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Niger Delta

Institute Gives Grants To 19 Post-Graduate Students

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The LAPO Institute for
Microfinance and Enterprise Development has  given a total of N2.8 million Thesis Support Grants to 19 post graduate students drawn from different universities in the country between 2015 and 2016.
The institute has also trained no fewer than 28,000 Nigerians drawn from public and private organisations on various skills from 2011 to July 2016.
The Chairman, Governing Council of the institute, Dr Godwin Ehigiamosoe, disclosed this during the 2nd annual LAPO conference on Microfinance and Enterprise Development held in Benin, recently.
The conference had as its theme “Confronting the Scourge of Poverty through Microfinance: Issues and Challenges.’’
Ehigiamosoe said that the 28,000 Nigerians were trained on basic entrepreneurship techniques, basic business management, business development services as well as information and communication technology skills.
He also said that 2,098 participants were supported with capacity development programmes in Rivers, Delta, Kogi, Bayelsa and some other agencies of the Federal Government.
He said the institute’s support grants to post-graduate students was part of the institute’s corporate social responsibility initiatives toward the development of the country’s educational sector.
“Ten beneficiaries comprised four Masters and six PhD students were given grants of N1.3 million in 2015.
“While in the 2016 edition, a total of nine PhD students benefitted from N1.5 million grants for their thesis,’’ he said.
Ehigiamosoe listed other achievements of the institute to include commencement of an e-learning programme for a range of students and participants, partnership with the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP).
He said that the institute was collaborating with the Uganda Martyr University for the purpose of awarding diploma and degree programmes in microfinance and community development in the country.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Grooming Centre, Mr Godwin Nwabunka, said microfinance institutions and banks had played tremendous roles in poverty alleviation through the generation of millions of jobs.
He said that the micro finance sub-sector had also helped in financial inclusion and relocation of resources to the poor in the country.
He, however, listed challenges confronting the micro finance sub-sector to include policy and regulatory issues, operational capacity, limited access to funding and reputation issues.
Nwabunka, therefore, called on government at all levels to support micro credit activities to thrive more in the country.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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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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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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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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