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Niger Delta

C’River Rids Calabar Of Mentally Challenged Persons

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1 year ago

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The Cross River State Government has commenced evacuation of mentally challenged persons from the state capital, Calabar.
The Tide’s source reports that the exercise is being carried out by the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA).
The Executive Director of CUDA, Chief Effiong Ayi, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday in Calabar, said the aim of the exercise was to address the pressing issue of mental health in the metropolis proactively.
Ayi said the evacuation exercise followed the recent inauguration of a mental holding centre by the State Governor, Bassey Otu, as part of his administration’s celebration of one-year in office.
At the commencement of the initiative on Monday, the holding centre had already registered over 30 inmates.
“The primary goal of this exercise is to eliminate the large presence of mentally challenged individuals in our metropolis and facilitate their rehabilitation, enabling them to lead productive lives in our society”, he stated.
He emphasised the urgency of the operation due to the increasing number of mentally challenged persons causing disturbances within the city.
“The completion and reopening of the remand center by the Governor prompted this exercise.
“The increasing number of these persons in the city has brought about various challenges and disturbances within the metropolis”, he noted.
Speaking on their rehabilitation, he said, “they will be provided with the care and treatment they require, and once they regain sanity, they will be reintegrated into society.
“This initiative not only aims to resolve the immediate concerns related to mentally challenged individuals in Calabar, but also aligns with best practices in maintaining a safe and serene metropolis.
“The state’s approach signifies a significant step towards improving public health and safety, ensuring that those affected receive the necessary support and rehabilitation to reintegrate successfully into society”.
The executive director said the holding centre was equipped with essential amenities, including a standby generator, water supply, and cooking facilities to ensure the well-being of the inmates.

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Niger Delta

NDLEA, NNPC Partner Against Adolescents Drug Abuse

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3 days ago

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August 22, 2025

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to curb rising drug abuse among youths in Edo State.
The collaboration was unveiled on Wednesday at the 2025 Adolescent Lifestyle Programme in Benin, organised by the NNPC, with the theme: “Empowered Choices, Safer Futures: Guiding Adolescents to Healthy Living.”
The event brought together adolescents, educators, health professionals, and community leaders to address the risks associated with substance abuse.
It also aims to equip youths with the knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Addressing participants, Commander of the NDLEA in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said adolescents remained highly vulnerable to drug use, peer pressure, and online influences that could derail their future.
“We are excited about this collaboration with NNPC, which underscores our shared commitment to nurturing a healthier, drug-free generation.
“Adolescents are exposed to risk factors both online and offline; as a result, programmes like these are vital in providing them with the support and resources they need to navigate the complexities of life,” Ofoyeju said.
The NDLEA boss highlighted the psychological and societal consequences of drug use, stressing the need for young people to embrace resilience, peer support, and empowered decision-making as safeguards against substance abuse.
In his address, the NNPC Manager of Operations, Dr Okanta Emefiele, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to youth development.
He stressed that investing in adolescents’ health and empowerment was vital to building a safer and stronger society.
The programme also featured workshops led by health, sexuality, and online safety experts.
Similarly, a session on migration and human trafficking was delivered by Mr Sam Offiah, Benin Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
Interactive group sessions gave participants the chance to share experiences and learn practical ways of resisting drug-related temptations.
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Why We’re Reviving Govt Media Houses -RSG

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3 days ago

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August 22, 2025

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The Rivers State Government says the ongoing efforts to revive the government-owned media houses in the State are geared towards making the government a formidable information outlet for the citizenry.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, gave the explanation while receiving the Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, South South (Zone F) on Wednesday in his office.
Sirawoo said the government-owned media organisations have the resources and manpower to inform, educate and enlighten the populace, hence the current efforts to revamp them.
“We believe that our information officers are able to generate information to inform the outside world what is happening in Rivers,” he said.
He also explained that reviving the media houses would also generate revenue for the ministry, noting that online publication is now a better way of attracting public patronage and generating revenue.
He described the NUJ Zone F Conference as a welcome development, as he pledged the State Government’s support to the confab being held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He reminded the NUJ to always play the watchdog role by ensuring that public are properly informed and enlightened.
According to him, professionalism remains one path way to build integrity and earn the respect of the public.
Earlier, the Vice President of Zone F, NUJ, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, had told the Permanent Secretary that the zonal meeting  was aimed at appraising operations of the NUJ in the Niger Delta and chart a new course for the profession.
He commended the Permanent Secretary for the efforts being made to revive the government-owned media houses.
“We want to say, indeed, that the government has actually tried in its efforts. We thank the Sole Administrator for handling the situation the way he has done so far,” Dokubo said.
He also commended the cordial relationship journalists have enjoyed with the current administration in the State.
Kevin Nengia
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Niger Delta

2025 STEP Initiative: NEPL/Seplat JV Trains 650 Teachers, Inspectors In Edo, Delta

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3 days ago

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August 22, 2025

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The NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has trained 650 teachers and Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) from Edo and Delta States under its 2025 Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP).
The two-day workshop, held on Tuesday in Benin, Edo, focused on transformative upskilling and professional development, equipping educators for greater classroom impact and the adoption of digital teaching methods.
A total of 325 participants were selected from each state, reflecting the Joint Venture’s commitment to equitable regional development.
According to Seplat, the 650 beneficiaries emerged from a competitive pool of 4,666 applicants following a rigorous online selection process.
Welcoming the new cohort, Chioma Afe, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, urged participants to take the training seriously, underscoring its strategic relevance to national development.
According to Afe, the onboarding phase introduces collaboration, orientation, and the distribution of Android tablets, ahead of a four-month virtual mentorship programme that culminates in Microsoft certification.
She noted that participants also received data support from the Seplat JV to ensure uninterrupted access to training resources and platforms throughout the course.
Afe presented a paper titled “Communication for Change: Teachers as Agents of Change.”
In her presentation, she Introduced her communication framework she referred to as the 7 Cs: Clarity, Conciseness, Consideration, Completeness, Courtesy, Concreteness, and Correctness.
“A teacher is a professional guiding students to gain knowledge, build competence, and grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially through quality instruction”, she said.
She encouraged teachers to see themselves as change agents, seizing the opportunity to better themselves for both personal development and the betterment of students and society.
Afe disclosed that since its launch in 2020, STEP had empowered 1,334 teachers and CIEs through STEAM training, capacity-building workshops, and a mentorship model.
“The programme includes intensive onboarding, a four-month virtual component, and support via mobile and web platforms.
“Blending classroom leadership, digital skills, and innovative project-based teaching strategies”, Afe said.
Representing Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, commended Seplat JV’s initiative and urged teachers to fully utilise the premium training opportunity.
Okpebholo told participants that such high-quality educational packages were often accessed abroad for large sums and urged them to stay committed through to completion.
He added that the Edo State Government would track participation, working with Seplat JV to ensure full course completion, adding that teachers’ roles affected the nation’s future.
According to him, teachers should do more than teach, but be role models who break moral decay and the poverty cycle by positively shaping students’ lives and communities.
Seplat Energy’s Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Steve Ojeh, encouraged participants to fuel their personal and professional growth with curiosity, ambition, and a willingness to embrace impactful learning experiences.
During his session on “Leadership and Self-Development,” Ojeh urged educators to be passionate, intentional, and visionary in their career journeys, highlighting the far-reaching influence they can have in shaping society.
Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, represented by a Director in the ministry, Ighavbota Winifred, commended the NEPL/Seplat JV for its sustained support of teacher development in the region.
She reaffirmed Delta State’s commitment to the initiative and encouraged participants to fully maximise the opportunity.
She noted that it not only enhanced academic outcomes but “also contributes to broader social progress across communities.”
Ezewu stressed that many societal challenges could be traced back to weak educational foundations and praised the STEP programme’s vision.
She urged participants to approach the training with seriousness and dedication for lasting impact in the state.
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