News
Youth Body Okays Moves To Re-Open OML 25 …Hails RSG, SPDC
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter, has applauded the peaceful approach adopted by the Rivers State Government and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in engaging host communities of OML 25 for the re-opening of the flow station which has been shut down in the past two years now following alleged neglect and marginalization of the host communities by SPDC.
The apex youth body which made its position known while presenting its second quarterly progress report in Port Harcourt recently expressed satisfaction over the mature and responsible disposition of SPDC right from the onset in the rift between the company and the host communities of OML 25, particularly for promptly respecting the intervention of the Rivers State Government to broker peace among all stakeholders and facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the re-opening of the flow station.
The Chairman of the Employment and Empowerment Committee of the youth body, Engr. Darlington Ejekwu, who spoke on behalf of the members, said the signing of an MoU for the re-opening of the flow station’s operations was not only commendable but also timely, particularly in the face of prevailing security challenges and restiveness, stressing that the move would create jobs that would ultimately steer the youths away from social vices.
On his part, the Rivers State Chairman of NYCN, Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo reiterated that the accommodating disposition of SPDC in acceding to the demands of the host communities was a clear indication that the company places top priority on the infrastructural and human capital development of its host communities which ultimately improves the people’s livelihoods.
Ihunwo further applauded this model of conflict resolution initiated by the Rivers State Government and whole-heartedly embraced by SPDC which, according to him, conforms to international best practices as well as demonstrates the principles of good governance.
While advising other multinational companies operating in the state to adopt this approach, as a model of resolving disputes with host communities and stakeholders, he called on youths of the host communities and stakeholders of OML 25 to support this peace accord and initiative which he said would guarantee lasting peace, job creation and revenue for all tiers of government.
Similarly, the state executives of NYCN at the event unanimously applauded the efforts of the Employment and Empowerment Committee of the organisation, particularly for reaching out to companies regarding employment of Rivers youths, assuring that the youths would only support and protect the corporate interest of companies that are youth-employment friendly in the state.
Donatus Ebi
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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