News
MPP9: EU Plans N9.2bn Projects In N’Delta
The Micro Project Programme 9 (MPP9) of the European Union (EU) for the nine states in the Niger Delta is to gulp the sum of N9.2 billion.
The Head of Delegation of the European Commission in Nigeria, Mr Ramon Maria Reigada Granda who said this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rivers State Government said that the programme would be implemented in the nine states of the Niger Delta to support better governance and to contribute to the eradication of poverty in the region.
Mr Granda further said that the programme is being managed by the National Planning Commission in partnership with the European Commission delegation in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the present MPP9 programme is an extension of the MPP3 and MPP6 programmes stressing that while the MPP3 which covers Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states ended in September 2006, that of MPP6 which covers Cross River, Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Imo, Edo and Ondo states ended in May, 2008.
The head of delegation also said that the commission executed 279 micro projects in Rivers State at the cost of N830 million in the areas of income generating activities, water, education, access paths, jetties, transport and health.
In his words, “the aim of the programme is to encourage reforms and community participation and to invite local government and state authorities to provide more service delivery in terms of basic infrastructure.
“Also to facilitate the creation of income generating activities, promote gender equity and community empowerment.”
In his address, the Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr Shamsudeen Usman said that the programme is targeted at poverty reduction in the rural and sub-urban communities in the nine Niger Delta States, through the promotion of gender equality and participation in local governance and development as well as promote transparency and accountability in local government administration.
The minister who was represented by Abraham Taiwo, an assistant director in the commission also said that the programme would provide access to basic facilities in health, education, water supply and sanitation and roads.
The Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi signed on behalf of the Rivers State Government.
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.
-
News2 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics4 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News4 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News2 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports4 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Politics4 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Niger Delta2 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Politics4 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries