Niger Delta

Independence: Celebrate Nation’s Successes, Not Failures, Shell MD Urges Nigerians

Published

12 years ago

October 4, 2013

Nigerians have been
charged to use the opportunity provided by the nation’s 53rd Independence Anniversary to celebrate the successes recorded rather than the mistakes, failures and unattained targets in the country’s march toward greatness.
The Country Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, who gave the admonition at the dance night last Monday to usher in the 53rd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria in Port Harcourt, also challenged Nigerians to seek more of what contribution they can make to enhance the nation’s pace towards speedy transformation in all sectors.
Sunmonu said that the independence anniversary celebration creates an opportunity for all well-meaning Nigerians to reflect on what they could do to lift the nation out of the woods, saying that blaming leaders only for the nation’s woes was unpatriotic and shows lack of nationalistic consciousness.
The managing director noted that the problem with Nigeria was in majority of Nigerians’ inability to appreciate the sacrifices of their leaders, saying that if every Nigerian puts in his or her honest best, the nation would be on the fast lane of sustainable development.
According to him, “every October 1, as a Nigerian citizen, I like to reflect on where we have come from – our mistakes and our great accomplishments, our failures and our many successes – in order to plan for a better tomorrow for my country, my children and the generations to follow.
“As the country chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, I also go through that exercise of taking stock to see how we have fared as partners in progress with this great nation,” he said.
“We should be proud of what our companies have accomplished in partnership with the federal and state governments over the past 53 years since Nigeria gained independence.
“Shell companies have been a reliable partner fuelling the progress of our great nation in the areas of technology, building human capital development and awarding contracts to indigenous companies, fuelling their growth. We ought to be particularly proud of our contributions to the Nigerian youth through various scholarship schemes.
“We are committed to being a part of Nigeria’s future and building upon our great partnership with the nation in order to achieve her great economic, political and sustainable development potential,” Sunmonu added.
Also speaking, the President, Shell Club, Port Harcourt, Princewill Obi, said the event was designed to create a platform for staff members, their families and special guests to have a feel of the special independence anniversary mood, and thanked all those who played a part in the successful organisation of a series of events to mark the nation’s 53rd anniversary celebration for their dedication and team spirit.
Obi said that the organisers of the events had made every effort to put together a team of musicians from across the country, including Olamide, Wizkid, Inyanya, Donna Diva, among others, to entertain staff, families and friends in the spirit of Nigeria’s 53rd Independence Anniversary celebration.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.