Connect with us

Niger Delta

Projects: Oborevwori Tasks Politicians On Continuity In Governance 

Published

on

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has advised the political class, especially governors, to sustain developmental projects inherited from their predecessors for the development of their states.
Oborevewori made the call while inaugurating multi-billion naira projects at the Dennis Osadebe University, Anwai-Asaba to mark his 100 days in office.
The projects were completed by Oborevewori but initiated by the immediate past Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
He also inaugurated a 16km road with a network covering 29 streets and 31.45 km line drains around Madonna College road spanning across Asaba and Okpanam in Oshimili South and North Local Government Area in the state capital territory.
Oborevwori said government  is a continuum, adding that it was the duty of successive administrations to continue and complete projects initiated by their predecessors for the collective good of the people.
He commended his predecessors in the state for continuing with projects they met while also initiating and executing new projects.
He particularly lauded former Governor, Okowa, for initiating the projects.
“My joy knows no bounds as we commission this 500-seater Auditorium, two 250-seater Auditorium, building and furnishing of the Faculty of Agriculture, administrative building, main gate building, and internal roads in this citadel of learning.
“There are two reasons for my happiness today, first is that I promised the people in my inaugural speech that I will ensure that all ongoing projects embarked upon by the previous administration would be completed alongside new initiatives.
“Government is a continuum and it is the duty of successive administrations to put the resources of the state to good use by ensuring that projects are completed in a timely and prudent manner”, he said.
According to him, one of the reasons for abandoned projects in our country is because of the failure or refusal of political leaders to continue with projects started by their predecessors.
“This is usually informed by the fear that their predecessors will get the credit. However, this should not be the case if the focus of the leader is on the collective good of all.
“I am proud to say that in Delta, we have had a history of successive governors building on the legacies of their predecessors.
”It is my honour and privilege to continue with that noble tradition as I give credit to the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for his vision and foresight in initiating these projects”, he said.
On the importance of education, Oborevwori assured that his administration would continue to give moral and institutional support for the development of the three new universities.
“The second reason for my joy is that the completion of these projects underscores our commitment to the educational advancement of our people.
“Education and knowledge are two cornerstones of progress in any modern society.
”The emplacement of skilled and professional competencies for all the citizens and residents of the state is one of the priorities of this administration.
“It is also gratifying to note that enrollment into the university has continued to grow. This is undeniable proof that the decision to establish this university and two others in Ozoro and Agbor is justified.
“Our people are eager for quality education and we are glad that we have provided more opportunities for them to actualize their dreams”, he said.
He tasked the university authority to prioritise curriculum development and innovation to make graduates meet up with challenging technology.
“I implore the Governing Council and the Board of the university to prioritise curriculum development and innovation.
“In a time of rapid economic and technological change, the challenge is to develop courses and programmes that will enable the graduates to forge the strongest career paths, learn new skills, solve real world business problems”, the Governor stated.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, commended the Governor for transforming a bush into a citadel of learning with seven faculties and 40 programmes to cater for the growing population of the state.
The Vice-Chancellor,  Prof. Benjamin Oghojafor, in his address, said the establishment of the three new Universities was born out of the need to grant more access to higher education for the people of Delta State.
He said the university was already filling the gap by providing excellent skills in various areas of learning, adding that they were in talks with the NUC to increase the school’s admission quota.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, said the completion of the 16km roads project was a great relief to people of the area who had been plagued by massive flooding and erosion challenges.
Also, the Council Chairmen in Oshimili South, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili and his Oshimili North counterpart, Mr Innocent Eseweze lauded Gov. Oborevwori for consolidating on the achievements of the past administration in completing ongoing projects across the two LGAs.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

Trending