Niger Delta

Bayelsa To Strengthen Security Outfit, Urges Inoculation Against Covid-19

Published

4 years ago

March 26, 2021

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said the state-owned security outfit code-named Operation Doo Akpo is to be reactivated and strengthened with state-of-the-art equipment.
He said this was part of the government’s strategic security effort to sustain the peace and security in the state.
Senator Diri disclosed this yesterday when he received the South-South zone chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Israel Ege and his entourage in Government House, Yenagoa.
Commenting on the security situation in the country, he said the South-South governors met and directed that special advisers on security matters in the various states come up with strategies to secure the zone.
The governor in a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, reminded the zonal Christian leadership of the recent enactment of a law banning open grazing in the state and called on all to abide by the law.
“As South-South governors, we met and have considered the level of insecurity in the country. We have directed special advisers on security in each of the states to meet and discuss how best to secure the zone.
“In our case, we inherited the Doo- Akpo Security outfit from my predecessor. As we speak, we are reinventing Doo-Akpo to what it used to be. We would procure equipment and logistics for them to ensure that they become the best in Nigeria.
“About two weeks ago, we also signed a law banning open grazing in Bayelsa and we have put in place a committee to ensure that everyone abided by the laws of the state.”
While commending the CAN leadership for their relentless commitment and prayers for the state, Senator Diri also acknowledged their role in the continuous spiritual re-awakening of the people.
The governor, who accepted to host the October CAN rally, also directed the Special Adviser on Religious Matters to liaise with the body to ascertain the level of renovation to be undertaken at its secretariat.
In his remarks, the South-South CAN Chairman, Archbishop Ege, said they were in the state to offer special prayers for the governor, his team and the success of his administration.
He said Senator Diri had performed well, particularly in the execution of projects and prompt payment of workers’ salaries and gratuities.
Bishop Ege also lauded the governor for his examplary leadership and expressed gratitude to him for appointing members of the clergy into his cabinet.
Meanwhile, Senator Diri, has called on citizens and residents of the state to take advantage of the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination exercise and get innoculated against the virus.
He said this on Wednesday after he received the Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine jab.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

16 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

16 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

16 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.