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Niger Delta

Community Confers Chieftaincy Titles On Diri, Deputy

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3 years ago

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The Elebele Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has appreciated Governor Douye Diri over the reconstruction of a collapsed bridge in the community.
The Tide learnt that access into the community was cut off in 2019 when the old steel bridge constructed by the SPDC which linked the community to other parts of the stste was damaged by floods.
The Governor Douye Diri’s prosperity administration, however, commenced the building of a new concrete bridge in 2021 and it was one of the projects inaugurated during the second year anniversary celebrations of the Diri-led government last month by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Tide further learnt that the community led by its paramount ruler, His Royal Highness David Osene Osene, at the weekend paid a thank-you visit to Government House, Yenagoa, during which it announced the conferment of the chieftaincy titles of ‘Ogimemema I’ (Builder) of Elebele community on Governor Diri and ‘Ogimemema II’ on his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The Elebele paramount ruler said the gesture was in appreciation for the construction of a permanent bridge in the community, just as he applauded governor Diri for his commitment to development of the state, noting that the governor has restored peace in the community and other parts of the state,pledging the Community’s support for the ‘Prosperity’ administration of the governor.
In his response, Governor Diri appreciated the community and said the honour will spur him to embark on more development projects for the community and the state, expressing happiness that his administration was able to construct a permanent bridge, which had over the years been either wooden or iron.
He said he saw the bridge as a priority because of its importance not only to Elebele but also people of the state as it links the Bayelsa East Senatorial District with other parts of the state.
Diri enjoined other communities to emulate Elebele, which he noted was united in protecting the project from beginning to completion without any incident of protest or kidnap.
“All you have succeeded in doing is to spur us to do more for the Elebele community. We see ourselves as performing the duties for which we were elected. But you thought otherwise, and beyond all that you have done, you are here again not only to say thank you to your government but to also confer chieftaincy titles on me and my deputy. On behalf of my family and the deputy governor, I say thank you.
“This is how communities should work with the state government. I keep saying whether you are APC or PDP, we are brothers and sisters, and development should be prioritised above other political considerations. That is why we are happy with you because in Elebele, there is no APC or PDP; everybody came onboard to protect the project. If we continue this way, Bayelsa will certainly prosper.
“I use this opportunity to call on other communities to take a cue from Elebele for the way they owned the government project sited in their community. I am glad that the state government has now built a solid bridge that will not collapse again. This bridge is important not only to the whole of Eastern Senatorial District but indeed Bayelsa State”, the Governor said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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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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Niger Delta

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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