Niger Delta
Diri Exonerates Colonialist, Berates African Leaders For Continent’s Underdevelopment
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged African leaders to stop blaming their woes on the colonial era but rather make deliberate efforts to develop their countries.
The State Governor took a swipe at African leaders over the slow level of development of the continent, midweek at the launch of two books titled: “The African Voice” and “Once A Soldier”, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the State capital.
The Tide reports that the two books are authored by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Diri, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that institutions such as PABOD Breweries, textile industries, paper mills in Delta and Akwa lbom states, crude oil discovery, Cocoa House were established during the colonial era and wondered why they had become moribund.
The Governor, who stressed the need to do away with policies that create barriers to regional integration and economic development, advised that such policies should be jettisoned to allow for more integration to fast-track development in the continent.
He, however, lauded African leaders for taking steps to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes intra-African trade, thereby deepening integration.
“The problem is with us and not colonialism. I don’t believe our predicament is still about the colonial masters. After all, it was not only Africa that was colonized. China, India and America were also colonized. So, why the perpetual cry about colonialism?
“There was colonialism before we had the Cocoa House, oil boom, PABOD Breweries, textile industry in Kaduna, paper mills in Sapele, Delta State and Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom State. What has happened to those assets?
“I think it is time for us to take a step back and move forward and take right decisions. Look at Nigeria today, we are still talking about state of origin. These are deliberate blocks erected to stifle our progress and integration.
“I believe that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement instituted by African leaders is one best way to trigger development in our own continent”, he said.
While congratulating King Dakolo for his literary feat in producing 3 books within a space of 2 years, Governor Diri said the monarch braced all odds to achieve his goals in life.
He, therefore, urged the youths to emulate the shinning example of the King and stop seeking justice through violence and criminal means.
According to him, the Prosperity Administration has priotized education in order to produce literary icons like Gabriel Okara, Christian Otobotekere and King Dakolo, who all incidentally hail from the same Ekpetiama clan.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Godknows Igali, said the literary works of King Dakolo underscores the need for the Niger Delta people to reflect on their culture, history and identity as a people and chart a common way forward for sustainable development.
Igali, who is also Chairman of all Pro-Chancellors of universities in Nigeria, noted that traditional rulers were custodians of a people’s cultural heritage and history, describing King Dakolo as an epitome of a 21st century monarch.
He said one of the books King Dakolo authored, “Riddle of The Oil Thief,” captures the discovery and production of crude oil in 1956 till date, and encapsulates the gains and pains of the oil industry.
Reviewers of the book, “The African Voice”, were Dr Ebidenyefa Nikade and Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University, while “Once A Soldier” was reviewed by Maj. Gen. Solomon Udounwa represented by the Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, and Justice Simon Amaduobogha.
At the launch, which had the Bayelsa First Lady, Dr Gloria Diri, in attendance, King Bubaraye Dakolo read excerpts from his two books and expressed gratitude to the Governor and his Deputy for their support.
King Dakolo, who noted that he started writing while he was still in military service also appreciated guests and well wishers for gracing the event.
The Chief Launcher, High Chief Victor Wayles, of the Wayles Group, represented by Mr. Adam Okoro, made a donation of N5 million while Mr Okoro made a personal donation of N200,000.
Others who made donations include, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Pastor, Obeya Oworibo, Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Maj Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd) represented by his media aide, Chief Freston Akpo.
Brig. Gen. Mohammed Sadauki Agaie (Rtd) of 38 Regular Course, the Ijaw National Congress, represented by its 2nd Vice Chairman, Chief Nengi James, and Prof. Steve Azaiki, former member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, also made financial donations at the event.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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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.
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.
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.