Niger Delta

Chevron Fire Takes Toll On Bayelsa Communities

Published

13 years ago

February 6, 2012

The American Oil giant, Chevron, is yet to put off the inferno that engulped its facilities at Funniwa Oil Field in Brass Local Governent Area of Bayelsa State, two weeks after the inciddent.

While the incident is taking its toll on social and economic lives of the residents of the affected communities the company appears to be comfortable in arranging cash and materials to some influential people in the area in order to down play its danger while correspondents of five national newspapers have been contracted to write stories and features articles favourable to the company with promise of giving “good public relations” packages commensurate with their write-ups.

While this ding dong affairs are going on, the impacted communities of Koluama clan are faced with eminent outbreak of epedimic disease, a result of intensive heat, pollution of their environment and regular contact of rotten acquatic animals and fishes.

Piqued by the non- challant attitude of the company and relunctance to put off the fire, the Acting Governor of the State, Chief Nestor Binabo who visited the community on Tuesday, called for immediate remedy to address the situation.

Chief Binabo directed chevron to take immediate step towards paying compensation to the people. Addressing the chiefs, elders and people of Akassa, one of the impacted communitiecs, the Acting Governor expressed concern over the devastation caused by the gas explosion, saying that it has caused grave health hazard and degradation to the ecosystem.

Chief Binabo said, since the incident occurred, Chevron had failed to demonstrate its social and corporate responsibility to the impacted communities as the explosion was as a result of the company’s negligence, stating that if something is not done to alleviate the plight of the people, government would seek redress through every available legal means.

He promised that government on its part, would send relief materials and a team of medical personnel as soon as possible towards providing succour to the people of the impacted communities and commended them for their peaceful conduct over the matter. Chief Binabo urged the people to continue to maintain the peace and be law- abiding.

Also Speaking, the Secretary to State Government, Prof Millionaire Abowei explained that the purpose of the visit was to enable government have a first-hand knowledge of the level of devastation caused by the explosion as well as to find out how the people were coping.

The Secretary to the Akassa Council of Chiefs, Chief Baralaye Kuleha expressed appreciation to the Acting Governor and his entourage for identifying with them, adding that over 25 communities and settlements were impacted by the gas explosion in Akassa and that the operations of Chevron, had affected their health as well as the ecosystem.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.