Niger Delta

Delta Empowers Cooperative Group With N1.8m

Published

13 years ago

June 6, 2012

Otu Omenka Akwaocha Cooperative group in Delta State, says it has received N1.8 million micro credit from the state government to empower its members.

The chairman of the association, Madam Uju Ijeh, who disclosed this in an interview in Asaba, said the group received the interest-free loan through the state’s micro credit programme between 2007 and 2009.

Ijeh said the society received N350,000 after its registration in 2007, adding that it was given N1.5 million in 2009 when it completed the repayment of the 2007 package.

According to her, the group, based in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, currently has 10 women as members.

It specialises in the making of “Akwaocha”, a local fabric popular among the people of Delta North .

Ijeh said that the group would have received fresh credit from the programme if it had been able to liquidate the 2009 loan in December.

She said the group suffered some setback during the year.

She, however, said that full payment of the loan would be completed later this year and that the society would apply for another credit facility from the government’s scheme.

Ijeh said that “Akwaocha is an occasional cloth used mostly during festive periods and important events, including marriages, chieftaincy-taking and kingship coronation ceremonies.

The cooperative chairman said that the loan had helped the group to improve its production size and meet local demand.

She said that materials used in the production of the fabric were usually procured in bulk and distributed among their members at cheap rates.

Ijeh added that each member of the group made a monthly profit of at least, N50,000.

“Most of us re-invest our profits into other businesses and some of us now own lands and give our children good education.’’

While commending the state government for the scheme, Ijeh called for increase in the package to the group to enable it to commence exportation of its product.

She noted that the “Akwaocha” business had become lucrative, adding that the cloth was no longer being used by Anioma people alone as all the Igbos and non-Igbos now use it.

She said that the prices of the fabric ranged from N7,000 to N15,000, depending on the quality.

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.