Niger Delta

… Committee, Varsity Partner To Combat Menace

Published

12 years ago

May 31, 2013

The Bayelsa State Post-Floods Management Committee (PFMC) and the Flood Research Group, Federal University, Otuoke, have agreed to collaborate in mitigating the anticipated floods in the state.

The two organisations had resolved to collaborate to proffer solutions to the impending floods in the state after a meeting held at the office of Bayelsa Post Flood Committee.

Speaking at the forum, Chief Francis Doukpola, Chairman of PFMC, said that an earlier briefing by the Flood Research Group of the university had necessitated the collaboration to mitigate the expected pains on the people.

He said that the committee had solicited the support of relevant government ministries and agencies, as well as health and physical infrastructure providers to contend the floods.

Doukpola said that the committee was eager to exchange ideas with experts from the university to jointly confront the flood with requisite technical expertise, and emphasised that the committee had been contending with the impacts of the 2012 floods that ravaged the state.

He said the Bayelsa Government had approved the setting up of permanent structures to serve as relief camps in rural communities to avoid overcrowded central camps, adding that seven out of the eight council areas were affected by the disaster.

Doukpola said that the committee had completed the first phase of distribution of 400 bags of cement to 20 worst hit families in each of the affected communities to rebuild and fortify their homes destroyed by the floods.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, said that the 2012 floods had compelled the institution to suspend academic activities for two months shortly after its takeoff in 2012.

Aluko said the university was committed to contributing its technical and intellectual resources to tackle the floods for its own benefit, its immediate community and the state at large.

He said that the Flood Research Group of the university had commenced studies, using satellite imageries, ground maps and data from the Metrological Services, aimed at proffering short, medium and long-term solutions to the flood menace.

The vice-chancellor pledged that the team would fast-track its activities ahead of the projected flood season, adding that state was predicted to receive 2,444mm of rain in 2013, higher than the 2012 figure of 2,331mm.

He said that the experiences of the 2012 floods would provide a guide on what to expect in the coming months, and urged stakeholders to brace for the coming challenges.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.