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Niger Delta

Bayelsa Tasks Communities On Peaceful Co-Existence

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4 years ago

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Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has tasked the people of Azama and Isoni communities to put their peaceful co-existence ahead of any other consideration.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo stated this at a meeting with representatives of Azama Community and the Isoni/Azama Peace Committee at his office in Government House.
The Deputy Governor, who expressed delight that no life was lost as a result of the dispute, however encouraged members of both communities to sustain the prevailing peace.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, noted that Senator Ewhrudjakpo urged the youths of both communities not to take laws into their hands but remain patient as government was taking steps to resolve the issues.
He commended indigenes of both communities for maintaining their calm and allowing government to wade into the matter, assuring them of an unbiased approach to the resolution of the conflict, which has lingered on for several decades.
According to Senator Ewhrudjakpo, the prosperity government is committed to ensuring that communities within the state enjoy peace and good neighborliness as no development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour.
“Once there is a dispute and a life is lost in the dispute, that dispute becomes difficult to resolve. Over the years we have not heard that any blood has been spilled by either party on that land. We want to encourage everybody to maintain that path.
“I want to encourage us to calm down, tell the youths to calm down. No matter how strong a matter is, there is always a solution. We will not take sides but address the issues objectively to achieve greater peace between both communities”, he added.
Also Speaking, the Ebenanaowei of Apoi Clan, King Ikpangi Perekebina, stressed the need for an inter-local government boundary adjustment exercise in the state to avoid unnecessary land disputes between border communities in the state.
He said contrary to the claim of their sister Isoni Community in Sagbama Local Government Area, the present location of Azama Community in Southern Ijaw had never been known and used as an evil forest by any community.
King Perekebina called on the government to resolve the issue without bias and assured that the people of Azama would cooperate with the committee to achieve a lasting solution.
In their separate remarks, Chief Ayama Ezi and Mr Daniel Ebitimi, representatives of Tomoyanbiri and Opuwanbiri compounds of Azama, both expressed worry over the claims of Isoni Community as landlords of virtually all the lands in the area, and called for a speedy settlement of the dispute.

 

By: AriweraIbibo-Howells,Yenagoa

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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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.
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