Niger Delta

Diri Awards Scholarship To Kingdom, Nigerian Idol Winner

Published

4 years ago

July 19, 2021

Winner of Season Six of the recently concluded Nigerian Idol, Kingdom Kroseide, has been granted educational scholarship by the Bayelsa State Government.
Governor Douye Diri made the pronouncement at the weekend when he received Kingdom and his team in Government House, Yenagoa.
He said the government would henceforth bear the responsibility of the 24-year-old talented singer’s education at the Federal University, Otuoke, where he is a student and up to a Masters degree level if he so desires.
The governor also appointed Kingdom as Youth Ambassador in the state.
Diri in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, advised youths of the state to put in their best in whatever they do in order to be successful in life.
“In appreciation of the honour you have brought to the state, I hereby announce that you are on the scholarship of the Bayelsa State Government. As you finish your first degree and if you proceed for a Master degree, the scholarship would also cover your programme. You are also appointed as an ambassador of the youths of Bayelsa State”, Diri said.
“Let me use this opportunity to call on youths of Bayelsa State to see Mr. Timi Kingdom Kroseide as a role model; as one who out of hard work and the grace of God has brought honour to the state. I am sure that putting yourselves in legitimate careers, you would bring honour not only to yourselves but also to your state and country”, he added.
While appreciating Kingdom for the honour done to the state, Diri advised him to strike a balance between his academics and his career, adding that with proper education and the grace of God, he would excel in his chosen career even outside the shores of Nigeria.
He also advised Kingdom to continue to use his music to glorify God in order to move to greater heights.
The governor, who noted that Kingdom’s success story was that of all Nigerians, thanked the Nigerian Idol judges, the Nigerian Military School Old Boys Association and Nigerians for their different roles that led to the Bayelsa-born contestant emerging as winner.
He also urged the relevant ministries and agencies to put modalities in place to establish a music school that would harness the musical talents that abound in the state.
Earlier, Kingdom Kroseide attributed his success to the grace of God and hard work.
He thanked the state government, Bayelsans and Nigerians for their support that enabled him win the contest.
In separate remarks, representative of the Amananaowei of Angalabiri Federated Community, Chief Peres Peretu, and Kingdom’s manager, Felix Kroseide, thanked the state government and everyone that supported and voted for him to win.
Chief Peretu appreciated Diri’s leadership style of uniting and galvanizing the support of the people to enable Bayelsans achieve great feats.

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.