Niger Delta

C’ River Votes N18m For Forest Royalty

Published

13 years ago

October 17, 2012

The Chairman, Cross River Forestry Commission, Mr Odigha Odigha, says that N18 million has been earmarked as royalty for communities, which reserved their forest in 2012.

Odigha told our correspondent in Calabar that the state government instituted “royalty payment’’ for communities which embraced the government policy regarding forest conservation.

According to him, more funds will be disbursed in next year’s budget, while N18 million will be given out to communities who get involved.

Odigha disclosed that the state government had given out N10 million to communities which conserved their forest, pointing out that the state would extend its forest cover by 25 per cent before 2020, while the state government planted more than five million trees yearly using indigenous trees species.

“We do that annually and we have started that process; we planted a few hectares in 2011 and 2012 because it is a new project and a learning process, he said,

“We have a ban on logging, we need to have some form of another incentive which has a close resemblance to the (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) programme or carbon credit.’’

Odigha said that the state government had shifted its emphasis from running an unsustainable economy, which was dependent on forest or timber exploitation, to an economy that was dependent on carbon efficiency, stressing that the government was determined to promote carbon efficiency in order to reduce the level of carbon generation.

“We are going into low-carbon economy to enhance the environment and forest under what we called the REDD Programme, adding that “the state government has signed the REDD document last month and the process is ongoing.”

He said that the state government had launched a campaign against deforestation in the state, adding that there were new agricultural techniques which enabled the cultivation of the same piece of farmland for up to 20 years without any decrease in productivity and farm yield.

“That means the forest that is standing should be left to stand as much as possible so that we can get value for the forest as per the carbon content,’’ he said.

On the issue of flooding, he described the recent flooding in the country as “unfortunate and surprising.

“It was expected because the alert and alarm has been on, if we had heeded the warnings; probably, we could have reduced the impact, even if we were not able to avert it completely,’’ he said.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

20 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

20 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

20 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.