Niger Delta

‘Oborevwori Has Zero Tolerance For Cutting Corners’

Published

9 months ago

August 23, 2024

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has said the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has zero tolerance for shabby jobs and sharp practices in projects delivery.
Speaking to journalists during an unscheduled inspection of the ongoing flyover bridge at PTI Junction, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area, the Commissioner emphasised that the Governor was committed to quality and would never allow anything that deviates from project specifications.
Izeze said the clarification became necessary following a viral video that trended midweek, alleging that the rods being used for the construction of flyover bridges in Effurun and Warri are 10mm in diameter, contrary to the 16mm provided in the BEME.
“The reason we are here today is to address a malicious claim that the rods being used for the project are 10 millimeters in diameter, which is simply untrue”, he declared.
Izeze continued that, “This project has been designed by some of the best engineers in the country and is being supervised by top professionals within the Ministry of Works.
“The Governor is known for his consistent commitment to quality. He supervised the construction of the Osubi Airstrip by Julius Berger over 20 years ago and has visited this site more times than I can count.
“He has closely followed every process because this project is very dear to his heart; he is dedicated to giving Warri and Uvwie a much-needed facelift.
“In his pursuit of quality projects, he has mandated that our certification process will now involve dual oversight: after the Ministry of Works certifies a project, the Special Project unit will also conduct its own certification. This illustrates his deep concern for the quality of his projects.
“He aims to leave a legacy of durable projects, xxrnot roads that will wash away after one or two rainy seasons.
“Meanwhile, someone who cannot accept the outcome of the last election has publicly alleged that this project is not being constructed according to specifications, despite not having seen the Bill of Quantities.
“We attempted to clarify the situation, but he insisted that the rods used are 10mm. As an engineer, I believe in facts: we have measured the rods with a vernier caliper, and they are 16.0mm.
“To further reinforce our position that this project will stand the test of time, every piece of steel used has been imported, which accounts for the difference in cost compared to local contractors.
“The misinformation being spread by this individual is completely unfounded, and despite our repeated explanations, he continues to spread it with enthusiasm”.
Mr. Thomas Haug, the Project Manager of Julius Berger, affirmed that the rods being used are 16mm, contrary to the speculation that they are 10mm.
He stated that all the rods are imported and not locally produced in Nigeria.
“We are working according to specifications, and we are confident that the project will stand the test of time”, he stated.

Albert Ograka,
Asaba

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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.