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Niger Delta

Encomiums As Monarch Buries Nonagenarian Dad

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3 years ago

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The commercial Community of Mbiama in the Ahoada West Council Area of Rivers State was agog as the family of the paramount ruler of the community, Sylvanus Smith Otovie committed their late patriarch, Late Chief Sylvanus Ateyi Abel to mother earth.
Speaking at the funeral ceremony, the Okilom-Ibe of Engenni Kingdom, Moore Ubuo Maclean, described the late nonagenarian as peace-loving and industrious.
The Engenni monarch stated that the peace and harmonious living of the communities and people of the Kingdom were partly due to the fatherly advice and counsel of the late patriarch, calling on the people of the kingdom to emulate the foot steps of the late Chief Sylvanus, just as he affirmed that the deceased would be dearly missed by the chiefs and people of the Kingdom.
Also speaking, the Eze Igbuduya 11, King Joshua Eyiba added that the Late Chief Sylvanus was a man of integrity who earned a reputation in his businesses, noting that he proved his mettle in every facet of life’s endeavour he had ventured into while alive.
He emphasised that the late father of the Mbiama monarch during his time contributed immensely towards the peace, unity and development of Ahoada West Local Government, just as he noted that he had left a vacuum which may take awhile to fill in his immediate community.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Mbiama Community and chief mourner, Sylvanus Smith Otovie, has described his late father as a friend, confidant and greatest adviser who would be dearly missed.
He restated his resolve to keep his father’s legacies alive, adding that his late father who fondly called him his ‘carbon copy’ had gone to rest in the bosom of the Lord, reiterating his commitment to continue toeing the path of peaceful coexistence, patience and tolerance, attributes he noted he learnt from his late father.
“I will miss my father so dearly, he was my friend and best adviser. He never quarrelled nor fought anyone throughout his existence on earth. My father hated and avoided troubles. You saw me crying while we’re coming back from the morgue.Because of my father’s peaceful disposition, he was appointed as acting paramount ruler of our community, Mbiama at three different times. I’ll do my possible best to keep his legacies alive”, the Mbiama monarch said.
In a chat with newsmen shortly after the interment, first son of the late nonagenarian, Mr Ominade Sylvanus, who relived the life and times of his late father, described him as a man of honour, integrity and discipline who would do his best to alleviate the sufferings of people around him and any one he came across in his life time, even at his old age.
The Tide reports that the funeral ceremony of the late father of the Mbiama monarch who past on at the age of 96,had earlier commenced from the 16th day of March and was rounded-off on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the Apostolic church, Mbiama

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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7 days 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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7 days 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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7 days 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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