News
RSG Outlaws Hawking In PH …Warns Butchers
Determined to clear the city of Port Harcourt and its environ of all forms of trading, the State Ministry of Environment, has outlawed all forms of hawking in the city, by the end of February.
The commissioner for Environment, Hon. Chinda, who gave this indication shortly after this week’s sanitation exercise in all public places, said all mobile traders within the city are to vacate the high ways by the end of February, stressing, the conduct is unlawful, dangerous and unhealthy and should not be part of our society.
The commissioner also said stiff measures awaited anyone who liters, saying that anyone caught litering would be arrested by the newly formed Rivgreen Marshalls who are now patrolling the streets of the city on the look out for defaulters.
On the refuse evacuation challenges facing traders and transporters after the weekly clean-up exercise, Chinda appealed for understanding, saying it is because we are transiting to a new order, but by February the problem would be resolved and the transition would be visible.
He said that in the interim interventions are ongoing to evacuate the refuse, reiterating that new contractors are being engaged to carry out mechanical refuse disposal and desilting jobs.
The commissioner also noted the insanitary condition of Rumuodamanya abattoir, and said that government had warned the butchers to desist from using tyres to roast meat a process that is not healthy. “We can not sacrifice the lives of our people and our own, especially where they have refused governments assistance”, he added.
Chief Environmental Health Officer, Stowe Opuene, who was in the monitoring team, while speaking to the butchers advised them to improve on the sanitary condition of the abattoir by flooring the place and always use aprons.
Some of the places visited were the Emenike Abattoir, Eloabuchi and Mile 3 Timber Markets, Mile 3 Mechanic Village and Mile I Market.
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.
