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

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.