Niger Delta

Tinapa Resort Trades $48m Goods

Published

13 years ago

February 6, 2012

Goods worth more than 48 million dollars were sold and bought at the Tinapa Resort, Nigeria’s Premier Business and Leisure Resort located in Adiabo, near Calabar in Cross River.

The Managing Director of Tinapa Resort, Mr Bassey Ndem, gave the figure in a statement in Calabar last Thursday.

Ndem who reacted on how far the multi-million Naira business outfit fared since it came on stream in 2007 also said that the outfit had also provided employment, enhanced economic activities and earned revenue for the government.

He said, “The fact is that goods worth an estimated 48 million dollars have been traded through Tinapa in recent times.

“This is with the attendant benefits in employment, enhanced economic activities and as a source of revenue generation for the Federal Government

“Indeed, as part of the Cross River Government’s support and endorsement of Tinapa, a World Class International Conference Centre (CICC) is presently being built in Tinapa to further drive business and leisure traffic.”

Ndem also said that the resort’s Water Park, easily the largest in Africa, was now self-sustaining and functioning daily.

“The 242 rooms Tinapa Lakeside Hotel has 24 hours uninterrupted power supply and is experiencing record occupancy levels.

“ The Games Arcade, which parades an enviable array of fun packed game machines and equipment has become a haven for fun loving kids and continued to attract large patronage from leisure seekers.

“Tradewinds duty free market located at Emporium ‘D’ offers unlimited trade opportunities for partnership/affiliations on a wide range of international brands/franchise.

“T-mart duty free market houses world-class retail goods, garments, electronic goods, household utensils imported from international renowned brands from various continents.

“With its imposing 10,000 square meters space, T-mart is the largest international super store in West Africa parading goods of very high international standards at unbelievable rock bottom prices.’’

Ndem also said that well known international brands, such as Vlisco, Da-viva, which had been in Tinapa for the past four years had been trading and expanding business outlets in Tinapa.

He further said, “New tenants are continuing to register with the Free Trade Zone and are taking up shops.

“As at last month, Today’s Choice, Agapegil, an international wholesale distributor company based in the United Kingdom became our latest tenant.

“Tinapa occupied a unique position among free trade Zones in Nigeria and is very strategic in Africa as an attractive business hub for international investors interested in doing bulk business in Africa.

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.