Niger Delta

GEEP: Delta Warns Supervisors Against Sharp Practices

Published

2 years ago

January 13, 2023

Delta State Government has warned Lead Agents and Sub-Agents (supervisors) of the Government Enterprises Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and other stakeholders of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) to shun sharp practices.
GEEP is part of the Federal Government’s NSIP designed to help alleviate poverty by providing access to funds for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian and Community Support Services, Dr. Darlington Ijeh, issued the warning recently in Asaba.
Ijeh spoke during a meeting between GEEP and agents in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.
He said that his attention was drawn to some identified lapses presently hampering the smooth operations of NSIP, mainly the Farmer Moni, Trader Moni and Market Moni.
“I know you all have been very effective in your various wards and local government areas.
“But my attention was drawn in December to some lapses that need to be covered,” he said.
He, therefore, warned against any form of irregularities that fall short of the stipulated standard of the implementation process.
According to him, anyone caught cutting corners in the name of the directorate or the programme would be brought to book.
“We must work as a family, otherwise, we will not succeed”, the commissioner said.
He said that any lead agent that exempted themselves from the meeting without proper approval from his office would be severely sanctioned.
Ijeh, therefore, directed all lead agents to submit a written document on the challenges they were facing in the discharge of their duties.
He promised to look into issues concerning their emoluments with a view to increasing their quarterly earnings.
“You heard what I did for the cooks in the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.
“You know what their stipends used to be and what makes you think I cannot do the same for you?
“I can replicate it but on one condition that we must work as a family.
“So, I beg everyone to please work as one family,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the programme, Dr Ejiro Ogheneaga, advised the lead agents and sub-agents to avoid falsehood and unauthenticated claims, when writing their mandatory reports.
Ogheneaga said that the reports should be brief and straight to the point.
“The report you are writing should be authenticated because if you submit anything that you are not sure about, the repercussion would be very grave,” he said.
He urged them to always ask questions in whatever area they considered ambiguous.

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.