Niger Delta

Workers’ Day: You’re Society’s Backbone, Diri Tells Workers …As NLC Honours Bayelsa Gov With Excellence, Peace Awards

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2023

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said workers remain the backbone of society for their invaluable contributions to socio-economic development.
He stated this on Monday during this year’s Workers Day celebration at the Peace Park in Yenagoa.
He also said the workers day celebration was a reminder that alongside government they could jointly fight against poverty, poor healthcare, insecurity and underdevelopment.
Governor Diri noted that as a former teacher and worker-friendly Governor, his administration was in a better position to tackle the challenges that workers face.
‘’The contributions that workers make to our families, communities, society and economy every day cannot be overlooked or understated.
“As we reflect on what it means to be a worker, this government is mindful of the fact that we owe you a collective debt of gratitude and acknowledge the fact that you remain the backbone of society; working tirelessly to provide for our loved ones and to build a better future for ourselves and those who come after us.
“When we say, ‘Aluta Continua!’ let us all remind ourselves of the things we are collectively fighting against and who our common enemies are. We are fighting against poverty, insecurity, underdevelopment, poor healthcare and poor infrastructure among others.
“As a teacher, it is no fluke that I am known as workers’ friend and run a labour-friendly government. There is no doubt that the aspirations of labour are best realised under a responsive and responsible government. I want to believe that in our Government of Prosperity, you have found a faithful partner to fight these issues”, he added.
Responding to a number of demands by the workers, the state’s helmsman directed that the promotions for 2021 and 2022 for local government workers be implemented immediately.
He directed the Deputy Governor to liaise with the councils and take the necessary action to ensure its implementation.
On the promotion arrears for the state’s tertiary institutions, he also directed the Head of Service and the Commissioner for Finance to work out modalities for payment of the 2015 and 2017 arrears.
To demonstrate his administration’s commitment to the welfare of pensioners, he assured that a special committee would be set up and chaired by the Secretary to the State Government to resolve the issue of the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage.
The Governor also directed the Head of Service to ascertain why his directive on call-duty and hazard allowances had not been effected and ensure its immediate implementation.
In a joint address by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), presented by the NLC Chairman, Comrade Simon Barnabas, the workers appreciated the Diri’s administration for its worker-friendly policies.
They particularly lauded the Governor for payment of the minimum wage in line with the circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission as well as for prompt payment of workers monthly salaries.
Highpoint of the workers day celebration was an Award of Excellence and Platinum Peace Award for the promotion of peace and workers welfare given to the State’s helmsman by the entire workforce.
Presenting their demands, the workers requested the implementation of promotion of 2022 for state government workers, payment of promotion arrears in batches for mainstream civil servants from 2015 to 2017, among others.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.