Niger Delta

NAPTIP Embarks On Walk Against Trafficking In Persons

Published

6 years ago

July 31, 2020

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Benin Zonal Command, yesterday embarked on a road walk to mark the 2020 Word Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs Ijeoma Uduak, who led other stakeholders in the walk said the aim was to create greater awareness against human trafficking in the state.
The three kilometre walk took participants round major roads in Benin, Edo State capital.
The 2020 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons has the theme: “Committed to the Cause: Working on the Frontline to End Human Trafficking.”
Uduak said the walk was also to bring stakeholders together and create awareness in the public, of the synergy and commitment of stakeholders, in the fight against trafficking in persons.
The zonal commander said that human trafficking had done much more harm to people than good, adding that there was no better time to speak with one voice against the menace, than now.
She said this year’s theme was carefully chosen to push home the need for all stakeholders to remain committed and resolve to be in the frontline of fight ending human trafficking permanently.
Uduak said the mandate of the agency was encapsulated in a five ‘P’ strategy of prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy.
In a goodwill message, Mrs Yinka Omorogbe, chairman, Edo Taskforce Against Human Trafficking said, “the state government is committed to ensuring that the state will no longer be known as one that sells its children.”
She said that it was in view of this that the state government was leaving no stone unturned to discourage illegal migration as well as rehabilitate and reintegrate trafficked returnees into the society.
Also, Mr Eze Uyime, who represented the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) said that Nigerians and particularly Edo people, were dignified people.
“Therefore, human trafficking must be stamped out permanently from the state,” he said.

Niger Delta

We’ll Study INC’s Reconciliation Committee Report – Diri

Published

3 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration would study the recommendations of the Reconciliation Committee of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and consult widely before implementation.

He expressed optimism that the recommendations of the committee would foster peace, progress, stability and reposition the Ijaw nation for greater relevance in Nigeria.

He stated this at the weekend while receiving the report from the eight-man committee in Government House, Yenagoa.

The Tide gathered that the report followed its inauguration by the Governor on May 26, 2026 with the mandate of reconciling aggrieved interests in the INC after a disputed presidential election.

Diri lauded members of the committee for painstakingly putting the report together within the stipulated timeframe of one month, saying nothing less than excellence was expected.

He added that the committee delivered a report that speaks to the divisions and future possibilities of the Ijaw people, describing the INC as the highest institutional expression of the identity and historic aspirations of the people.

“We cannot stand aloof while such a vital institution drifts without direction. The Congress and the people rise or fall together.

“You were given a sacred mandate: to find reasons to stay together. You have discharged it with diligence and courage. You have given us not just a report, but a pathway back to trust and collective purpose.

“When I inaugurated this committee, I said the destiny of the Ijaw Nation was too precious to be left unattended. You heard that urgency. You responded to it.

“Given the high calibre, sterling pedigree and unimpeachable integrity of this committee, nothing less than excellence was expected. You have delivered a report that speaks to our divisions and to our future possibilities”, he said.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the reconciliation committee, Dr. Mathew Seiyefa, said they interacted with all contestants in the INC elections, including members of the electoral committee, the INC executive and also received memoranda from various zones of the INC and other critical stakeholders of the Ijaw nation.

Dr. Seiyefa, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services, noted that the expectation of the committee was that the INC would speak for the Ijaw nation, its people and their causes.

According to him, the resurgent INC will be more consultative and inclusive, giving primacy to its role as a platform for advocacy, which will enable the body gain greater traction and resonance in the lives of the people.

“A common trend, which permeated this interaction, was the overwhelming passion for not just the survival of the INC, but its renewal and reinvigoration.

“There was a yearning for an INC that would rise to the challenges of the moment with respect to the cause of the Ijaw nation and its people. This sentiment was a key driver in the deliberations of the committee and has informed the recommendations that we have made”, Dr. Seiyefa said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Diri Fetes Bank’s MD, Ex-D’Gov At Diamond Anniversaries … Hails Duo Over Services To Bayelsa

Published

3 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has rejoiced with the Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, and former Deputy Governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, as they commemorate their diamond jubilee (60th) birthdays.

Represented by the State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, in the separate celebrations which held in Warri and Yenagoa during the week, Diri described the celebrants as men of service that are passionate about making impact in life.

Speaking at the dedication of the new Champion Cathedral Annex of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Effurun-Warri in Delta State, Diri appreciated Dr. Emefienim for building a magnificent place of worship for God.

The Bayelsa helmsman, however, said he was not surprised at the development as he has always known the celebrant as not only a sacrificial giver, but also a man with an unwavering love and zeal for the things of God.

He described Emefienim as a Bayelsan and a consummate banker whose bank has become a major brand among the comity of financial institutions in the country within a short space of its existence due to his penchant for excellence.

“On behalf of the Governor and people of Bayelsa State that I represent here , I want to say that we are proud that you are one of us. You are from us and we can say this boldly anywhere.

“We appreciate God for what He is doing in your life. But I am not surprised because once you submit and sacrifice to God, He will sacrifice back to you in far greater dimensions. You just cannot beat God in giving.

“Today, in the midst of Banks in Nigeria, our brother’s Bank has become a major brand within a very short span of existence. That tells you that there is a breath upon him. And that breath is available for those who will key into it”, he said.

Preaching on a theme for a week-long programme culminating in the dedication of the new church building and birthday service, titled “Wonderful”, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, noted that God would not cease to do wonders in the world, particularly in the lives of those who believe in Him.

Pastor Adeboye, who was represented by the Continental Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Kalu Ndukwe, also acknowledged the commitment of Dr. Emefienim to the service of God, and stressed the importance of a person’s name and occupation in society.

In his remarks, Emefienim, flanked by his wife, Mrs. Ifeoma Emefienim, recounted his 24 years sojourn in Bayelsa and how the state had contributed to his present achievements in life.

“I came into Yenagoa in 2002. The story of my Banking career cannot be told without mentioning Bayelsa State. So, when you see me flowing with everyone from Bayelsa, you can understand.

“It will be very difficult or practically impossible for any governor to emerge in Bayelsa that I will not have contact with because I have played in that space for over 20 years. I am happy and I am also proud with what God has used that location to do for me”, the celebrant said.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor, his deputy, Dr. Akpe, the RCCG family, particularly the General Overseer, Pastor Adeboye, the Continental Overseer, Pastor Ndukwe, and everyone who took time to celebrate with him.

In the same vein, Diri has commended the former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, for tirelessly contributing to the development of the state in and out of office.

Diri, who spoke through his Deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, during an elaborate birthday ceremony at Latik Hotel in Yenagoa, acknowledged the contributions of Ebebi as a lawmaker in the Bayelsa House of Assembly, where he became Speaker and later as a Deputy Governor of the State.

According to him, Chief Ebebi remains a household name in Bayelsa State because of the way and manner the Aleibiri-born politician related with people while in office.

Speaking on a personal capacity, Dr. Akpe, described Chief Ebebi as his leader, saying that he became well acquainted with the workings of the Office of the Deputy Governor some years ago when he started working as the Head of Administration in that office following his appointment by the celebrant.

Declaring the diamond jubilee ceremony open, the Chairman of the occasion and a former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd.), described Chief Ebebi as a man of the people who gathers crowd in positive ways.

Others who spoke at the well attended event included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Reverend God’spower Asingba; the Alei of Aleibiri, His. Royal Highness, James Sarakiri, with all extolling the leadership qualities of the celebrant.

In his remarks, Chief Ebebi expressed gratitude to God and all who honoured him.

“I want to thank God for this clement weather that allowed us to celebrate in an open space. All glory to our creator. I also thank Governor Diri, Deputy Governor Akpe, and all distinguished guests”, he said.

Dignitaries on the entourage of the Deputy Governor at the both ceremonies include, his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe; members of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Charles Daniel, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, Hon. Tare Porri, Hon. Oteigbanyon George-Brah, and the Managing Director of Izon-Ibe Microfinance Bank Ltd, Dr. Ayakeme Whisky.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Commends Police Over Arrest Of Electric Cable Vandals

Published

3 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday commended the State Police Command for the arrest of two suspected electric cable vandals and the recovery of vandalised cables, describing the operation as a major step in protecting critical public infrastructure across the state.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori praised the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, officers and men of the Command for their prompt response and sustained commitment to combating criminal activities, particularly the vandalism of government-owned facilities.

He also commended the local vigilante group for their support and corporation with security agencies in the state, adding that the arrest demonstrated the government’s resolve to safeguard public assets and ensure that investments in infrastructure continue to serve the people without disruption.

The Police in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives of the Kwale Police Station, working in collaboration with members of a local vigilante group, acted on credible intelligence on June 25, 2026, and stormed the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road where suspected vandals were allegedly dismantling and stealing electric cables.

The suspects reportedly attempted to flee on sighting the security team, but were apprehended during the operation.

One of the suspects sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, while the other remains in police custody.

The suspects were identified as Osakwe Sunday, 28, and Ekene Obocha, 34. The vandalised electric cables were recovered as exhibits.

Commending the operation, the Governor urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid in the fight against crime.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all Deltans.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, warned criminal elements to desist from vandalising government critical infrastructure and other public assets, stressing that the Command would continue to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.

He also appealed to members of the public to sustain their cooperation with the police by volunteering useful information capable of preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.