Niger Delta

NGO To Mobilise N’Delta Youths For Human Rights Advocacy

Published

5 years ago

December 13, 2019

Over nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand Niger Delta youths are to be mobilised by a non-governmental organisation under the auspices of Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) that would stand up for human rights as well as fight against environmental pollution in the region.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Tide during the flag-off of the mobilisation and sensitisation of One million youths volunteers in the Niger Delta, last Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the Executive Director, YEAC, Fyneface Dumnamene stated that rights to life and live hoods had been trampled upon in this part of the world by security operatives, hence the essence of the programme.
“The region is that part of Nigeria where oil mining has been going on for decades as a result there are some associated human rights abuses including environmental issues.
“The region is neutralized as there are a lot of people having their rights to life, livelihoods and environment violated as well as the incessant arrests of innocent people without trial while some are being killed extra-judiciously and some others molested and tortured by the security operatives as a result of the over military and security presence in this part of the country,” Dumnamene added. molested and tortured by the security operatives as a result of the over military and security presence in this part of the country,” Dumnamene added.
He outlined some of the activities to be engaged in as follows: floating a code where interested people will text in indicating their interest to be enrolled; the use of the media for secondary, tertiary schools campaigns; to create alternative development mechanism as part of efforts to complement what governments in the region were doing.
Others were traveling around the nine states in the Niger Delta talking to students; establishing a Niger Delta Cultural Park, among others.
He called on youths interested in fighting Human Rights abuses in the region as well as those contributing to environmental pollution fight and campaigning to come and be part of the movement, adding that volunteerism is the key to development.
Dumnamene appealed to the security operatives in the region to carefully handle human issues with respect and humour, adding that they should discharge their duties within the ambit of the law as the One million Niger Delta youths will be watching the way they discharge their duties.
“We have notified the DSS, so that they will cone and be part of the process so that if we work together, we will be able to correct the Nigeria record that its human rights are shrinking,” noting that the promotion of human rights starts in the community levels.
Dumnamene appealed to the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the Chief Human Rights Defender of the Rivers people to collaborate and partner with YEAC in order to actualize its set objectives as well as making the civic space in Rivers State conducive for youths to operate freely without fear of being arrested without any reason by security operatives.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.