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Think Beyond Oil, PANDEF Tasks N’Delta Stakeholders
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has tasked state governments and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta to think beyond oil, and work out sustainable livelihoods for the people of the region.
The National Chairman of the forum, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien said this, yesterday, in Port Harcourt during the official opening of the Rivers State office and the inauguration of the 23 local government chapters of the forum.
Essien, who was the former Senate deputy chief whip, said the era of oil would soon be over as electric engines were being developed to replace combustible ones.
He also commended the interim administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) for refocusing the minds of some ex-agitators away from the oil economy.
The PANDEF national chairman also commended some governors in the region for putting in place programmes that would ensure sustainable livelihood for their people.
He, however, stressed the need for all state governments in the region, interventionist agencies and civil society organisations to synchronise their activities with that of the forum to ensure the speedy development of the Niger Delta.
Also speaking, Founder of Belema Oil Producing Limited and the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Tein Jackrich, described PANDEF as the authentic voice of the Niger Delta.
Jackrich, who was represented by Dr. Harrison Gaga, said the company would sustain its support for the forum to enable it continue to champion the course of the Niger Delta region.
Earlier, the state Chairman of PANDEF, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (rtd), said the ideals and objectives of the forum were to promote the peace and unity of the Niger Delta.
“I believe we all choose to be here because of our shared passion for the region, the people; and our desire to be part of efforts to change the damning narratives”, he said.
Minimah also said that in the coming months, “we will do our best to build on the events of today, and endeavour to entrench PANDEF at the grassroots with the message of unity, peace and development”.
He said the office would provide the leadership with a comfortable environment to reach out to all stakeholders in the state.
By: John Bibor &
Oribim Ibama
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.
