Niger Delta

Delta Approves 130 Boats For Marine Transportation

Published

14 years ago

November 2, 2011

The Delta Government says it has approved funds for the purchase of 130 boats to boost marine transportation in the state.

It also said that it had approved the procurement of 1,000 tricycles to enhance intra-city transportation in major towns.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Benson Igbakpa, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Asaba.

He said government was determined to provide an affordable and effective transport system in the state.

Igbakpa said the approved boats were made up of 100 big water buses and 30 small boats, adding that approval had also been given for the construction of seven new jetties and rehabilitation of existing ones.

He explained that the tricycles were to replace commercial motorcycles whose operations would soon be restricted to only feeder roads in the state.

The commissioner said the decision to remove commercial motorcycles from major roads was to reduce accidents and criminality associated with motorcyclists.

Out of the 1,000 tricycles approved for purchase, he said 800 would be devoted to passengers while 200 would be strictly for cargoes.

Igbakpa further disclosed that the government would soon take delivery of 150 buses which would include 100 Toyota Hiace and 50 luxury Macopolo brand.

On human capital development, he said plans were on for the establishment of a Drivers’ Institute in the state in collaboration with the FRSC.

In another development, the Chairman, Delta Waste Management Board (DWMB), Chief Olori Magege says the board has initiated discussions with corporate and individual investors in the waste-to-wealth business.

Magege told newsmen in Asaba that the investment drive was part of efforts to process the waste generated in the state into fertiliser or organic manure for farmers.

He, however, identified funds as a major challenge that may delay the realisation of the waste-to-wealth initiative.

The waste being generated in the state, he said, had surpassed “the wheel barrow stage,” adding that there was need to adopt modern and effective waste disposal system.

The board chairman lamented that the disposition of residents toward waste management and refuse disposal was not encouraging.

He decried the existing situation in the state where, rather than embrace private sector participation in waste management introduced by government, many residents had stuck to their old ways of disposing waste.

“The people see the call for them to pay for waste disposal as levy and taxation,’’ he added

He also said government had approved the constitution of a sanitation brigade which would enlighten the people on proper waste disposal procedures and enforce them.

Magege said his target was to improve internally generated revenue while converting waste generated in the state to wealth.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

13 hours 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

13 hours 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

14 hours 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.