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RSG, World Bank, EU Flag Off Micro Projects In Rivers Community
Rivers State Government, in conjunction with the World Bank/European Union (EU) has flagged off the construction of two micro projects in Omuisia, Elele in the Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The projects include, a 200-capacity civic centre and a water borehole.
The Director, Community Driven Development Social Project Implementation Unit (CDDS-PIU), Ministry of Chieftaincy/Community Affairs, State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) Project, Sir ThankGod Amaewhule, said SEEFOR Projects were meant to improve the lot of the poorest of the poor communities in the state.
Amaewhule, who represented both the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu and his Chieftaincy/Community Affairs counterpart, said Omuisia Community in Elele was among the 350 communities that applied for the project.
“The SEEFOR Rivers CDDS- PIU (MCCA), which is an agency of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is saddled with the responsibility of putting smiles on the faces of the inhabitants of the remotest and poorest of the poor communities.
“It is believed that the micro projects we are launching today will definitely enhance the living standard of the rural dwellers in this remotest and poorest community when completed”, he said.
The CDDS-PIU Project director urged the people to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring the completion of the project on time.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Omuisia, Elele Community, Eze Mike Elechi, said the projects would enhance the living conditions of the people.
Elechi, who was represented at the occasion by Mr. Ugochukwu Enyindah, assured that the project would be completed within six weeks.
Earlier, the Chairman, Community Project Management Committee (CPMC), Omuisia, Elele, Mr. Wonah Iheanacho, thanked the state government and the World Bank for the project.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of a cheque of N2,254,500,000.00, representing 30 per cent first trench payment for the project to the community.
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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