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Flood:RSG Deplores Relief Diversion
The Rivers State Government has warned community leaders against diverting relief materials meant for flood victims in their area, warning that any person caught in such act will face the wrath of the law.
Chairman of the Rivers State Flood Relief Committee and Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru gave the warning Monday when he embarked on an inspection tour of relief camps in Ahoada- East Local Government Area.
Engr Ikuru noted that the committee has received reports on some community leaders who are being accused of shortchanging their people,” from henceforth, any community leaders found diverting relief materials meant for flood victims would be made to face the full wrath of the law.’’
The deputy governor assured that the state government was poised to tackling the plight of victims hence the frequent visits by the committee to get first-hand information of their condition.
He then urged the flood victims to cooperate with those managing the camps, and challenged the camp chaperons to live up to their billings and avoid acts capable of endangering the lives of thousand of people displaced by the ravaging floods.
He assured that more relief materials would be sent to them, saying that the Committee had already taken stock of their needs and pledged to respond adequately and make necessary changes.
In a related development, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikuru has ordered the immediate closure of Community Secondary School, Ula-Upata in Ahoada- East Local Government Area in order to house some flood victims in the area.
Commenting on the development, Ikuru said,” it is not our wish to close down the school temporarily but the health of the people is more paramount to us as a government; as such this camp would be relocating to the secondary school latest tomorrow’’(Tuesday).
On his part, Chairman of Ahoada-East Local Government Area, Mr. Cassidy Ikegbidi expressed appreciation to the state government for its efforts in cushioning the pains of flood victims in the area.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr.Nyema Weli hinted that already, an assessment of the camps’ environment had been made, and promised that quick measures are being put in place to address those challenges.
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.
