Niger Delta

NUC Accredits 27 Programmes For NDU

Published

4 years ago

September 3, 2021

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has accredited 27 more undergraduate programmes at the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma.
The Tide learnt that with the latest batch of courses accredited in the institution, total number of programmes given full accreditation were 71.
The Vice Chancellor Niger Delta University, Prof Samuel Edoumiekumo, disclosed this during a presentation to Governor Douye Diri inside the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
Edoumiekumo stated that fully accredited programmes would be revisited by the NUC in five years while those on interim accreditation would be revisited in two years.
He thanked Governor Diri for setting up the committee that worked towards the success of the accreditation exercise.
Speaking earlier, the NDU Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Mathew Seiyefa, who also commended the governor for the successes recorded so far at the university, said no society rises above the level of its tertiary institutions.
Seiyefa said the institution must be the breeding ground for intellectuals that would take over from renowned Ijaw academics like Professors John Pepper Clark, Tam David-West, Ebiegberi Alagoa among others.
In his response, Governor Diri commended the university’s council and management for the accreditation feat, charging them to continue to maintain and surpass the standards that resulted in the NUC accreditation.
He said his administration would ensure the institution continues to play its pivotal role in shaping and equipping the minds of students that would take charge of the intellectual space.
He directed the speedy completion of all processes that would lead to the smooth affiliation of the state-owned College of Education at Sagbama and the School of Nursing at Tombia to the NDU.
“On behalf of the State Executive Council, I thank the council and management of the university for the successful accreditation of its programmes. However, as elated as we are over the accreditation successes recorded; let me note that getting 71 programmes accredited is not a fluke. It means that the work actually begins from now.
“Do not rest on your laurels as you begin to put everything in place to ensure that further accreditation exercises would bring more exciting accreditation not only to NDU but to Bayelsa State government. I believe that our premier university will play a similar role as in the days of old Rivers State.
“So you have the onerous task of ensuring that you provide quality manpower to feed both the private and public sectors of the state.
Diri appointed the following officers to follow up and ensure the affiliation of the College of Education and the School of Nursing to the Niger Delta University.
They include Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Konbowei Benson as chairman, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, and his Health counterpart, Dr. Pabara Igwele, the Commissioner for Finance, Maxwell Ebibai, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Akpe.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

13 hours 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

13 hours 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

13 hours 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.