Niger Delta

World Literacy Day: RSG Promises To Sustain Digital Learning

Published

5 years ago

September 11, 2020

Following the celebration of World Literacy Day annually, the Rivers State Ministry of Education has assured that the digital learning programme anchored by the state government would be sustained beyond physical resumption of schools.
The state Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, stated this at a press conference in commemoration of the 2020 International Literacy Day.
Ebeku, advocated for full introduction of digital learning in the Nigerian education system, noting that the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the lapses of our educational system
He said, “e-learning has come to stay with us and it will be a sad day as it were now, if we open face to face and we go back to the way we use to do things normally and do not bother about pursuing the other stream of learning”
“Under my watch I will still need people to do what I know is needful. With the capacity that has been built, I know we are ready to run.”
Speaking on the theme: “Literacy, Teaching And Learning In The Covid-19 Crises And Beyond, Especially The Role Of Educators And New Pedagogies”, Ebeku observed that the Covid-19 pandemic had exposed the deficiency of the conventional learning style.
He said “We suddenly found ourselves in a crises situation caused by Covid-19 and this crises has impacted negatively on our system by forcing schools to shut down.”
The Education commissioner also noted that it would be shoddy to return to the old pattern of teaching without incorporating the new stream of learning
“E-learning has come to stay with us. We cannot return to old pattern of learning. it will be a sad day not to bother to pursue the other stream of learning”
Speaking further, Ebeku explained that the introduction of digital learning in schools shortly after the outbreak of the virus in the country by the Rivers State government was to mitigate the impact on the future of the Rivers students.
He explained that “as a state government we were trying to make sure that COVID-19 does not compromise the future of our students. We deployed digital learning through radio and television to reach out to the people and break the barriers caused by the pandemic”
Ebeku revealed plans by the state ministry to incorporate adult Education into the state government powered digital learning programme.
“We employ those in the adult literacy to cash into the programme. We can take a day dedicated to reach the adult people due the complexity in their teaching process.”

By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.