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N’Delta Youths Plan Award For Yar’Adua, Jonathan
Youths of Niger Delta region have concluded plans to honour the President of Nigeria, Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua with an award of Excellence in peace for his ability to resolve the crisis situation in the region through the amnesty programme.
The youths in a letter sent to the Presidency said both the President, and his Vice deserve a golden Trophy award on their roles in conflict resolution through a non-violent means as against violent and confrontational approach.
The regional youths under the aupiecs of Niger Delta Youth Coalition (NDYC) and South South Youth Assembly for Non violence (SYAFNV) said they have been in the fore front of peace campaign from early 2005 without the government support but are delighted with the non violent approach of the present administration to resolve the problem.
They noted that the non violent strategy of the government has not only brought about peace but have improved on the revenue of the nation which has slided over the years as a result of the crisis and militancy in the region.
Coordinator of NDYC, Prince Emmanuel Ogba and SSYAFNU Nwuke Ugochukwu in a letter sent to the presidency said the award is planned to be given to the presidency and his vice on 29th October 2009.
The letter dated 13th October 2008 which was sent to the pre-residency and made available to the press said the award their humble appreciation to the efforts of the president and his vice on the crisis that has beclouded the region stressing that no meaningful development can be achieved on the region without peace.
The two youth organizations further congratulated the Nine Niger Delta Governors, the Adviser to the president on Niger Delta, Chief Timi Alaibe for their efforts in ensuring that peace return to the troubled region.
Prince Emmanuel Ogba of NDYC specifically thanked the militant groups in the region for respecting the amnesty proposal of Mr President emphaissing that the entire world is delighted with president Yar’Adua for his fatherly and peaceful disposition.
The two youth organizations further congratulated the Nine Niger Delta Governors, the Adviser to the president on Niger Delta, Chief Timi Alaibe for their efforts in ensuring that peace return to the troubled region.
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.
