Niger Delta
NDDC Boss Thanks God For Transformation … Promises More Infrastructural Projects
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, in the spirit of the 2024 yuletide, has thanked God for protecting management and staff members of the commission as well as the transformation taking place in the commission.
To this end, the NDDC’s CEO hosted an array of Christian gospel artists in his home town, Ayakoro community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to render praises to the most high God.
Speaking with newsmen, Ogbuku said there was need to thank and appreciate God for his mercies, grace and protection over the commission, saying the unparalleled infrastructural projects and other developmental initiatives being made by the current management of the commission were a testament to the hand of God on the commission.
The NDDC boss who also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and the entire management of the commission, promised to fast the processes of infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region in collaboration with critical stakeholders, noting that the region deserves the best from the management of the commission in all ramifications.
“It’s necessary to thank God not only in this yuletide season, but at all times. Considering what God is doing with the current management of the NDDC for the Niger Delta region there’s need to thank and appreciate God for his grace and enduring mercies.
“After all the turbulence period in the Commission, God has still sustained us as management of the NDDC, and so it’s imperative we give God all the glory and honour by rendering praises unto him, hence this musical concert in this yuletide season.
“I also want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for having confidence in the current management of the NDDC. I want to tell Nigerians and especially the Niger Delta people that the ongoing reforms by the President were initiatives to stabilize the economy of the nation, and very soon, from 2025 we’ll begin to reap the benefits of these economic reforms of the President.
“For we in the NDDC, we want to assure Niger Deltans that we’ll continue to evolve initiatives and execute projects that would add value to our people. We want to thank all stakeholders of the region for having confidence in the management of the NDDC”, the NDDC MD said.
Gospel Artist who put up appearances at the musical concert include, Bayelsa-born traditional gospel Art, Amange B. Amange, Sensational Bamidele, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss and others.
Tagged, ‘Ayakoro Musical Concert’ the event which had earlier begun on Friday 27th, December also saw the performances of Nigeria’s global Afro Pop musicians and comedians prior to the Christian Gospel Artists performances.
Those who performed during the circular artists and comedy show were Timaya, Kcee, Klint D’ Drunk, Faze, Mayorkun and Akpororo.
Others include Zlatan, Dan D’ Humourous, Prince Hezekiah, African China, Morayvee, and Smurda, amongst others.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Continue Reading
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.
-
Sports2 days ago“Remo Ladies will win every NWFL Super Six match”
-
Business1 day agoNCDMB, Partners Sweetcrude On Inaugural Nigerian Content Awards
-
News1 day agoEleme Indigenes Hail Council Boss Over Evacuation Of Refuse
-
News2 days agoOver 80 Army captains to sit for 2025 promotion exam in Benin
-
Politics1 day agoLP Crisis, Poetic Justice For Betrayal – Ex-presidential Aspirant
-
Sports2 days agoAfroBasket: D’Tigers To Play Against Tunisia, Cameroon, Madagascar
-
Oil & Energy1 day agoStakeholders Laud PINL For Oil Pipeline Safety
-
News1 day agoHYPREP Commits To Prioritising Workers’ Welfare, Job Creation