News
Pursue Post Amnesty With Speed -Yoruba Community
The Yoruba Community in Rivers State has called on the federal government to pursue the post amnesty programme with spend to realize the gains offered by the exercise.
Presidents of Yoruba Community Council in Rivers State, Chief Adewal Solagbade gave the advice yesterday when executive members of the body paid the State Governor a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Chief Solagbade, who commended the federal government for the success recorded so far in the amnesty deal in the Niger Delta, also lauded the ex-militants for embracing the amnesty and urged them to be tolerant by giving peace a chance.
He said development cannot be achieved without a peaceful environment anchored on law and order, noting that while government has a big role to play, the community and individuals equally need to play their legitimate part to guarantee success.
The leaders of the Yourba Community used the opportunity to thank the government and the people of Rivers State for making them feel at home as they have never experienced any form of discrimination in any part of the state.
Chief Solagbade also commended Governor Chibuike Amaechi for pursuing polices that are beneficial to the generality of people in the state, adding that his quick action approach to governance which has resulted in rapid infrastructural development in the state has earned him an award by the Yoruba Community.
He explained that the visit, which coincided with their weeklong activity, would be used to present the award in addition to other events and formally invited him to attend.
Responding, the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi thanked the Yoruba Community in the State for remaining peaceful and law abiding, especially for remaining during the period of the security challenges in the state.
Governor Amarechi said his government is working hard to make everyone that resides in the state feel proud and have a sense of belonging like the Lagosians do.
The State Governor assured them of the willingness of the state government to partner with the members of the Yoruba Community and to assist them achieve their set objectives while urging them to continue to live peacefully with their neighbours as government would ensure the safety of lives and property.
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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