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Niger Delta

Delta To Tackle Youth Restiveness Through

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4 years ago

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Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment at tackling youths’ restiveness and unemployment in the state through agricultural engagements.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa stated this during the opening remark of the 2021 International Youth Day celebration with the theme “Transforming Food Systems: Youths Innovation for Human and Planetary Health” in Asaba, the state capital.
Governor Okowa, who was represented at the event by the Chief of Staff, Rt Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, emphasised on the importance of youth engagement and encouraged Delta Youths to embrace Agriculture as avenue to ensure sustained food security, and steady earnings.
He commended the ministry of youth development for organising the masterclass, reiterating its commitment towards encouraging active youths’ participation in the agricultural policy drives of the state government.
Okowa added that resolutions from the 2021 masterclass will help enrich the various agricultural programmes of the state government, including the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme, YAGEP.
He said that the state government would continue to support programmes of the ministry of youth development, towards the actualisation of the Stronger Delta vision.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, stated that the international youth day was set aside annually to celebrate the role of young people in the socioeconomic development of the world.
He added that it was aimed at highlighting “the global efforts in driving innovation in the agricultural sector which will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people proferring solutions to the challenges of food system.”
The commissioner highlighted some of the challenges to include improving food production and promoting sustainable agriculture, using innovative and emerging technologies to ensure the healthy livelihood of humans and environmental sustainability.
He said that meeting the increasing food demand of a growing population required innovation in food systems to increase food production, processing, security and other value chain, as well as addressing other critical areas, such as inequality and access to improved agro-inputs.
The commissioner listed other areas to include poverty reduction, social inclusion, healthcare, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
Comrade Egwunyenga stated that over the past six years, Delta State Government had demonstrated the importance of youth inclusiveness in agricultural development through several programmes towards ensuring not only food security but creating several job opportunities for the youths.
According to him, the effort was aimed at fast tracking the realisation of the Stronger Delta vision of the Okowa Administration.
The lecturers harped on the importance of youth participation in agricultural development, and as avenues of curbing unemployment and creating jobs.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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1 week 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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1 week 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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C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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1 week 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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