Niger Delta

Bayelsa To Assist Legionnaires

Published

14 years ago

January 12, 2011

The Bayelsa State Government says it would do everything within its reach to make legionnaires who are still alive enjoy their life as living heroes of modern Nigeria by offering appointments to those physically strong.

Governor Timipre Sylva stated this in Yenagoa, during the occasion to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Week, said without the selfless efforts of those great Nigerian men and women, some of who are still living, the story of modern Nigeria would have been told differently”.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Gideon Ekuowi, Chief Sylva commended the ex-soldiers for their patience and loyalty, assuring that the State Government would assist the living to have a meaningful life.

“The State Government will continue to assist those of you who are qualified for meaningful employment, so that you can have a better life. Government is committed and will continue to partner with the legionnaires to ensure a better welfare for you”, Sylva said.

Earlier in their address, the ex-soldiers made a passionate appeal to the State Government to consider job engagement for many of them who are still physically fit for gainful employment into the state civil service.

They lamented the harsh economic realities that had posed a serious challenge to their daily up-keep, urging the State Government to reconsider their pitiable plight which they said had led to the death of many of their members.

Read by the state chairman, Captain Francis Boro (rtd) the older soldiers as they are popularly called, lamented how most of their members are dying of hunger and starvation for lack of meaningful work to do.

Boro, who was represented by his Vice Chairman, Elder Igirigi Effiom, appealed to the State Government for intervention over the poor living condition of legionnaires in the state.

“We want to appeal to the State Government to, as a matter of urgency, consider the engagement of many of our ex-soldiers who are still physically fit for gainful employment. Many of us are still capable of public service. We need job to maintain ourselves”.

The highlights of the event was the official launch of the Remembrance Emblem by Governor Timipre Sylva, who donated the sum of N3 million.

The SSG, in his capacity also donated N500,000.00, while the sum of N1 million donation came from the Deputy Governor, Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu.

The state executive council, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Kesiye Frank-Oputu donated N500,000.00, while the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nestor Binabo made a donation of N500,000.00.

On the whole, more than N10 million was realised at the occasion.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.