Niger Delta

Seadogs Offer Free Medicare To 500 Persons In Edo

Published

3 years ago

October 9, 2022

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Edo North Branch, says about 500 persons will benefit from its free healthcare services.
President of NAS, Edo North Branch, Mr Odion Dirisu, stated this during the flag-off of a one-day Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers in Ogbido, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, weekend.
Dirisu said the programme, tagged “NAS Medical Mission”, is in collaboration with Okavango Deck South Africa and Rahi Hospital Limited.
According to him, the programme Is aimed at promoting the wellbeing of indigent persons at the grassroots by granting them easier access to free and quality healthcare.
“The National association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) was founded in 1952 with the cardinal objective to protect the weak in the society.
“This free health services is initiated by the Association of Seadogs as part of our humanitarian service to assist rural communities to meet their health needs.
“Ogbido is at disadvantage because this community has not witnessed any free healthcare service.
“We did our survey and at the end, Ogbido was chosen as the next community to benefit from the free healthcare service,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Rahi Hospital, Dr Chris Ekiyor, said the outreach targeted indigent people in rural communities on key areas such as general consultation and surgical referrals and dental consultation.
Ekiyor said the interventions also included prostrate cancer test and paediatric care as well as distribution of free eye glasses and drugs.
According to him, others were screening for common ailments among the elderly and children, diabetes, HIV, typhoid fever, malaria test, hypertension and deworming of little children, among others.
“During the exercise, medical volunteers will carry out diagnosis, treatment and medical procedures, while drugs, eye glasses and other medical consumables are also given to patients free of charge.
“So far, we have attended to 200 persons and our target is 500 persons through our free health medical outreach,” he said.
Ekiyor said the association also focused on sensitising the people toward handling threats posed by deadly viral diseases to complement government efforts in preventing diseases.
He urged communities to imbibe personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness as preventive measures against outbreak.
“Health is wealth. They (people) should take their health seriously, when they hear anything, especially free medical care, they should come out en-mass and use the opportunity to test themselves,’’ Ekiyor said.
The village head of Ogbido, Chief Sadiq Imhonikhe, and some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to The Tide’s source, thanked the association for the gesture and urged people in the community to come out en mass for the free medical service.
“This is the first time Ogbido Community is witnessing free medical services.
“This is a great initiative and we appreciate Association of Seadogs for the outreach,” they said.
The Tide’s source reports that the National Association of Seadogs is an independent, humanitarian organisation offering free medical care to the indigent across the world.
The organisation is a volunteer group engaged in health care promotion in disadvantaged communities.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

5 days 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

5 days 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

5 days 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.