Niger Delta

Bayelsa Harps On Cultural Tourism, Support For Young Entrepreneurs

Published

4 years ago

June 21, 2021

Bayelsa State Government has again urged traditional rulers and people of the state to make conscious efforts towards harnessing their tourism and cultural endowments for export to the rest of the world.
The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo made the call at when he paid a courtesy visit to the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo in his palace at Gbarantoru in the Yenagoa council area of the state.
A statement made available to newsmen by the state Deputy Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, quoted the h im as saying, that Bayelsa is endowed with some of the best tourist sites and cultural resources in the world.
Ewhrudjakpo noted when developed, tourism and the rich culture of the various clans in the state have the capacity to raise the standards of living of the people, in addition to shoring up the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.
He asserted that most of the festivals people spend their fortune to attend in far away Brazil and other countries of the world are not as meaningful and colourful as some of the cultural fiestas in the state, urging Bayelsans to cherish their gifting, believe in themselves and take steps to harness their natural endowments for their personal and collective development.
The state number two citizen assured that the present administration was putting measures in place to diversify the state’s economy through agriculture, tourism and entrepreneurship, noting that the state government had made the teaching and learning of the Ijaw language in all the primary and secondary schools in the state compulsory as part of its cultural renaissance programme.
“Some of the festivals people travel to attend in Brazil and other parts of the world are not as endowed as what we have here. But what seems to be limiting us is that we lack the capacity to escalate ours. Brazil and others have used their knowledge to unleash their capacity to make their endowments more popular and international. We can also do it. So we are here to encourage you and other traditional rulers to make more efforts to develop our culture”, he said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.