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Stakeholders Want Special Commission For Disabled Persons
Stakeholders at a one day capacity building worshop for disabled persons have called on the government to establish a special commission to oversee their affairs in the state.
Speaking on the topic,’’ Need for a Legislation on PWDs in Rivers State,’’ at a workshop organised by the State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, a legal practioner,Mr. Sunny Ikeagwu argued that currently Peple Living With Disabilities(PWDs) still suffer discrimination in various spheres of public policy and programmes.
He submitted that PWDs need to be specially protected, ‘’ as we speak now there is a bill that has passed through its second reading for the protection of the rights of those living with disabilities’’.
Mr. Ikeagwu was of the view that one way such law could make impact was to enforce it, as he pointed out the need to give a seat in the assembly and other political positions for disabled persons.
He described the handicapped person as one disadvantaged physically or mentally, and whose condition bars him or her from major activities of life.
However, he opined that since ageing comes with disabilities everyone in society is vulnerable hence the need to enact enabling laws.
Another speaker, Mr. Kie Obomanu in his paper titled,’’ Changing Society Perception of PWDs,’’ harped on the need to reserve special political positions for those living with disabilities.
Mr. Obomanu lamented the poor employment opportunities for PWDs, while blaming societal perception for the discrimination suffred by those living with disabilities.
The broadcaster challenged multinationals and other firms to address the plight of disabled persons in society.
This he explained can be addressed through corporate social responsiblity activities in providing aids, loans and jobs for such persons.
Earlier, a motivational speaker and medical doctor, Mrs Ib Osuamkpe urged those living with disablities not to see themselves as handicapped.
Mrs. Osuamkpe counselled that once such perception was discarded, those with disabilities could contribute meaningfully in society,’’it’s up to you to make a contribution for the future of the society or be pitied and ignored.‘’
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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