Niger Delta

Red Cross Launches Intervention For Delta Flood Victims

Published

2 years ago

December 19, 2022

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has launched its intervention for 1,350 households affected by 2022 flood in three Local government areas of Delta State.
Speaking at the ceremony in Ewoma Primary School, Ivrogbor-Irri, Isoko South LGA, the National President of the society, Elder Bolaji Anani, said the benefiting households were selected from Isoko South, Ndokwa East and Ughelli South LGAs.
He said the three LGAs were some of the worst hit by the recent flood in the state.
He disclosed that the organisation plans to distribute relief items and cash to about 180,000 flood victims in 23 most affected states totaling 29,700 households.
“The first phase of the relief distribution is simultaneously being flagged off today, while cash distribution will commence on December 19, in Cross River State.
“The items being distributed today include 24kg of rice, 25kg of gari, 30kg of beans, 5 litres of palm oil and 25 litres of empty Jerry cans for water storage,” he said.
Anani also said that the organisation carried out the registration using prescribed selection criteria developed with members of the communities, which was used to identify the most vulnerable persons, who should benefit from the intervention.
“This was used to identify the most vulnerable persons in these communities, who are benefiting from this exercise today.
“As we continue to receive support, we will extend our interventions to cover the areas of needs,” he added.
Anani commended International Community of the Red Cross (ICRS), International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), British Red Cross (BRC), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) among others for contributing to the success of the programme.
In his address, the Ivrogbor-Irri Community Chairman, Mr Christopher Ebegbare, thanked the organisation for choosing his community for the launch of the distribution in the state.
He prayed that all those who contributed to bring succour to persons in his community who were affected by the flood be blessed abundantly.
On his part, the Isoko South LGA Chairman, Mr Victor Asassa, represented by Mr. Issac Omoyero, thanked the organisation for identifying with flood victims in his local government area.
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with The Tide’s source, thanked the Nigerian Red Cross Society for the gesture, which they described as unprecedented.
Miss Saviour Akpuvie, a 12-year-old orphan, who expressed her joy after receiving the items, noted that the foodstuffs would go a long way in sustaining herself and her two siblings.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.