Niger Delta

‘Blossoming Of Christian Gospel Music Industry, Divine’

Published

12 months ago

October 9, 2024

Niger Delta’s fast rising Christian gospel artiste, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emma J musicals, Mr. Emmanuel Makera Jacob (known on stage as Emma J) has described as “divine”, the blossoming Christian gospel music industry in the region.
The Ogbia-born musical maestro stated this in his recent interview with newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital while putting finishing touches on a planned talent-hunt programme he intend to organize across the region.
He hinted that while he was committed to focusing on his genre of music, he has also discovered that the region was blessed with a great deal of untapped musical talents, hence his quest to, amongst others, commence a massive scouting for young talents to further grow the frontiers of the “Christo-cultural” music in the nation.
The musical icon lauded his fans and support base across boards, just as he cautioned against derailing from God’s direction as an artist, saying “one with God is majority”.
Emma J, who also bared his mind on his band and staff strength, said they were about 61 members, stressing that, “The Lord who divinely brought me into His vineyard through the gospel music industry has been very faithful to the band with a continued divine grace for the upkeep of my staff and crew members.
“I’m from a Christian background. And so growing up I played whatever came my way either as band or any other musical instruments and sang Christian songs. Gospel music to me is divine. I want to appreciate all my fans, supporters and fellow gospel musicians in the Niger Delta for their support and collaborations.
“I’ll never forget the roles played by my boss, Rev. Amange, Amange in my musical career. It’s him who really gave me the grooming I needed as a young artist. The future and prospect of gospel music in the Niger Delta region is very bright.
“My genre of gospel music is Christo-cultural. And so we’ve recruited many talented crew members, and we’re again about starting a talent-hunt to recruit more crew members from different parts of the region”, he added.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

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.