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Niger Delta

A’Ibom, Mobil To Complete Ibeno Skills Acquisition Centre

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9 years ago

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The Ministry of Niger
Delta Affairs, Pastor Uguru Usani said Akwa Ibom State Government and Mobil Company have agreed to collaborate to complete the ongoing skills acquisition centre at Owuochang, in Ibeno Local Government Area.
The Minister, disclosed this in Ibeno, while inspecting the skill acquisition centre.
It would be recalled that the Ministry in 2008 had initiated the Skills Acquisition Centres in nine states namely: Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, Imo and Abia.
He said the skills acquisation centres were designed to equip and empower the youths in the region with relevant skills and help them start their own ventures after the completion of the programme.
“Our skills acquisition centre is designed for the purpose of engaging the minds of our youth, which is very critical. .
“These trainees will be engaged in under-water wielding and other  fields in oil and gas sector, while those who wish to set up their own businesses will be empowered to do so.
“The Skills Acquisition Centre in Otuoke, he recalled has been inaugurated and handed over to the Federal University in that area as temporary site for the take-off of the institution.” he said
Usani stated that the state government and Mobil had agreed to commit the sum of N2 billion to the project for quick completion.
He, however, warned contractors against low quality jobs and unnecessary delays, adding that they should live up to expectation.
He stressed that the projects had lingered without definite period of delivery, which would no longer be condoned by the ministry.
“The contract was awarded almost six (6) years ago and we are just tired of all these ongoing projects that have remained inconclusive due to paucity of funds. “Hence, we have resolved that these projects will not continue to be at the state of ongoing status again.” he said
The minister assured the contractors handling the projects of the government’s readiness to make funds available to ensure the speedy completion of the projects.
He said that his tour of the project sites was to access the scope of work done by the contractors and to ensure that the money paid was commensurate with the work done so far.
The minister further stated that the Akwa Ibom skills acquisition centre when completed was expected to train youths on Oil and Gas, Maritime and ICT.
He inspected the Hostel Facilities, Administrative Blocks, Workshop Rooms, Store House, Cafeteria, Oil Field/Rig for exploration practices as well as Recreational Facilities at the Centre.
Usani added that the youths would be drawn from each of the nine oil producing states on equal basis.
Acres Turnkey Consultant, Mr Leke Adewale, one of the project contractors on site, while pledging their commitment, attributed the delay to inadequate funding.
Mr. Isaac Abakam, the CEO of Stegis International Agencies Nigeria Limited, also a contractor handling the project, blamed the slow pace of work on the unpredictable weather in the region and non-release of funds.
Our correspondent  recalls that the N5 billion project was launched in 2010.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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.
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