News
Children’s Day: Govt Sues For Peace, Security
Adults were reminded of their early days at school, as they watched children from various schools across the state, participate in a match pass organised by the state government, through the Ministry of Social Welfare and rehabilitation to mark the 2012 edition of National Children’s Day.
The Federal Government in its wisdom, decided to fix Monday, the 28th May, 2012 for the march past.
It was the climax of a week long programme for the 2012 Children’s Day Celebration in Rivers State, with a theme “Let’s Build a Culture of Peace and Security for the Nigerian Child”.
Delivering his address, the Honourable Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Joe P. Poromon described the theme for this year’s celebration: as a wake-up call to all stakeholders to a collective effort of making peace and security foundations for the all-round development of the Nigerian child.
He called on all, to use the occasion to renew their love and commitment to the children and assure them of protection.
“The children are a vulnerable group, prone to various forms of evil, we must protect them from exploitation, trafficking neglect, abandonment, street hawking, kidnapping, terrorism, child labour, rape and other forms of abuse. We must also not forget the orphans among them”, he said.
Highlights of the occasion, were the awards of trophies to outstanding winners in the debates and the march past, in junior and senior categories.
Seed of Wisdom School Rumuigbo Port Harcourt, State School Odiokwu in Ahoada, CSS Amadi-Amadi and Pace Setters Missionary School, went home with trophies while the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) and FSP Schools were among those that also went home with trophies in the junior category.
Activities carried out in the week included special church service; an inter-demominational Service at the Royal House of Grace. A discusion programme on the Rivers State Television with the Hon. Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, and the Director, Child Welfare as the guests.
Also witnessed was a facility tour/excursion by children to Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Garden City Radio as well as a debate by children from different schools in the Ministry of Justice’s Conference Hall, and Special Radio/TV broadcast on Radio Rivers, NTA and RSTV.
Advocacy visits were also paid to Her Excellency, the wife of the Executive Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, and the Chairman Council of Traditional Rulers in Rivers State.
Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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.
-
News23 hours ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics3 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News3 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News1 day ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports3 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Politics3 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics3 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries
-
Politics3 days agoEx-IGP Defects To SDP After APC Primary Fiasco