News
Rivers Leaders Laud Wike’s Dev Vision
Prominent leaders of Rivers State have commended the development vision of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
They were particularly excited that two of the three flyovers started in October, 2019, would be ready and open to vehicular traffic by December, 2020.
The Rivers’ leaders had joined the governor and the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Lars Richter, on inspection tour of the flyover projects in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.
They visited the Rebisi and the Rumuola flyover project sites to see the extent of work done.
The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said Governor Wike has demonstrated prudence in financial spending, and was never deterred by the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic.
“This Rebisi flyover has completely transformed the skyline of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. It is a project like no other.
“God has made it possible, and it is happening in our tenure. In the midst of Covid-19 pandemic and other economic issues, the governor has prudently used available financial resources to achieve this feat.
“He has ensured excellence. As he promised, this is one of five flyovers, and it will be completed this year. This is a major landmark success,” she stated.
Also speaking, the former governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, noted that Wike has continued to push for more economical, political and infrastructural growth of the state.
“He is doing something quite different from what previous administrations did. To make a mark, you have to create something different.
“The bridge on which we are standing is part of the kind of development that will attract investors because it will ease movement.
“He promised Rivers people to provide infrastructure, and promote human capital development among other concerns. He is achieving them.
“His choice of construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, also tells of the quality of projects he wants to deliver to Rivers people.
“We are also happy for the favourable court judgement that has affirmed that Rivers State Government owns the OML 11. This is a milestone that will impact positively on the economy of the state,” he asserted.
On his part, former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, commended the boldness of the governor in repositioning the state for economic prosperity.
“I am absolutely impressed with what is on ground. You could dislike Governor Wike but not his projects. They are purposeful, and if you hate the projects, it means you hate Rivers people.
“We are seeing these five flyovers, and it is unimaginable. No other state deserves more flyovers than Rivers State. We have, over the years, since Rivers State was created, had narrow and single lane flyovers.
“But he came with a vision that this state must get what it deserves. And I am very glad at that. Being on this flyover, today, tells me that the vision is correct”, he declared.
Also in his remarks, the former Commissioner for Education, Alwell Onyesoh, opined that the governor has prepared the state to welcome true investors.
“I am happier being a Rivers man. Rivers State can compete with Lagos State in terms of purposeful infrastructure rightly developed.
“This governor has done well. A lot of people say so much is done in Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt. For me, they are being political; like telling the truth by half. We need development and it comes gradually.
“With his urban renewal programme, and taking development in phases, people will have the feeling that this is a place to be and do business.
“A previous administration built monorail, and people had so much expectation on it. This is ten years after, it is lying useless, and funds wasted.
“But the Wike administration has spent less than that and it is useful. If he develops Port Harcourt, and another does other areas, in no time, everywhere will be developed,” he said.
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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