Niger Delta

Oborevwori Signs Delta’s N979.2bn Appropriation Bill Into Law

Published

5 months ago

December 9, 2024

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has assented to the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill of N979,228,818,719.
Governor Oborevwori, who signed the Bill into law, midweek, in Asaba, raised the prospects of enhanced overall development of the state.
The approved budget is made up of N630.461 billion as capital expenditure, while N349.767 billion is for recurrent expenditure.
While signing the budget tagged “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation” into law, Governor Oborevwori said the 2025 budget was geared towards consolidating on the many projects of his administration.
He said: “It is with immense joy that I have assented to this law christened ‘Budget of Fiscal Consolidation’ 20 days after its presentation to the Delta State House of Assembly.
“My joy is also for its prompt passage after going through the necessary legislative procedures. The increase in capital and decrease in recurrent expenditure over the 2024 estimates also gives me joy.
“We are now imbibing the culture where our budgetary estimates meet global best practices. A prompt passage and assent to this bill allows us to conveniently implement projects during the 2025 dry season.
“The budget has been drafted in such a manner that it will impact positively in the promotion and preservation of public trust and our well being.
“This reaffirms our commitment in advancing Delta State through the prompt and qualitative service delivery as enshrined in our MORE Agenda”.
On the Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Establishment Amendment Law 2024, Governor Oborevwori said: “Before now, with the name University of Science and Technology, we cannot accredit all courses. But now, assenting to the bill, the name is now Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
“The change in name will enable the accreditation of more courses and increase the intake of students into the university”.
Other bills assented to are the Delta State Structures and Signage and Advertisement Bill 2024; Delta State Human Trafficking Prohibition Law 2024; Special Cases Court Amendment Law 2024 and the Delta State Protection of Persons with Disability Law 2023.
The Governor, while thanking the State Legislature for the speedy passage of the bills, assured Deltans of more infrastructural and human capital development in the 2025 fiscal year.
He added: “As the year 2024 winds up, let me express my appreciation for the support I have received from all arms of the Government. It is my sincere expectation that we will sustain this collaboration and synergy in 2025.
“I also want to appreciate Deltans for the love and support they have shown to this administration, for the peace we are enjoying and for the progress that we have achieved.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

14 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

14 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

14 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.