Niger Delta

FG Empowers 415 Women, Youths In N’Delta

Published

2 years ago

December 21, 2022

The Federal Government has empowered 415 youths and women in Niger Delta states in agriculture, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship.
Minister of Niger Delta, Mr Umana Umana, made the disclosure at the graduation ceremony of the trainees of an empowerment programme in Uyo, weekend.
Umana, who was represented by Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Mr Alfred Alber, said the initiative was one of the many gestures by the Federal Government.
He said the training was aimed at diversifying the economy, reorienting values and generating employment for women, youths and other vulnerable groups in the Niger Delta region.
The minister also said the training, expected to prepare the participants for the tasks ahead, lasted for five days and was held in Uyo, the State Capital.
Umana also disclosed that each participant would collect the sum of N500,000, saying that the cash would be credited directly into the bank account details provided by the participants by the training consultant.
“The ministry is aware that training without support at the terminal point is an effort in futility.
“Hence, as part of the programme, an empowerment package has been put together by way of start-up capital,” Umana stated.
He further said the package was meant for the participants to commence micro or small enterprises on what they had been taught at the training.
He said the empowerment initiative was a continuous exercise and would get better with time.
Umana commended the training consultants for the mature way the trainees were handled and the choice of the venue.
The minister noted that the programme was put together to impact theoretical and practical knowledge, provide skills in ICT and ensure self-reliance and ability to engage others.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, urged the participants to put in their best in whatever they had learned from the consultants in order to be self-reliant.
He said the institution’s management had given scholarship to 10 participants in the programme in the areas of fashion, designing, photography, make-over and ICT.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the participants to use the money given to them to better their lives.
Responding, one of the beneficiaries, Mr Eyo Essien, from Cross River State, commended the ministry for the initiative.
He pledged to put into use all the knowledge acquired from the training.
Another beneficiary, Mr Chris Oluchi, from Imo, said the initiative would help turn the otherwise unemployed youths to employers of labour, in line with the vision of the Federal Government.
He urged fellow participants to invest the money given to them in enterprises that would engage other youths in the society.
Highlights of the event were presentation of certificates to the beneficiaries of the programme.

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.