News
KAGOTE Canvasses For Peace In Ogu/Bolo
A Pan-Ogoni elitist and leadership organization, KAGOTE has sued for peace between the people of Ekporo in Eleme and Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Areas of Rivers State following the dispute between the two communities that have claimed lives.
In a statement issued at the end of its inaugural meeting at Ogale in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, the organization condemned the gruesome murder of a serving councillor of Eleme and others in the course of the conflict.
KAGOTE said; “We condemn in strong terms the gruesome murder of a serving councillor representing Ekporo Ward of Eleme and others that have lost their lives as a result of the crises and sympathise with families that fled their homes for safety”.
While calling on the state government through the boundary committee and relevant security agencies to quickly wade into the dispute, the organization maintained that the crisis was capable of retarding development in the area if not checked.
“We therefore call on the Rivers State government through the state boundary committee and other relevant security agencies to act fast as to forestall the escalation of the crises.”
On the non-implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoni land, the organization stated that a committee that will articulate its position to President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the National Assembly has been set up.
“We frown at the non-implementation of the UNEP report in view of the suffering of the people of Ogoni land two years after it was submitted. Consequently, we have set up a committee to do a position letter to the President and the National Assembly.”
To enhance greater unity among the people of Ogoni, the organization proposed a periodic convocation of a General Assembly, which will serve as a forum for interface among socio-political, economic, religious, traditional, and non-governmental organizations in Ogoniland.
Speaking during the inaugural meeting, the KAGOTE President, Dr. Peter Medee said, the organization would embark on genuine reconciliatory moves by reaching out to perceive aggrieved persons, groups, corporate bodies, warring Ogoni communities and neighbouring communities to Ogoniland.
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.
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