Niger Delta

Minister Tasks Govs On Health Facilities

Published

8 years ago

August 14, 2017

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has advised State governors not to build new health centres in their states but take good care of existing and functional ones
Adewole, gave the charge while speaking at the Cross River state Health Summit organised by the government of Cross River State last Friday, in Calabar.
The health minister, who spoke on the theme; Translating Health Policies and Plans Into Action said that there is no need building new healthcare facility centres, urging state governments to focus more attention on the rehabilitation and proper care of the existing ones.
.He said, “there is no need building new health care delivery centers, instead of care of existing ones ,provide human resources, clear the weeds, provide electricity, and make health centers function adequately”.
H e said the state should use the 1.5 million dollar seed for development of the health care delivery system in the country,” the Minister said and urged those charged with the responsibility of managing the funds to be careful on how the funds should be utilized as the EFCC will not relent effort in beaming its light to make those who misappropriate such funds to account for them.
Adewole warned health officials in the country not to convert funds meant for provision of health care delivery to their personal use so as not to incur the wrath of the EFCC.
Adewole said, “Nigeria is one country in the world where 70 to 80 percent of funds provided for the provision of good medical health care facility end up in the pockets of private individuals. Let me warn that the EFCC is out to look for such people.”
He stressed, “so beware, if you do not use it well you will be on your own. We will be mobilizing funds for provision of good health care programmes in the country. We are also going to mobilize funds for the provision of good health care delivery for about 8million Nigerians.”
Continuing, he noted that “we intend to commence a free test and treatment for the 4 different cancers disturbing the lives of our country men and women; that is the prostrate cancer for men, breast cancer for women and several others. It is part of the rapid result that we started last year. For as long as you are poor, we will give treatment to you. If you are not poor please don’t go there.”
H e said that the ministry of health under the watch of President Mohammadu Buhari, had concluded plans to provide free medical surgery for ten thousand Nigerians who have no money to pay for the services in the area of cancer.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.