Niger Delta

FG To Spend N3.3b On Qua Fall Dam

Published

14 years ago

June 30, 2011

The Federal Government is to spend N3.3 billion on the construction of Qua Fall and Irrigation project at Akamkpa, Cross River.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, made the plan known last Monday at the launch of the construction of the dam and irrigation project in Akamkpa.

According to Igali, the project’s design includes the construction of an earth-fill embankment dam, which is 26m high and 530 metres long.

He said that the project would provide a reservoir with capacity for 68 million cubic metres of raw water.

According to him, the project will provide hydropower component of about 16 megawatts with a potential of 36 megawatts when Ikpan dam is constructed and connected through a diversion canal of approximately 4.3km long.

“The construction of the dam was awarded at cost of N3.3 billion to Messrs Infiouest International Limited.

“A supervising consultant, Damtech Nigeria ltd is expected to complete the project in 24 months with a 12-month maintenance period,“ Igali said.

He said that the project was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to sustain development of Nigeria’s natural resources for the economic empowerment of the people.

“The construction of the Qua Fall dam marks our resolve in ensuring rural transformation through its multipurpose use for water supply, food production, hydro-electric power generation, tourism, employment creation and food security.“

Igali said that the Qua falls multipurpose dam was designed to supply water to several communities and 500 hectares of farmlands downstream of the dam.

Sen. Ewa Henshaw (PDP-Cross River South) said that the Qua fall project when completed would provide potable water for people of the area.

He said the project was to complement the effort of the state government in the provision of critical infrastructure and social amenities to the people of the state.

Henshaw said that there was a big water scheme in Biakpa in Biase Local Government Area, which cost N450 million.

He said that the project would provide more than 1,000 jobs for youths and women in the area.

“This project if succeeded will put over 1,000 Cross River families in employment,’’ he said.

Henshaw said that the project would provide irrigation for about 2,000 hectares for dry season farming, fishery, recreation, tourism facilities and electricity generation.

Earlier, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River said that the project if properly executed, the people of Akamkpa would have tremendous economic benefit and multiplier effects on the economy.

Imoke said that the two faces of the project when completed, the state would be an island with steady electricity supply.

He urged the communities to cooperate with the contractor in respect of youth restiveness, community unrest and unreasonable demands.

Imoke assured the contractors and the Federal Government that they would not experience any delay in the execution of the job and urged the ministry to complete the project within 24 months.

Mr Denis Nkiri, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, said the dam was capable of turning around the agricultural fortunes of the people.

Nkiri advised the company to liaise with the council, especially on issues dealing with the communities and security.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

2 days 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 days 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 days 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.