Niger Delta

Obaseki Pledges Support For NSCDC

Published

8 years ago

January 27, 2017

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has assured the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) of his administration’s support in the discharge of its functions in the state.
Obaseki made the pledge when he received a delegation of senior officers of the NSCDC, zone G, led by its Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander Bassey Bassey, at Government House, Benin.
He said that the state government was proud of the activities of the Corps, especially its protection of pipelines against vandalism.
The governor also informed the team of the state government’s plans to invest in local policing for effective security network at the grass roots.
He said that the state would assist the Corps in getting a better state and zonal office accommodation.
“We are trying to manage the affairs of the state considering the recession and the little allocation we get from the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government is supposed to provide the necessary platform for you to work while we support.
“We will try to support you to the best of our capacity,” the governor said.
The NSCDC Zone G new zonal commanding officer commended the governor for integrating the Corps into the security structure of the state.
Bassey, while assuring the governor of the Corps cooperation, appealed for logistics and office accommodation for both its state and zonal offices.
In another development, the governor has commended the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in Benin for its fair reportage of activities in the state.
The governor made the commendation when the FRCN Zonal Manager, Mrs Bimbo Oyetunde, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House.
He said that the medium had been able to maintain high level of professionalism in spite of the challenge of dearth of modern working tools.
He also commended FRCN for giving him good coverage and for being non-partisan during the 2016 governorship polls in the state.
Obaseki said that his administration had commenced reforms in the agriculture and social sectors, adding that the coverage of the medium would be of help.
Oyetunde congratulated the governor on his victory at the polls.
Bimbo said that the medium was committed to giving the public fair reports as well as providing them with an avenue to listen and become abreast with government policies and programmes.
She said that the medium was willing to inform the people of the state about the laudable projects being executed by the present administration.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

4 hours 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

4 hours 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

4 hours 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.