Niger Delta

Amnesty Programme Critical to Global Manpower Supply –Ndiomu

Published

2 years ago

October 30, 2023

Twenty Aircraft Maintenance Engineers have graduated under the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s (PAP) Aviation Training Scheme.

The beneficiaries are part of the 75 Pilots/Aircraft Maintenance Engineers under the PAP Aviation Resuscitation Programme for ex-agitators of the Niger Delta Region.

Speaking on Monday in Lagos at a brief but colorful Graduation Ceremony for the delegates, Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), stated that the various initiatives being deployed by his administration to improve the lives of young people is “critical to the supply of manpower globally in strategic industries and trade sectors”.

Ndiomu who was represented by PAP’s Head of Reintegration, Wilfred Musa, recalled that upon resumption of office over a year ago, his administration decided to throw its weight behind the Aviation Resuscitation Programme given the enormous opportunities that abound in the aviation industry and its relevance in building adequate human capacity.

Maintaining that the program has global relevance, he said: “By the time you all get jobs within the aviation industry, whether locally or internationally, you will earn a decent living, access robust knowledge, and become a part of a global network which will, in turn, empower you to add value to your families, communities, and ultimately, the Niger Delta.”

He posited that aviation training might be very expensive but there is no amount that is too much to invest in the capacity development of a Niger Deltan.

In his brief remarks, the CEO of Leadstream Aviation Training Limited, Engr. Roland Ahmed, commended the Presidential Amnesty Office for not giving up on the Aviation delegates.

He added that the PAP by reason of this investment has become a strategic supplier of critical manpower to the fastest-growing global industry.

“It is worthy to note that these successful twenty aircraft maintenance engineers will now proceed on a 12-month on-the-job training (OJT) after which they will be adequately licensed, and type-rated. The on-the-job-training (OJT) experience has been fully funded by the PAP”, he said.

By this milestone, the Aviation Resuscitation Program of the PAP is gaining rapid altitude in a bid to fully equip and position trained delegates in the global aviation marketspace.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.