News
‘Amaechi, Most Performing Gov’
Yenagoa-based Niger Delta Development Monitoring and Corporate Watch (NIDDEMCOW), a non-political group, says it has concluded its independent monitoring of people-oriented projects being embarked upon by Niger Delta Governors, declaring Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the most performing governor in the region.
The Executive Director of NIDDEMCOW, Comrade Nengi James in a statement, also listed Akwa Ibom and Edo States as performing above average.
According to the statement, the group’s project monitoring team was drawn from various professional disciplines and they visited Cross River, Edo, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa States where they carried out on the spot evaluation and performances assessment on projects on ground.
NIDDEMCOW considered the performance of the various state governments according to budget implementation and funds received from the federal allocations including internal revenue accruing to the states as well as ascertained the claim in the media by various governments in the region.
The group’s fact-findings were based on on-going and completed projects that relate to urban development, infrastructures, rural development on decentralisation, investment opportunities, employment and wealth creation and educational empowerments.
After a careful analysis of the facts, the group found Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Edo as top on projects performances and fair accountability on their budgets implementation, but called on governors to avoid using friends, cronies and incompetent companies in contract execution. NIDDEMCOW, however, frowned at lack of transparency and inappropriate use of the 13% oil funds, which according to it is responsible for suspicion between the public and the government of various states in Niger Delta.
We believe that most of the Niger Delta people does not know what the government is doing with the public fund particularly the 13% and this has made many turn against their governments as they do not see the benefits of the Federal allocations accruing to their states,” the statement added. Meanwhile, the group commended Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Edo, states for their developmental efforts and urged state governments in the region to take projects to the door steps of the common people at the grassroots as a way of reducing the poverty index in Niger Delta.
Though, the team did not visit Ondo state because of circumstances, it however called on the Ondo state government to emulate the good works and performances of Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and Edo states developmental stride.”
NIDDEMCOW noted that some of the state governments have well packaged policies and development agenda, but regretted thtat most of these polices and plan of action are never implemented practically to the satisfaction of the masses.
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.
