Niger Delta

D’Gov Tasks APWEN, Others On SMART Goals

Published

8 months ago

January 30, 2025

Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has advised both public and private organisations to set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART) goals to check abandonment of projects in the country.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo gave the advice recently when a delegation of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Bayelsa State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Engr. Ann Jonathan Obuebite, visited him in Government House, Yenagoa.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the Deputy Governor was quoted identifying poor conception, lack of resources and political will as some factors responsible for abandonment of projects and programmes in the country.

Ewhrudjakpo stated that it is almost impossible for any well thought out project to fail because critical issues such as funding and implementation plans must have been taken care of right from the conception stage.

He commended the state’s chapter of APWEN for a seamless transition process that gave birth to a new executive council, noting that most organisations had collapsed due to conflicts arising from transfer of power.

While congratulating the new exco on their successful election, Ewhrudjakpo, urged them to set measurable and realistic goals that could be achieved within their two-year tenure.

The Deputy Governor also lauded the group for its sensitisation campaigns on the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and enjoined them to embark on sustainable programmes to earn a reputable image.

“I want to also commend you for what you are doing in our schools; encouraging our children to develop interest in science and technology, particularly the female students.

“All your five cardinal programmes are quite ambitious, starting from the issue of going round schools in the state. As good as it is, I have always advised people to set SMART agenda or goals.

“That means your goals have to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. You have only two years to serve and the number of secondary schools are many. So, how will you be able to touch all the secondary schools?

“But I think if you set or take a percentage of the schools, let’s say 30 schools, and you are able to cover 25 schools at the end of your tenure, then you can judge yourself as having performed very well”, he said.

Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the association, Engr. Obuebite, explained that the visit was to introduce the new executive to the Deputy Governor and invite him to its inauguration slated for next month.

Reeling out the association’s five-point agenda, Engr. Obuebite said the association had been going round secondary schools in the state to encourage students develop interest in science and technology, particularly engineering in their higher studies.

She, however, expressed worry that only about 20 applicants had so far picked up the free JAMB Forms procured by the Association for students willing to study engineering even as notice of the opportunity was given three months ago.

Engr. Obuebite announced other programmes of APWEN to include, encouraging registration of female engineers, a tools and tiara programme for school dropouts, the launch of an annual public lecture in honour of Professor Ongoebi Etebu, who is not only a Bayelsan, but also the first Professor in mechanical engineering in Nigeria.

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.