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Niger Delta

Bayelsa Partners FG, Others On Job Creation

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4 years ago

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The Bayelsa State Government in partnership with the World bank, Federal Government and the Bank of Industry,BOI has held a one day training programme for youths between age brackets 18- 35 for recruitment as agents for the collation of data for SMEs in the state.
The programme, tagged: ‘Covid-19 action recovery and economic stimulus (CARES), according to the government was aimed at cushioning the effect of the novel Covid-19 pandemic on small and medium scale enterprises in the state.
Speaking to The Tide, the coordinator of the programme and Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Treasury, Accounts and Revenue, Mr Timipre Seipulo hinted that the intent of the Governor Douye Diri’s led prosperity government was to empower citizens of the state through deliberate creation of conducive environment for Bayelsans to thrive in their chosen professions and trades.
He noted that the state after the programme would have the needed data on SMEs across its eight local governments areas for future planning and for the subsequent disbursement of the World Bank provided and BOI facilitated grant for SMEs.
Seipulo restated the commitment of the government to create jobs for those willing to engage in genuine sources of livelihood through the provision of revolving loans, regretting that the failure of successive empowerment schemes was the bane of the absence of economic inclusiveness in the state.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Ms. patience Abah reiterated the importance of SMEs in the economy, stressing that with the Covid-19 pandemic many businesses have suffered setbacks.
She noted that the state government was set to prosper all Bayelsans through the collation of data to enable for efficient planning for economic growth.
Training the enrollee SMEs agents, the Bank of Industry’s resource persons, Ms. Annabel Ntuabunauzor and Mr Goodness Adewale cautioned against improper use of the opportunities provided by the scheme.
The described the ongoing efforts at empowering Bayelsans by the state government as measures worth emulating, maintaining that the BOI and the World Bank have empowered no fewer than two million SMEs in Nigeria in the recent years.
The resource persons stated that data from relevant government financial authorities showed that about 65 percent of Nigerians lacked access to financial inclusion.
The financial institution therefore, expressed the desire to continue partnering with governments and other sister institutions within and outside Nigeria in alleviating poverty, just as they described the role of an agent as an intermediary between a given principal actor and other body.

 

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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