Niger Delta
Delta Begins Issele-Azagba-Otulu Road Construction
The Delta State Government says it will build roads and bridges to link every community with the state capital as part of the efforts to develop the state.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, stated this on Thursday during the commencement of the 2.7km Issele-Azagba-Otulu Road construction in Aniocha North Local Government.
Aniagwu said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was determined to develop all parts of the state in line with his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’.
“Oborevwori’s desire is to make sure that every local government whether they are in the North, Central or Southern Senatorial district of the state are touched.
”So that by the time we are coming back to our people in 2026-2027, the people themselves would appreciate what we have done”, he said.
Aniagwu added, “You will recall that few weeks ago, the Executive approved a number of roads across the three Senatorial districts.
”After the approval, we proceeded to the process of awards and we got a number of contractors who bidded after the projects were advertised.
“This particular project, which links Issele-Azagba-Otulu and to Ubulu-Okiti, was among the projects that was approved in the course of that meeting.
“It has been awarded and we are here to examine the level of mobilisation and to formally hand over the projects to the different contractors.
“This particular project is comprising 2.7km and over 3km side drain has been awarded to a contractor we considered capable and it will link up Aniocha North to Aniocha South in Delta North Senatorial District”, he said.
According to him, once this road is completed, the people of Issele-Azagba may not go through the expressway again to get to their local government headquarters at Issele-Uku.
“I have extracted commitment from the contractor and from their work schedule, I am convinced that in no distant time this project would be delivered”, he said.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Oborevwori-led administration was mobilising contractors to ensure they work with the necessary speed to avoid price fluctuations.
Aniagwu said the contractor had been given 30 per cent of the contract sum, adding that he was expected to deliver the project within 12 months.
“We are doing this because we don’t want a situation were a job is given to anybody and he tells us that he has been very busy scouting for funds hence he has not been able to kick-start the process.
“Even though we know that a lot of the contractors have the resources to mobilise to site, we have to mobilise them so that they don’t move at their own pace because we want them to move at our own pace.
“What we desire first is quality job to be delivered, and secondly to meet up with the speed because we don’t want a situation where a contractor takes a job and then he goes to the market to buy a mattress and begin to sleep on the project.
“We want them to be progressing steadily so that at the end of the day we don’t have to suffer on account of fluctuations in the economy”, the Commissioner said.
Aniagwu, accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Solomon Aghagba, also inspected Ichie James Obodoechi Avenue and Chikozie Okafor Road, in Asaba under construction.
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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.
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.
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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