Imoke Commissions Palm Oil Mill

Published

14 years ago

November 2, 2011

Cross State Governor, Liyel Imoke, has inaugurated an ultra-modern palm oil mill in Ekong-Anaku, Akamkpa Local Government.

At the inauguration ceremony, Imoke stressed the need for partnership among the community, government and private investors on the mill for the development of the area.

He said there was great economic value in the agricultural sector, which, he noted, also had the potential to create jobs.

The governor said the state government would collaborate with Obasanjo Farms to transform the area by creating wealth.

Speaking at the inauguration, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Chairman of Obasanjo Holdings Ltd. which built the mills, said the farm was a product of a challenge received from Malaysia.

He said he was encouraged by the effort of the community in the building of the mill and urged the people to pay attention to agriculture.

Obasanjo said that since there was an evidence of famine and food shortage all over the world, the fight against hunger must begin in earnest.

Mr Celestine Awor, the Chairman, Obasanjo Farms Committee of Landlords, said the building of the mill had informed the construction of a bridge across the Ikpan River by the company.

He said that employment had been given to indigenes of the various landlord communities in addition to the emergence of business developments in the area.

He expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for investing in the area and urged him to make the place his dwelling home.

The Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Mr Dennis Nkiri, described the mill as a product of astute demonstration of courage and spirit of entrepreneurship.

Mr Daniel Atsu, the Group Managing Director of Obasanjo Holdings Ltd., explained that “the new 40-tonne per hour palm oil mill uses the latest technology known as Self-Discharge Vertical Cyclinder’’.

He said the mill was fully automated and was the first of its kind in Africa and the fifth in the world.

He also said that the company intended to expand its operations to enable it to generate employment.

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.

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.

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.