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Niger Delta

ITF, Strong Partner With Govt – HoS

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8 years ago

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The Cross River Head of Service, Barrister Ekpenyong Henshaw, has described the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) as a strong partner with government in manpower training and development programme, adding that, the present administration of Prof. Ben. Ayade places high premium on Youth development in the state.
The Head of Service represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, in the Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Emmanuel Enene Eke, stated this in his office in Calabar, when he granted audience to the management of Industrial Training Fund, Calabar Area.
He acknowledged the dwindling fortunes of government finances due to the economic realities of the present time and encouraged the management of the centre to continue with their good works.
He promised the continuous moral support of government to maintain and improve on the standard of successes recorded.
According to Mr. Eke, government wants to train youths that will be employers of labour and not job seekers. He advised the Industrial Training Fund management to look at the local government areas where most of the youths reside, charging them to engage the local government councils chairmen after the forth coming elections and develop a template that would allow youths at the local government benefit from their training.
Earlier in her remarks, the Calabar Area Manager of the Industrial Training Fund, Mrs. Anozie Ifeyinwa, said they were grateful for the privilege accorded them to meet with the Head of Service, adding that, ITF has offices in the 36 States and Abuja with 5 Training Centers across the country.
According to her, the mandate of ITF is training to promote industrial growth, set standard and monitor the response of industries, items of compliance, manage and administer Student’s Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Development Instrument to cushion existing gaps. Others are, to conduct in-depth diagnostic studies to industries and to collaborate with institutions to organize SIWES programmes.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Manpower Development, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Aniedi Ekpenyong expressed strong desire for the ITF to develop a training programme that will enable Civil Servants put their spare time into profitable ventures and how pensioners can add economic value to themselves.
Responding to questions, the Head of Research, Mr. Edwin Etim John informed that ITF previously trains applicants and empowered them with some capital to start up their trade, but experience over the years shows that most of the beneficiaries easily abandoned the scheme and go for luxurious life style which negates the good intension of Government on the scheme.
He stressed that, as a way of addressing the ugly situation, government now attach graduates of the scheme with cooperatives which enables them to obtain loan to start up their businesses. According to Mr. John, Government has much interest in the development of the youths, adding that, the Calabar ITF Area is ready to train and improve the capacity of Cross River State youths to be meaningful to themselves.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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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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