Niger Delta

Petroleum Marketers Vow To Curb Sharp Practices

Published

4 years ago

December 2, 2020

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, (PETROAN), has inaugurated its Bayelsa State chapter, with a vow to curb sharp practices, make quality products available to users, effectively collaboratfe with authorities and ensure sales of products according to approved pump price.
The National President of PETROAN, Dr. Billy Harry while speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital described petroleum retail outlets owners as the most critical input in the stability of the economy.
According to him, PETROAN is not established as a rival to other sister associations but to serve as a unifying factor,working together in making sure that there is quality petroleum products to Nigerans, saying that integrity and service above personal interest should be the watchword.
He noted that with the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter, the economy of the state would begin to experience a boom as members would expand on their existing businesses, assuring that the association has concluded plans to partner credible institutions to provide funds and the availability of quality petroleum products to consumers.
Harry urged members to take advantage of the pronouncement by the Minister of State Petroleum of making gas the mainstay of the economy and the federal government deregulation policy by investing and making sure gas is available in retail outlets, stressing that PETROAN is at the mainstream of reinventing, redirecting and re-energizing the economy through the retail outlets.
The National President while commending the state executive for the inauguration, hailed the choice of Taremi Dukumor as chairman whom he described as a humble and hardworking man.
He called on members to give the chairman total support and expressed confidence that the entire executive would serve diligently and honourably.
Also speaking, the Zonal Chairman of PETROAN, Prince Sunny Nkpe said that the inauguration of Bayelsa chapter was the fourth in the series and signalled a new partnership and collaboration with NNPC, DPR, Weight and Measures as well as security agencies.
Prince Nkpe noted its objectives included, protection of members within the armbit of the law, availability of high quality petroleum products at reasonable price, create a viable quality control arm in synergy and laiasing with DPR to ensure that quality source is secured and ensure that difference that may arise in line of business are nipped in the bud.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the state Chairman of PETROAN, Taremi Dukumor stated that the formal inauguration of PETROAN in Bayelsa would herald a roboust synergy with critical stakeholders and agencies of government, maintaining that the delivery of quality and affordable petroleum products will continue to be a top priority.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.