News
Traders, HOMEF Lament Oil Pollution On Fisheries
Some fishermen and traders in Rivers State have lamented the impact of oil pollution and artisanal refining activities on the fishing industry and the environment.
They complained that the activities of illegal refinery operators have negatively affected fishing in Rivers State, warning that if nothing was done to stop illegal activities of oil bunkerers, there may soon be no more fishes in the rivers for human consumption.
They made this complaint at a dialogue forum put together by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), a non-governmental organization (NGO), in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The stakeholders argued that the devastating pollution as a result of illegal oil refining in the state has affected fishing activities, and stressing that they were now finding it very difficult to sustain their livelihoods.
“This ‘Kpor’ fire is making the fishermen to be very poor, today. A fisherman cannot train his children again; he cannot feed very well because he can hardly make enough money from his hitherto lucrative occupation.
“We want the state governor to intervene and stop this “Kpor” fire problem. It is affecting our fishing business negatively,” they complained.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the interactive forum, a renowned environmental rights activist and Executive Director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, regretted that the activities of artisanal refinery operators have devastated aquatic lives in Rivers State.
Bassey warned that there was huge devastation in the waterways in Rivers State, and called for urgent action to avert the threatening future danger.
“We are having what we call the fish-net dialogue, which is a community dialogue concerning fish, and the impact of oil extraction on fisheries, a situation where communities sit down to discuss issues concerning their environment, how their water and activities were in the past and to look at what has brought about the difference.
“So, we have been looking at pollution, effect of pollution on fisheries, effect of gas flaring, effect of offshore drilling, and the people have agreed that we were better off, if we protect our environment to make sure we have fish and not just depend on oil,” Bassey added.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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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