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Abia Prays For Yar’Adua
Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Mercy Odochi Orji, has called on Abians to pray for the peace of the state as well unity and stability of governments at all levels in the country.
Mrs Orji made the call at a special, inter-denominational prayer summit she organised in conjunction with Abia Prayer Network to commit the state and Nigeria to God’s care this year. The prayer through which Abians also sought the quick recovery of President Umar Musa Yar’Adua by divine intervention was held at the Orji Uzor Kalu township stadium in Umuahia, the state capital.
The Abia First Lady described prayer as the key to unlock God’s kindness for mankind, adding that it was a pre-condition for achieving success in life.
”Pray for peace of our state, unity and stability in governance. We should always seek God’s guidance at all times,” she told the congregation at the stadium.
She reminded the citizenry that Abia was the only state they could call their own, saying “we should join hands to make it better.”
In his sermon taken from Second Kings 6:24-31, Elder Godwin Iroka of the Assemblies of God Church, said that ministers of God in the state have the onerous responsibility of interceding for Abia to move God to intervene and save it from the forces of darkness and other problems.
”The interpretation and solution of the problems of Abia State lie in the hands of Men of God. If they continue to keep quiet, the problems will persist,” he said, adding that “God is more than able to solve all problems facing Abia State. God is going to deliver Abia.”
Iroka noted that though the world was full of battles which have given rise to troubles in families, strife among nations, God fights for His children.
Highlights of the prayer session included prayers for President Umar Musa Yar’Adua’s recovery, the peace and stability of Nigeria, and Abia State in particular as well as the well-being of all those in positions of trust, prophetic declarations by 17 ministers of God.
Bishop Goddy Okarfor, Chairman of Abia State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria, Methodist Bishop of Uzuakoli, Bishop Ekeleme and Bishop of Holy Ghost Day Bible Church, Bishop Chikezie Elekwa, attended the special prayer meet which also featured musical renditions by popular gospel artiste, Chinedu Nwadike.
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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