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Niger Delta

Kumuyi Lauds Diri On Development, Arrives Bayelsa For Crusade

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Renowned gospel preacher and the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Christian Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has given thumbs up to the Bayelsa State Government for expanding the frontiers of development regardless of the current harsh economic realities.
Kumuyi stated this on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen during his courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, quoted the revered gospel preacher as saying that the present administration in the state was making steady progress to justify their election.
He also commended the people of the state for their resilience, peaceful disposition and support to the government, and prayed God for greater progress in the state.
According to Kumuyi, they were in the state for a global crusade with the theme, “Full Redemption For All Through Christ”, which he said would bring salvation to individuals, families and communities in the state and beyond.
The General Superintendent, who informed that the Deeper Life Ministry had earlier taken the global crusade to several states in the country including Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, and Cross-River, invited the Governor, his Deputy and all members of the State Executive Council to the crusade.
“The Bayelsa State Government is in the limelight of the glory of God and there is a great improvement. The people are proactive and they know that whatever is happening, the Lord will see them through.
“The Government is doing whatever needs to be done to make sure that the people justify why they elected the government. And they are making progress and we are looking forward to greater progress for the government, the people and the state”, he said.
Responding, Governor Douye Diri noted that Bayelsa State and his administration count it as a thing of great joy to play host to the global crusade.
Diri who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,pointed out that the visit of two highly respected men of God in the persons of Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Pastor W.F. Kumuyi to Bayelsa in the first quarter of the year, portends a good omen for the state.
“The Government and people of Bayelsa are very happy to have you again. We count ourselves lucky to be among the very few states to host two men of God whom we consider very great in Nigeria. Our father, Pastor Adeboye was here I think just last month.
“And you, another great father is here to spend some days with us. Our joy knows no bounds because these two important visits are all taking place in the first quarter of this year. This clearly shows that our state is in the right direction”, Diri said.
He thanked Pastor Kumuyi and his team for the visit, noting that his visits had always renewed the people’s faithfulness and hope in God.
The state governor also commended the Deeper Life Church for being steadfast on its message of righteousness and salvation, stressing that messages from the pulpit should be such that would inspire people to seek the Kingdom of God.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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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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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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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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