Niger Delta
Military Hospital Honours 10 Workers In Benin
The Nigerian Army Military Hospital, Benin, has honoured 10 members of staff for distinguished performance in 2024.
The Tide’s source reports that the awardees comprised five each from the soldiers and the civilian staff.
According to the list, Staff Sgt. Ibrahim Suleiman, Sgt. Baba Sheshi, Lance Cpl Ifeoma Ede, Pte Mika’il Atanda as well as Pte Joseph Precious made the soldier category.
Those in the civilian category were Mr Yesufu Otono, Miss David Juliet, Miss Christabel Ahamisi, Miss Deborah Ibizugbe, and Mrs Rosemary Omoye.
The awards were presented by the hospital’s 2024 West Africa Social Activities (WASA) on Saturday.
The Commander, 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, Brig.-Gen. Ebenizer Oduyebo, applauded the awardees for their dedication to duty and outstanding performance which earned them the awards.
The Brigade Commander asserted that to “whom much was given, much would be expected”, and urged the members of staff to continue the exemplary work they were doing.
He acknowledged the support of the hospital members of staff to the brigade and the Nigerian Army in general, which he said, was instrumental to the success of the military operations in the state.
“This event has afforded officers and men and their families and civilians the opportunity to unwind and relax free with one another and take you away from your routine regimental life”, he said.
Oduyebo said 2024 ended with unprecedented successes in area of curbing insecurity with the support of the military hospital.
Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime, the director of the hospital, said WASA was an age-long tradition in the military aimed at preserving Nigerian ethics through social interaction of personnel, their families and well-wishers.
“The event also seeks to promote comradeship and foster unity among personnel so as to ensure the spirit of one large family”, she said.
The director encouraged everyone at the event to embrace the spirit of unity and use it to build bridges, foster better understanding and promote peace and stability in the country
One of the awardees, Staff Sgt. Suleiman, honoured with the best performing soldier, said the award would spur him to do more and get more reward from the army.
“If you are doing something and you are appreciated that will make you to put in more effort and get more reward.
“I feel great for the honour because there are many soldiers in the hospital but I was picked as the best. I thank the army for recognising my efforts”, he said.
The source reports that the highlight of the event was the cultural troupe display and the tug of war between the officers` wives and the female corps members.
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.
-
Niger Delta7 hours agoC’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002
-
Politics47 mins agoTinubu’s Visit To Anambra Healing, Reconciliation Message To Igbo – Arthur Eze
-
Sports7 hours agoNasarawa intensify training ahead of National Sports Festival
-
Oil & Energy37 mins ago“Renaissance Energy, NNPC JV Donate ICU Equipment To RSUTH
-
News7 hours ago
JAMB Releases 2025 UTME Results, Withholds 39, 834 Others
-
News1 hour agoSuspended Commissioner Denies Disruption Of Empowerment Programme
-
Niger Delta7 hours agoOyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa
-
Politics46 mins agoNo Greater Political Sin Than Defecting With Another Party’s Mandate – Kwankwaso