Niger Delta

Bayelsa Plans To Host NSF In 2016

Published

13 years ago

December 5, 2012

The Technical Adviser, Wrestling Federation of Nigeria, Hon. Daniel Igali yesterday said that Bayelsa State is currently putting in place sporting infrastructure that will enable it host the National Sports Festival as from 2016.

Igali, who is the House committee chairman on sports, Bayelsa state House of Assembly, while speaking to journalists inside the multi-purpose hall, venue of the wrestling, University of Lagos, said that sports is placed fourth in the state’s2013 budget after roads, health and education.

“In Bayelsa, the sports sector budget is the fourth largest in the state budget. We are now working towards the upgrading of pitches, wrestling gym that will be of international standard, the contract has been awarded, it will be ready in may, 2013.

“We have equally built a weightlifting gym. We are also looking at building a modern multipurpose gymnasium, tartan track and building sporting facilities in the three senatorial zones of the state.

For the wrestling events, Hon. Daniel Igali said” it has been fantastic, we have so far had a good competition, the first day,a great number competed, Delta State won a large number of gold medals, four gold medals out of seven, Bayelsa, Rivers states two and one gold each, it was Niger Delta affairs.

“The female wrestling was spread out, Lagos had gold, Imo and three gold for Bayelsa. Now freestyle is going on, and it looks like south south affair.I Am happy because there are few athletes I have seen here that can make us proud in the next four to eight years.

The former Olympic gold medalist in Sydney, Australia, 2000 said he was surprised that his state have made a lot of progress in the ongoing National Sports Festival despite the flood that affected their preparation towards the festival.

“Bayelsa is looking ahead to hosting NSF in 2016. I also, encourage states to improve on the standard of their equipment. We don’t know the important of sports here, that is why we are trying to down play the importance of equipment.

On the open festival, Hon. Igali said he has been on the campaign for open festival for the past ten years, he however give thanks to God that the people that matters in sports has finally listen to their voices.

“Its something I have been clamouring for in the past ten years. Thank God we are there now”.

Igali, was captain of the Nigerian wrestling team to Canada to compete in the 1994 Commonwealth . He remained in the country while seeking refugee status due to political unrest in the Niger Delta then . He acquired citizenship in 1998.

In Canada, Igali won 116 consecutive wrestling matches at Simon Fraser University from 1997 to 1999. He placed fourth at the 1998 world championships.

At the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Australia, Igali won a gold medal in the Men’s 69 kg freestyle wrestling. He represented Canada at the world stage.

At the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Igali won a gold medal in the Men’s 74 kg freestyle wrestling.

Niger Delta

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.