Niger Delta

Group Wants Deep Seaport Project In Rivers

Published

6 years ago

July 24, 2019

A group, the Rivers State Investment and Investors Forum has called on the Federal Government to site the proposed deep seaport in Rivers State, saying that the oil and gas-rich state has all it takes to run the facility.
President of the forum, Ibifiri Bobmanuel made the call when he appeared on a radio programme monitored by The Tide in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Bobmanuel was reacting to the cancellation of the contract for the $2.6billion Badagry deep seaport by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), recently on the grounds that the project’s master-plan was wrongly done.
The Tide recalls that following the cancellation, the management of NPA had begun the process for fresh bids for the approval of a new port master-plan for the Badagry deep seaport project.
But President of the forum stated that such a project was necessary in view of its natural maritime environment in addition to divesting the huge concentration of maritime activities from Lagos to the Eastern ports, which he said, was currently experiencing a lull.
Bobmanuel explained that the multi-billion naira project, if sited in Rivers State, would create thousands of jobs as well as boost the economy of the state.
According to him, “We (Rivers) stand the best chance of achieving this but basically what we need, it takes a lot of industry and commitment for us to be able to achieve this.
“So, it basically boils down to how collective we could be. How we can come together and see how we could achieve this for the benefit of the state and our people.”
He said the forum has taken it upon itself to ensure that the state is being considered for the deep seaport project, saying it met and held fruitful discussions with the NPA management.
“The good thing is that the investors’ forum had taken it up as part of its responsibility working with the broad sector of our society.
“We have already started that process. We actually had a meeting with the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) not too long, very fruitful meetings with the NPA and we think in that light we should be able to achieve it because Rivers State has virtually all it needs.
“Its proximity to the east makes us key. We must have to spread these responsibilities around in the country, and the next ideal and natural location for such an investment, is Rivers State,” he said.

Dennis Naku

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.