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Niger Delta

Conflicts Stall Improved Sanitation, Hygiene In C’River Communities

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9 years ago

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The inter-communal cri
ses rocking some communities in Abi Local Government Area, Cross River State and Ebonyi State border communities have hindered scaling up of access to sanitation and hygiene in the areas.
The Technical Officer for Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) Programme, Mrs Felicity Bessong made the disclosure in Calabar at the ongoing advocacy visit to the state.
Bessong said that the crises between Adadama Community in Abi Local Government, Cross River and Ikwo in Ebonyi State had slowed down activities of RUSHPIN officials toward meeting the target of ending open defecation.
“One of the challenges we are facing is the continued crises in some communities in Abi Local Government, as many of our officials fear for their lives when they want to monitor activities.
“There are times when we need to go to the community on hygiene practices, they would tell us not to come because the community is not safe, as they are fighting with Ebonyi border communities.”
The officer said that the RUSHPIN programme was helping to increase sanitation and hygiene through theCommunity Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.
Bessong called for strong political commitment at all levels of government toward improved allocation of appropriate resources for sanitation and hygiene.
Also speaking, Head of Administration in Abi Local Government, Mr Okon Edet, said that the council would continue to play its part in hygiene promotion and change in people’s behaviour.
Edet commended the RUSHPIN programme for its commitment to empower communities on how to improve hygiene and sanitation.
He reiterated that the council will continue to support full implementation of the programme.
Our correspondent observed during a visit to Ekureku Community that open defecation was still being practised in the area.
The Community Leader, Mr James Awase, urged the RUSHPIN not to relent in its effort to put on end to open defecation.
Awase said many under-five children were reported to have died from diarrhoea and cholera, adding that this was causing untold pains and loss of man hours due to illnesses.
He, however, pledged to create more awareness on the benefit of constructing and using toilets in the community.
. The State RUSHPIN Programme Manager, Mr Patrick Emori, urged the community not to relent in their efforts in ensuring good sanitary condition.
One of the children, David Enang, 12, said, “We don’t defecate anymore in the bushes and paths, we know that when we do, flies can touch it and can get into our foods and make us ill.
“We have been told by RUSHPIN officials the dangers of not building and using our toilets, and everyone in this community knows this.”
Our correspondent reports that sometime in June 2014, Nigeria received five million dollars from the Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) to address the problem of sanitation and hygiene in Benue and Cross River.
The RUSHPIN is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the GSF, the grant-giving body of the UN Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council.

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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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