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Niger Delta

RTEAN Lauds Govt Over Ultra Modern Park Construction

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3 years ago

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The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has lauded the state government for the construction of the new ultra modern bus terminal in Igbogene, a suburb of the state capital, Yenagoa.
Chairman of the State Chapter of the RTEAN, Comrade Oyinkuro Ifie Ereboh, made the commendation while speaking with newsmen during an interview in Yenagoa on Monday.
He noted that the construction of the terminal in Yenagoa by the Governor Diri’s administration “has again demonstrated government’s commitment towards the rapid socio-economic transformation of the state through infrastructural projects”.
According to him, “the gigantic project has also given a new aesthetic view of the host community of Igbogene and the state capital”.
Ereboh, who also bared his mind on issues confronting the smooth operation of the transport sector in the state, sited unnecessary issuances of park operating permits by the Yenagoa Local Government Area and other concerned authorities to individual applicants as a key challenge in the sector.
Noting that the proliferation of motor parks would have been a welcome development, but that lack of adequate checks and investigations by the authorities before the issuance of the operating permits has impacted negatively on the transportation sector of the state’s economy.
The RTEAN helmsman also debunked alleged imposition and collection of illegal levies on motorists, tricycle operators and truck drivers in the State by the RTEAN in the name of the Ministry of Transportation (MoT) permit and transportation vehicle conformity with the Bayelsa State colours.
Contrarily, he said the union was rather working in line with the laid down rules and regulations by the state’s Ministry of Transport.
Ereboh who also hinted that his office was not even enforcing the government’s directive on tricycle operators, popularly known as ‘keke’, asked the public to be weary of people operating in the name of transport unions, saying the RTEAN is a law abiding association which is against illegalities and extortions.
He stated that while the RTEAN, like its sister transportation regulatory bodies, were directed by the Government to enforce the new regulations amongst its members, the actual amount charged by his association for both the MOT permit and the state colour conformity for transportation vehicles as well as trucks operating in the state were a total of N6000 and N8000, respectively.
Meanwhile, against insinuations that upon the completion of construction work at the ultra modern vehicle terminal, Igbogene, that the State Government may shot down every other existing park in the state capital so as to decongest traffic in Yenagoa, the RTEAN Chairman has called on the Government to reconsider its plans if it does exist as speculated.
He stated that the call became necessary considering the brunt that would be borne by commuters who would be evacuated at the terminal, even though their final destinations were some of the motorable, but remotest parts of the state, saying such category of travellers might incur higher fares which would take a heavy toll on their resources even as they were facing harsh economic realities, following the location of the new terminal as compared to their second destinations upon their arrival.
He re-emphasized that the government should allow the existence of the old parks, which he noted, predated the new terminal, saying their closure would impede the growth of the transport sector of the state.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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6 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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6 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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6 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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