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NGO Preaches Against Female Genital Mutilation

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8 years ago

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The campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is now being taken to another level with a sensitisation workshop held at Big Qua Shopping Mall, Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Our correspondent reports that the workshop with the theme, “Female Genital Mutilation and the role of the Media” was organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, SafeHaven Development Initiative (SDI) to highlight the inherent dangers associated with female circumcision.
Speaking at the occasion, the lead facilitator and coordinator of the ‘SafeHaven Development Initiative’, Dr. Antor Ndep, explained that female genital mutilation constitutes a violation of the girl-child’s right to live and love without pain adding that the practice which is obnoxious has no direct benefits to the girl-child, rather it leaves her with a very unpleasant memory all her life.
She explained that she is a victim of such dirty practice, having survived the pain of the practice even though, according to her, her younger sister was not as lucky, as she died of pains and bleeding associated with Female Genital Mutilation.
According to her, the practice of Female Genital Mutilation is common in most parts of Africa and some parts of Asia and identified four types of Female Genital Mutilation to include; clitoridectomy, excision, infibulations and other harmful practices on the female genitalia.
Dr. Antor specifically identified Clitoridectomy (Type 1) as the predominantly Female Genital Mutilation practiced in Cross River State.
She remarked that the workshop is imperative to the successful campaign against the unwholesome practices and appealed to the media to give it the widest publicity it deserves.
Participants at the occasion also decried the practices of female genital mutilation and related vices suffered by the girl-child which are also not reported by the victim and the media.
In her contribution, the State Director of Information, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Pauline Eba, remarked that, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade is doing much in terms of delivering the dividends of democracy to the rural communities to help alleviate their plights.
Mrs. Eba advised that advocacy and sensitisation workshop should be intensified across the state to really educate the people on the hazards of female genital mutilation.
She promised the partnership of the ministry with the organisers of the workshop through the various news platforms of the ministry to create the necessary awareness needed either to reduce the practice or completely eradicate it.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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2 weeks ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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2 weeks ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

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

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2 weeks ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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