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Abuloma Chiefs Gear For Dev
The Chiefs and people of Abuloma Kingdom in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State have resolved to set aside their differences with a view to moving the community forward.
They also resolved to support their King to enable him move the community forward.
This was the outcome of a one-day leadership workshop with the theme: The Relationship between King And The Chiefs of Abuloma Kingdom”, in Port Harcourt.
Declaring the workshop open, the Amanyanabo of Abuloma, Brig-Gen. Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (rtd), Obeumomuodo of Abuloma Kingdom, said that, the workshop was part of the series of lectures lined up to build the capacities of the people of the kingdom.
The King, who went down memory lane, said that Abuloma, which is one of the ancient communities in the Niger Delta, has for centuries remained without a monarch despite series of chieftaincy classifications by commissions in the state.
According to him, “throughout the period of lack of centralized monarchical system, Abuloma metamorphosed from Amadapu to Warrant Chiefs to the council system where the Chairman of Council of Chiefs holds sway”.
He noted that, with the emergence of monarchy in the community, it now behoves on the people to embrace the change.
“Abuloma has embraced change and efforts must be put in place to encourage everybody to join forces in actualise this change in its practical sense,” he said.
In his address, the Okan-Ama of Ngo, Uboon U.D. Ngere, described “leadership as quality, a gift of God desired by many, violently and ambitiously pursued by many”.
Ngere said that, the relationship between the king and the Chiefs of a Kingdom should be cordial, never strained for a better and happy Kingdom to emerge.
“Leadership entails perseverance and effectiveness, so that the lives of a people in a kingdom would be affected positively”.
He expressed the hope that the workshop would be of great benefits to the King of Abuloma and his people as well as afford them the opportunity to improve the conditions of the Kingdom.
In his lecture, Chief Zeb Obipi Ogulacha, stressed the need for the King to integrate all segments of Abuloma Kingdom into his programme.
Obipi also warned against gossips and forming of cliques in the community.
Also in attendance was the Amanyanabo of Ogu, King Nicholas Biobele Loko 1X, the Chairman, Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs, Kalowolo S.K.T. amongst others.
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.
