Niger Delta
Bayelsa Launches Free Medical Outreach For Diri’s 5th Anniversary
The Bayelsa State Government has launched a free medical outreach programme to commemorate Governor Douye Diri’s five years in office, held at the Ikarama Cottage Hospital in Okordia Clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Diri stated that the initiative, part of the prosperity government’s efforts under his leadership, was aimed at creating a robust and resilient healthcare system to ensure equitable access to quality medical services for all.
He explained that the outreach programme offered free medical consultations, minor surgical interventions, screenings, and health education, with a particular focus on maternal and child health and preventive services for vulnerable populations.
“The facility will not only serve Bayelsa but also benefit neighbouring communities in Rivers State, especially those in Joinkarama 1, 2, 3, 4, and Mbaiama”, he added.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, emphasised that the outreach programme was fully operational, with staff deployed across all communities in Okordia Clan.
He noted that while minor surgeries were successfully conducted at the facility, more complex cases would be referred to designated healthcare centres.
Brisibe stressed that access to food supplements and healthcare was a fundamental right and encouraged Bayelsa residents to make full use of the opportunity.
In his remark, the Paramount Ruler of Ikarama Community, King Wariebi Beribozigha, provided a historical account of the healthcare facility.
He said the idea of establishing the centre began between 1986 and 1995, with King Guine Okah donating the land for the project.
“The construction of the health centre started under the leadership of His Royal Highness, Chief Richard Seibe, 1995–1998, who is currently the King of Okordia Clan”, he said.
He commended the efforts of previous leaders in ensuring the proper functioning and upgrade of the centre to a cottage hospital.
He also expressed gratitude that, during his reign, the facility received renovations and became fully operational.
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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.
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.
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.
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