News
RSG Deplores Artisanal Refining, Crude Oil Theft
The Rivers State Government says the issue of artisanal refining and crude oil theft has become a serious menace with glaring impact on the environment and inhabitants.
The state Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this during a stake holder’s consultative engagement on Modular Refineries at the Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
According to Banigo, the situation at hand is multifaceted and requires a multidimensional approach, noting that the state government under the watch of Governor Nyesom Wike initiated various measures to curtail the menace.
This, she said, includes the inauguration of a high powered technical committee of technocrats saddled with the responsibility of carrying out scientific investigation and proffer necessary abatement measures.
Banigo said government in alliance with security apparatus also deployed necessary actions against the operators, with laudable campaign programmes put in place.
The deputy governor, however, regretted that, the effect of these approaches was relatively slow due to the huge scale of diverse interest.
Banigo stressed that the state government have refused to relent but to explore more avenues in ending this crisis and save our environment because government was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of the Rivers people.
“To this end, based on the Federal Government pronouncement in 2016 on the establishment of the modular refining process and its readiness to encourage and support equity participation of the state government and registered local cooperatives.
“His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike considered the vast benefits of this scheme and has approved its implementation in the state. He also directed the commencement of necessary actions for the realization of this scheme in the state”, Banigo further stressed.
The deputy governor, who expressed the hope that the meeting would robustly explore possible areas of strategies on how to put in place a well-coordinated and feasible process on the implementation of the scheme disclosed that the scheme is designed to be entrepreneurial driven.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Igbiks Tamuno, said the project would address the root of the Port Harcourt soot problem.
The meeting had chairmen and members of the state House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Energy, Commissioners as well as local government chairmen in attendance.
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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