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Niger Delta

Diri Promises To Expand Church

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4 years ago

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, says as a way of giving back to his community, he would ensure the expansion of the St. Peter’s Anglican Church in his community, Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
Senator Diri stated this last Sunday at the church’s 2020 Annual Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service with the theme: “Build My House That I May Take Pleasure.”
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as promising that the church’s expansion project would be achieved within record time.
Acknowledging the supremacy of God in the affairs of men, the governor stressed that power flows only from God and He bestows it on whoever He pleases.
According to him, he has passed through many trials with God guiding him to becoming the number one citizen of the state.
Senator Diri who paid tributes to his father for the strong Christian foundation he laid for his children in the Anglican Communion, said having hailed from a humble background and a minority local government area in the state, it was clearly the handiwork of God for him to attain his current position and other offices he had occupied.
“A lot has happened in my life with God guiding me to where I am today and I know that this is not the end”, he said.
“I once again want to remind my brothers on the other side that it is God that gives power. Despite all the challenges, here we are standing strong like a rock. We came from a humble background but we are rich in our own ways because we were contented with what we had”, he added.
In his speech, chairman of the Harvest Programme and Managing Director, Bayelsa Electricity Company, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, noted that judging from his life’s experiences over the years, there was every reason to appreciate God always.
In a sermon by the guest preacher, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Izon, Funkuro Amgbare, underscored the need for people to put God first in all their dealings.
He said man as mere mortal has limitations but with Jesus Christ, there is nothing one cannot achieve.
Present at the service were the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, a Reps member, Hon. Fred Agbedi, member of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Isenah, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Surveyor Moses Teibowei, his Environment counterpart, Iselema Gbaranbiri, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gideon Ekeuwei as well as a former Reps member, Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife among other dignitaries.

 

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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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