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NDDC Unveils Three Projects In Elele Barracks
The acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Christy Atako, has stressed the importance of security in the actualisation of the commission’s mandate and sustainable development of the nation.
Dr Atako stated this last Wednesday at the 343 Artillery Brigade, Elele Army Barracks in IKwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, while commissioning some projects executed by NDDC.
Noting that the job of the military could not be over–emphasised, the commission’s boss said that the projects were efforts aimed at making the barracks conducive and comfortable for the soldiers and their families.
“We take security very critical in our assignments and mandate. You have to be happy and safe to secure us”, she said.
The projects commissioned were 2.7km road valued at N243.4million, solar-powered streetlight valued at N100.7million and building rehabilitation executed at the cost of N148.78 million.
She also noted that NDDC recently donated 100 patrol vehicles to Nigeria police, assisted Nigerian Navy, and promised that the commission would continue to render assistance towards improving the standard of the security agencies especially in the Niger Delta region.
“Gone are the days when we have our security people living in dilapidated buildings. We go for the best for our soldiers”, she remarked.
She implored the authorities of the barracks to explore partnership potentials available by collaborating with other willing organisations in the area of improving their well-being, and commended them for the high level cooperation giving to the contractors in executing the contract.
The Commanding Officer, 343 Regiment, Lt Col. Muktar Adamu commended the commission for coming to the assistance of the barracks, explaining that they faced difficulties due to poor roads and accommodation, stressing that the facilities would enhance the living condition of the barracks community.
The commanding officer urged the commission to always keep its doors open and do more for them.
Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a plaque to the acting MD of the commission as a symbol of appreciation and remembrance of the event.
Earlier, same day, the commission had also commissioned Rigid Concrete Pavement at Timothy Crescent, Rumuola in Port Harcourt to ease heavy flooding challenges that affect the area.
Chris Oluoh
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.
