Niger Delta

Don Highlights On The Potential Of Groundwater As Hidden Wealth For Sustainable Future

Published

3 months ago

July 11, 2025

A Professor of Applied Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology at Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Hycient Ogunka Nwankwoala, has emphasized the importance of protecting groundwater from unprofessional borehole drilling activities. In his inaugural lecture, “Groundwater: The Hidden Wealth for Sustainable Future,” Nwankwoala highlighted the potential of groundwater as a vital resource for the state’s increasing population.

He noted that unchecked borehole drilling activities could pose a future problem for water sustainability and urged the state government to create a database for borehole operators to aid in planning and training. Nwankwoala stressed that every drop of water is precious and that access to clean water is a fundamental right.

The professor cited the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 6, which focuses on water, and highlighted the challenges faced by Nigeria, including increasing demands for water resources due to population growth.

In Nigeria water resources, including rain harvesting , surface water and ground water are obtainable in varying quantities from place to place.The least understood of these source is ground water source,yet it is the most abundant , most reliable and cheapest to harness.It is a natural resource for present and future generations and it’s a strategic resource contributing about 80% of the domestic supply of urban and rural populations.”

Beneath our feet lies a hidden treasure,a vast reservoir of water plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth.water is a prime natural resource and precious national asset and the most critical need of man.water is life; when there is no water,it is as if there are no people living.”he stated .

He emphasized that groundwater is the most abundant, reliable, and cheapest source of water, contributing about 80% of domestic supply.

Nwankwoala expressed concern about the pollution of surface water in the Niger Delta region and the need to conserve groundwater.

He suggested setting up robust groundwater data collection and sharing mechanisms to ensure sustainable management of this vital resource.

The Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, commended Nwankwoala for his insightful lecture, describing it as “hot” and aligning with the lecturer’s emphasis on water as life and a treasure.

He praised Nwankwoala’s wealth of experience and exposure of the audience to the importance of groundwater sustainability.

Akujobi Amadi

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.