Niger Delta

Diri To Complete Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road Project

Published

2 years ago

October 18, 2023

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said by next year when the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road is completed, the people of Southern Ijaw will drive cars to their local government headquarters, Oporoma, for the first time.
He stated this, last Thursday, at Ekowe Community when he paid courtesy visit on the Ibenanawei of Bomo Clan, King Joshua Igbugburu, and other paramount rulers of the kingdom who gathered at the palace.
He also said his administration would award the contract for the construction of the next phase of the project from Aguobiri to Eniwari community.
“For us, Bomo Clan is our home because this is not the first time we are coming for your royal blessings. You have been very kind to us. We came to receive your blessings as usual. You are one king who has held on to God firmly and we want to continue to wish you a successful reign.
“In almost four years of our administration, we have embarked on projects that touch lives, particularly the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road, which everyone is happy about. We needed to fast-track development of the state.
“When you give me your mandate for a second term, by next year we will drive to Oporoma because that is the target given to us. Thereafter, we will also award the next phase of the project from Aguobiri to Eniwari community”, he said.
The Governor said his passion for providing road infrastructure was borne out of the need to accelerate the pace of development of the state, particularly in the rural areas and improve the living standards of the people.
At the palace, Diri offered scholarship to Princess Diseye Tombie to university level after the young girl did a beautiful presentation on the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road and other projects of the Prosperity Administration.
In his remarks, spokesman of the Bomo Council of Chiefs, Dr Sample Koko, commended the Governor for his developmental strides and assured him and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, of victory in the November 11 polls.
Governor Diri and his Deputy received royal blessings from King Igbugburu, just as they were each presented a copy of the Bible.
Diri also laid the foundation of a new palace for the monarch.
Addressing a mammoth crowd at the campaign rally ground, the state’s helmsman expressed gratitude to the people for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage.
He disclosed that as part of the constituency’s projects for Ekowe, a 500KVA generator set was provided to light up the community.
“We are interested in your development and we have demonstrated that through our legacy projects and programmes.
“During last year’s flood, we came here to sympathise with you and gave you support to alleviate your plight. But members of the opposition that are campaigning now, did you see them here?
“For five years that Timipre Sylva was Governor of this state and his four years as Minister of State for Petroleum, did he think about you or the Central Senatorial Road?
“Instead he was in his comfort zone while we were there for you. So we expect you to reciprocate our gesture by giving us your mandate for another term”, he said.
Also, Director General of the Bayelsa PDP Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Mitema Obordor, urged the people to support the Diri and Ewhrudjakpo ticket because the Governor has introduced a new political order that brought about peace, unity and development in the state.
Addressing chiefs, elders, women and youths of Igbomotoru Federated Communities 1 and 2, Diri said he had directed that solar lights be installed in the communities.
He further stated that the community’s town hall accommodating flood victims be completed before the end of this month and that work on the approved concrete roads would commence soon.
Former House of Representatives member for Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Henry Ofongo, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Local Government, Nigeria Kia, and the Bayelsa Central PDP Vice Chairman, Wisdom Nathan, said the community had always supported PDP and it will be the same on November 11.
At Peremabiri, Diri stressed the need for the people to work with government to promote peace and good governance.
The campaign trail also visited Opuama and Eniwari Communities.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

16 hours 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

16 hours 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

16 hours 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.