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Niger Delta

Okowa Confirms Investors’ Interest In Kwale Industrial Park

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Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has said some prospective investors in Kwale Industrial Park in the state, have indicated readiness to commit funds to the project and relocate to Nigeria.
Okowa made this known at The Natural Gas and Chemicals International Forum In Nanjing, China.
The event with the theme “Nigeria: The Kwale Industrial Park Investment Opportunity”, had investors, consultants, Federal Government delegation as well as delegation from the state in attendance.
The Governor expressed confidence that his trip to China was fruitful, adding that the industrial park project had been properly positioned before the international investing community.
”I have had the privilege of attending these strategic meetings and one of the companies which is a methanol company is ready to relocate to Nigeria.
”We had a very useful session, answering most of their questions and also asking them questions which they’ve provided answers to.
”We are hoping that within the next two weeks there will be a communication between them and our team.
”The Chairman of the company is also looking
forward to being in Nigeria before the end of November and all things being normal, we hope that by next year, they will be in Delta at the Kwale Industrial Park to begin the process of construction
”Deltans have also been reassured of our commitment to ensuring that the Kwale Industrial Park project comes to fruition,” he said.
The governor said that the state government was aware of the advantage of the industrial park to the state, adding that his delegation
was in china to market the project.
”We have worked with technical partners who are knowledgeable and we have done a lot of work.
”The process started about 18 months ago and the responses we are getting from here is very reassuring.
”I ask our people to continue to ensure a peaceful environment which is necessary to attract the enterprises that we need to deliver this project,” he added.
In his remarks, a Federal Government Representative, Mr Peter Ekwozo, restated the commitment of federal s initiative in attracting foreign direct investment in methanol fuel industry.
government towards supporting Governor Okowa’s initiative in attracting foreign direct investment in methanol fuel industry.
Ekwozo, who is a director in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, said: “This is an excellent move by Delta State Government.
”This will involve so much because of the value chain effect; there will be so many spills off industries that will create jobs and generate wealth.
”It will also take Nigerian youths off the streets.”
He added, saying, “Methanol fuel is actually targeted at five sectors that the federal government has committed to the global community under the Paris Agreement that will be coming into effect next year.
”I just want to tell the governor that he should keep it up, look at where he is now, he is far ahead of the federal government so, this policy will help him to further drive this project.”

 

Albert OGRAKA, Asaba

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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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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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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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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