Connect with us

Niger Delta

A’Ibom Distributes Relief Materials To Crisis Victims

Published

4 years ago

on

Akwa Ibom State Government has waded into the communal clashes between Okopedi and Amamong in Okobo Local Government Area, urging the warring communities to live in peace
The State Government also distributed relief materials worth millions of naira to the victims.
Similarly, several communities recently displaced on account of cult-related crises in Inen clan of Oruk Anam Local Government Area have also been urged to return to the path of peace, and contribute their quota to the building of a peaceful society.
The State Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo who made the call at Okobo and Oruk Anam at the weekend, said it was necessary for the warring communities to sheathe their swords and tolerate one another for peace to reign in the areas.
Ekpo stressed that with the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic already taking its toll on the economic fortunes of the state, it would be irresponsible for communities which hitherto lived together to resort to wanton destruction of properties and available social amenities.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Nkopuruk Ekaiko, the Deputy Governor commended the efforts of the Okobo Council Chairman, traditional rulers, security operatives and religious leaders in restoring peace to the area.
While appealing to the two communities to give peace a chance, he reminded them that no tangible development could thrive in an atmosphere of chaos and war, warning that the state government would no more send relief materials to any community which engages in what he called “man-made disaster”.
“It is erroneous for government to intervene in man-made disasters because already it is spending too much in the fight against the Covid-19 virus and no community should add to the burden of government”, Ekpo stated.
He added: “learn to live in peace with one another if you do so, the development will come to the area and businesses will thrive.”
The Council Chairman of Okobo, Dr Sylvester Attah warned that nothing could be gained from war or communal clashes, noting that it was senseless destroying the few available social amenities when the local government was already in lack of infrastructure.
Attah, while appealing to the youths in the warring communities to stop the fighting, warned that anyone fomenting trouble again in the area would be dealt with decisively and made to face the full weight of the law.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for the prompt intervention in the matter and response with the relief materials and pledged to distribute them equitably to the affected persons.
The Paramount Ruler of Okobo-Edidem Ita Okokon 111, thanked the state government for the swift intervention, stating that they were working tirelessly to ensure that peace is restored and sustained in Okobo.
He disclosed that already a traditional injunction had been placed on the disputed land and thanked the government for the relief materials.
The Youth President of Okopedi Okobo, Ekpenyong Ekpenyong who explained that Okobo had always been peaceful before the unfortunate incident, assured the state government and people of Okobo that peace would be restored and sustained in the area.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

2 weeks ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

2 weeks ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

2 weeks ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Trending