Niger Delta

Minister Lists Three Major Diseases In Nigeria

Published

13 years ago

March 22, 2013

The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, has described HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria as the major health issues facing the country.

Chukwu said this in Calabar in his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria Retreat in Tinapa Knowledge Centre, Calabar.

“These three diseases: HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria are still major public health issues in our country,” he said.

He also said that the incidence of drug resistant TB was on the increase, and that the ministry was making effort to tackle them.

Chukwu also said that the vertical transmission of HIV infection remained a challenge and “we are doubling our efforts to ensure that we reduce Mother to Child Transmission’’.

He said the retreat was to enhance participants’ understanding of the structure and functions of the Global Fund and the CCM.

The minister listed other objectives of the retreat to include setting the stage for the development of the country’s concept note for interim and standard application pathways or the new funding models.

“The essence of this retreat is for all CCM members and some of our stakeholders to brainstorm and fashion out ways of maximising our resources.

“This is with a view to reducing the burden from the three big diseases – HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria,’’ he said.

Chukwu said that membership of CCM Nigeria was drawn from the public and private sectors, civil society organisations and development partners in health.

He further said that the retreat offered members the opportunity to evaluate their work and re-strategise for better performance.

In his speech, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River said the state was committed to the new global fund initiative in combating the HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

Imoke, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Efiok Cohbam, commended the CCM for the retreat.

He said the state was doing everything possible to ensure the reduction of the three diseases in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets in 2015.

The representative of the Global Fund, Ms Marianne Teller, said the fund was following the activities of CCM Nigeria very closely.

She said that its achievement had been very positive and pledged the fund’s continued collaboration with CCM Nigeria.

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.