Nation
FG Assures On Adequate Logistics, Equipment For Military
The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, has reiterated the federal government’s resolve to continue to provide adequate logistics and equipment for the armed forces to perform their assigned tasks.
Magashi gave the assurance at the Independence Dinner for members of the Armed Forces, organised by the Defence Headquarters on Saturday in Abuja.
He commended the military for the effort so far in ensuring that peace returned to every part of the country.
He also said that President Muhammadu Buhari would continue to ensure that welfare and wellbeing of personnel were adequately taken care of.
“I must assure you that your sacrifices to our dear nation are well noted by the federal government.
“Your interest remains uppermost in his heart and will continue to ensure that you are provided with necessary tools to efficiently execute assigned tasks.
“The Ministry of Defence will sustain it’s support through the provision of adequate logistics and equipment that would assist you in restoring peace to our dear nation,” he said.
The minister, however, urged the military to always maintain the highest level of professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional mandate of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.
He commended the armed forces for sustaining the culture of military regimentation by organising the dinner, urging the military high command to make it an annual event.
“I will like to appreciate the commendable role played by the Armed Forces in the preservation and security of our fatherland from Independence to date.
“The spectacular achievements of the security agencies in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, militancy and banditry, amongst others, are well recognised and appreciated.
“While defending our country against all forms of threats, you are sometimes exposed to daunting challenges.
“Many have paid the supreme price in the line of duty while some others survive with varying degrees of injuries and incapacitation,” he said.
Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapher, said that the military personnel had continue to make sacrifices for Nigeria to become a letter place.
Mustapha commended the officers and soldiers for their commitment to one and indivisible Nigeria.
The independence anniversary dinner was organised to honour members of the armed forces who had distinguished themselves in their military career, especially in war fronts.
No fewer than 24 personnel comprising 12 officers, including the Late Lt.-Col. Abuh Ali and 12 soldiers, were honoured for gallantry and professionalism at the event.
The Rivers state Government has identified six local government areas with the highest burden of maternal and Neonatal mortality in the state.
State Commissioner for Health Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh said this in an interview with newsmen at the Maternal and Neonatal Reduction innovation initiative ( Mamii)Rivers state activation workshop and state engagement meeting in Port Harcourt.
The event was organized by The Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with its Rivers state counterpart in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh also restated the preparedness of the state government to support current efforts by the federal government towards the reduction of maternal and infant mortalities in the country.
She mentioned the affected Local Government Areas to include, Andoni,Akuku Toru and Ahoada West
The rest according to the Commissioner are, Bonny, Etche and Emohua Local Government Areas.
She said the workshop will enable the team from the federal ministry of health and social welfare to brainstorm with the view to finding solution to the problem.
The Commissioner also gave reasons why the Mamii initiative was the best as far as finding solution to maternal mortality was concerned.
“The uniqueness of the Mamii initiative driven by the federal ministry of health and social welfare was that we used evidence to elicit the reasons for this deaths, so that the solutions will be context specific and tailored to the particular environment where those deaths are occuring
“For us in Rivers state we have six Mamii LGAs , nationally we we have 172 local government areas “the Commissioner said.
Earlier in her opening remarks,Dr Oreh said the state government is prepared to work with the federal ministry of health and social welfare to check the rate of maternal mortality in the state.
She commended The Minister of Health and Social welfare Professor Ali Muhammad Pategi for driving the Mamii initiative across the country and expressed optimism that the programm will see to the end of maternal mortality in the country.
Also speaking the National Coordinator Nigeria health sector Renewal Initiative Dr Adam Ahmed said Rivers state is the last state among Mamii states in the country to host the team.
He said the team will visit the affected Local Government Areas with the view to interacting with the people on how to check the trend.
He expressed the hope that with continuous efforts, maternal mortality will be checked.
Also speaking the permanent secretary Rivers state Ministry of Health Professor Justinah Jumbo said the government is not leaving any stone unturned towards reduction in maternal deaths.
The permanent secretary said Governor Siminalaye Fubara is a health friendly Governor who is desirous in improving the quality of health of Rivers people.
John Bibor
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rivers state has declared a one day fasting and prayer to seek divine intervention on the political crisis rocking the state.
The Association said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt.
State chairman of the Association,Most Rev. Dokiboeriya B. Kaladokubo said the fasting and prayer which holds February 5th at the Ecumenical center Abonnema wharf was in furtherance of the Association peace, advocacy, good governance and political stability in Rivers state.
He said the Association has observed with disappointment the dangerous trend and and gradual descent of governance in Rivers state into uncertainty and near oblivion, adding that the trend has exposed Rivers citizens to insecurity, economic hardship, loss of livelihood and the destruction of lives and property.
Kaladokubo said the association has also watched with dismay the unfolding political crisis in the state, stressing “what we see today is not merely a disagreement among political actors,it is a dangerous drift that threatens the very foundation of governance, peace, security and the collective well-being of our people”
According to him,”as the custodians of the spiritual and moral conscience of Rivers state,we can not remain silent while the state is pushed steadily towards chaos, institutional breakdown and avoidable suffering
“We are not oblivious of the fact that Rivers state like some other states in the federation often experience tension between the Executive and the Legislature “adding”when disagreement escalate they can hinder governance, delay budgets ,erode public trust and impede peaceful, constructive development”
The Christian body stressed the need for parties involved in the conflict to seek for peaceful resolution, stressing that as Christians and children of God “we should seek the path of peace and reconciliation as Christ Himself taught us”it said
The Association further encourage the both arms of government to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and prioritize good governance in Rivers state
“We also advised all the parties in these conflict to call their supporters to exercise restraint in all their utterances and de-escalate tension in the interest of peace in Rivers state ”
CAN also described as disturbing the role some elder statesmen and individuals in the state have played and continue to play in the crisis when they should have serve as voices of wisdom, restraint and unity
“Rather than guiding the process towards peace, some have taken sides,fueled division and encouraged instability becoming more dangerous than those currently holding power”,it said.
John Bibor
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