all the tenets of prudent management would henceforth be applied in managing the state’s fiscal activities.

Sources said that 51 MDAs are expected to defend their budget proposals in the exercise that will end on November 3.

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.