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Niger Delta

Cleric Urges Widows On Children’s Education, Moral Upbringing

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Founder, Divine Faith Evangelical Mission International, Prophet Joseph Igbodo, has urged widows to ensure education and moral upbringing of their children.
Igbodo gave the advice during the mission’s monthly outreach programme at Believers Gospel Church, Ile Quarters, Umunede in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
He said bringing the children up in the fear of God and giving them good education were the best legacies that they could give their children.
The cleric, who is also the Proprietor of Job’s Orphanage and Saint Stephen’s Trust Widows’ Home, Agbor, condemned the maltreatment meted out on widows by some families of their late husbands.
Saying that the practice was dehumanising, thus making them vulnerable in the society, Igbodo, however, said God loved widows and orphans in a special way.
He encouraged the women not to be weighed down by the death of their bread winners, saying that God would protect and provide for them.
The cleric also advised the widows to abhor sinful acts and idolatry, which could attract the wrath of God.
He urged them to distance themselves from false prophets and fake pastors, who would want to take advantage of them owing to their vulnerability.
Igbodo, who did not exonerate some of the widows from being responsible for the death of their husbands, said men should abstain from extra-marital affairs, which could engender several consequences, leading to untimely death.
He said that they should also check their health status regularly, while pursuing things of life.
The clergyman prayed for forgiveness for those who had hand in the death of their husbands and urged them to repent of their evil ways and be reconciled with God.He appealed to the families of the women’s late husbands to show them love and care rather than denying them access to their husbands’ property.
Igbodo also urged grown-up children, who had lost their fathers, to take care of their mothers who took pains to bring them up.
He said that the advice had become necessary, as many were known to have abandoned their mothers.
Meanwhile, the over 300 widows invited to the monthly outreach programme smiled home the items, such as rice, noodles, salt, biscuits, fruit juice packs and toiletries distributed to them by the clergyman.
Igbodo urged public-spirited individuals and organisations, who would want to identify with his ministry’s Home, to reach out to him, assuring that any donation made would be for the advancement of the work of God and humanity.

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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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Niger Delta

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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