Niger Delta

Collaboration with NCDMB, ITF, To Fast-track Dev – Dep Gov

Published

6 years ago

June 10, 2019

Bayelsa State Government last week said its collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NDCMB and Industrial Training Fund, ITF is to position the state for rapid industrial development.
Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd) stated this during the Business Linkage Forum, which has as its theme: “Inspiring Local Business Growth Through Creating Partnership” at the Chief DSP Alamieyesigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.
The deputy governor decried the lack of industrial culture in the state and urged all stakeholders to work together to bridge the gap so as to ensure development, while also calling for an attitudinal change in doing business.
“We must accept as Bayelsans that we are very deficient in industrial culture and this are the gaps you (entrepreneurs) must close, as a state, all that we are doing is to position ourselves for rapid industrial development”
He commended the NDCMB, for its effort in encouraging and promoting local content in the state, and enjoined players in the oil and gas industry to emulate the board, while assuring entrepreneurs in the state of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive to further drive development.
Appreciating the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, for collaborating with the state government in the training of youths in vocations to be self-reliant, Rear Admiral John-Jonah appealed to financial institutions to encourage entrepreneurs by reducing loan requirements and interest rates.
He enjoined the participants to take advantage of the programme while charging the organisers to do more in bringing local and foreign resource persons to impart knowledge on Bayelsans.
In a welcome address, Commissioner for Trade and Business Development, Mr. Stanley Braboke Enaibagha, said the Business Linkage Forum was packaged to bring together young business entrepreneurs, to link up with institutions that have the capacity to support them to grow their businesses.
He said one key role of his ministry was to regulate the market place and create the enabling environment.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.