Connect with us

Niger Delta

A’Ibom Govt Wants NDDC To Deliver Quality Projects

Published

9 years ago

on

Akwa Ibom Govern
ment has urged the management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to strengthen its project monitoring and evaluation unit to ensure quality projects delivery.
The state Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, gave the advice in Uyo when the Senate Committee on NDDC and Amnesty Programme paid him a courtesy visit in Government House.
Ekpo called on the commission to take stock of its projects in the state and ensure speedy completion of all ongoing and abandoned projects executed by the commission.
“From NDDC records, we are told that 829 projects were listed for execution in Akwa Ibom since 2010.
“We should know where these projects are located; are they completed and what are their statuses?
“We think that NDDC should always cross-check with the state government on projects execution, to avoid unnecessary duplication.”
He said that Akwa Ibom contributed 40 per cent of the oil wealth accruing to the country and as such, the state deserved better treatment.
Ekpo also requested proper integration of ex-militants from Akwa Ibom into the Amnesty Programme of the Federal Ggovernment.
He thanked the Senate Committee on NDDC for the tour of projects in the state and expressed the hope that after the visit, Akwa Ibom would be treated better.
Earlier in his speech, the Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC and Amnesty Programme, Sen. Peter Nwaobosi, said that the committee was in the state to assess the impact of NDDC.
“We are here to see what had happened since 2000 that NDDC was established.
“As the representatives of the people, we are here to find out whether the people are happy; whether the money spent on NDDC had been well utilised for the benefit of the people.
“We are here as partners in the development of the Niger Delta Region,” Nwaobosi said.
Nwaobosi promised to report back to the Senate his experiences after inspection of NDDC projects in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the Senate Committee on NDDC was accompanied on the visit by the agency’s Acting Managing Director, Mrs Ibim Semenitari.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

6 days ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

6 days ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

6 days ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Trending