Niger Delta

Diri Inaugurates 2023 Census Committees

Published

2 years ago

March 17, 2023

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, midweek, inaugurated two committees to synergise with the National Population Commission (NPC) on the forthcoming national population census exercise.
They are, Publicity/Mobilisation Committee, which has the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, as Chairman and the Logistics/Security Committee, with the Chief Security Co-ordinator of the State Community Safety Corps, Brig-Gen. Eric Angaye (rtd) as Chairman.
Governor Diri, who inaugurated the committees in Government House, Yenagoa, described population census as a critical ingredient for development, hence the need for the government to plan towards a hitch-free exercise in the state.
He said while a new date is expected from the NPC for the conduct of the exercise, the government would leave no stone unturned to get the exact population of the state.
“It is important that we know exactly who we are and how many we are. In modern times, accurate population figures is a critical ingredient for development. Even in our homes, it would be shameful for a father not to know the number of children he has. Therefore, population census is one activity that will continue as long as there is life.
“We are gathered to inaugurate two committees in respect of the forthcoming population census in our country, which was initially slated for March 29. We need to put our house in order while we await the Federal Government and its agency, the NPC, to come up with a new date.
“These committees are to work hand in gloves with the National Population Commission and all those who will be here to implement the Federal Government’s population policy across the country and in particular our state”, he said.
Other members of the Publicity/Mobilisation Committee are the Commissioners for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Youth and Sports, Information, Orientation and Strategy, and their Women, Children and Social Development counterpart.
Also in the committee are the Commissioners for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties for the three senatorial districts, as well as the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council and the Chief Historian and Archivist.
The committee on Logistics/Security also has the Commissioners for Transport, Special Duties (East, West and Central Senatorial Districts), and the Special Advisers on Security Matters.
Also in the committee are the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Commander of 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and the Commander, Nigeria Naval Ship (NNS) Soroh.
Others are the State Director, Department of State Services, all Police Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and all Heads of Local Government.
Responding on behalf of the committees, the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Ekeuwei, pledged their support, commitment and cooperation in ensuring that the census exercise in the state was properly conducted.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

16 hours 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

16 hours 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

16 hours 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.