News
NGO Commends Akpabio’s Development Strides
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Global Integrity and Justice Network, Rivers State Chapter has expressed satisfaction with the developmental strides of Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement, the president of the body, Uduak Patrick Ekanem and the Secretary, Mr. Owoidihe Abasi said the people of Akwa-Ibom at home and abroad are very proud of his administration, and enjoined him to keep the flag-flying.
According to the statement, the construction of an International Airport, rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, the multi-purpose Governor’s Lodge, scholarship to indigenes, the access roads, intra-city taxi scheme, world class tropicana centre, the flyovers, potable water schemes, electricity projects, school libraries and the micro-credit scheme are among projects the Governor had so far embarked upon.
It stated that the peace loving people of Akwa Ibom State would continue to support him on his human and infrastructural development aimed at transforming the state into near haven.
“Global Integrity watch therefore is a special way commend Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio and his deputy, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu for transforming Akwa Ibom State from a civil service economy into a model vibrant economy”.
The statement further said that they should not be deterred by activities of opposition, describing him as a square peg in a square hole.
The organisation also lauded the law-makers from Akwa Ibom in the National Assembly for their selfless, tireless, dynamic and selfless sacrifice to our dear country Nigeria and Akwa Ibom state in particular, adding that they salute their doggedness and cooperation with the Governor to move the state to greater heights.
“Their joint efforts in initiating and executing people- oriented programme for the state has brought about renewed sense of unity among the people”, the statement said, and enjoined them to maintain the spirit.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
