News
Wike Tasks Monarchs On Peace, Security
The Rivers State Governor Chief Nyesom Wike, has challenged traditional rulers in the state to ensure peace and security of their domains.
Speaking while declaring open the 103rd Quarterly meeting of the State Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt yesterday, Governor Wike urged them to check crimes, cultism and other social vices in their domains.
The governor assured them that the days of unwarranted assaults on their stools were over, adding that instead, “we will continue to hold you in high esteem, as custodian of culture and tradition of our people”.
He reiterated the resolve of his administration to better the welfare of the people, recalling that since inception of the present government, over 100 kilometres of roads in both the rural and urban areas have been rehabilitated and constructed.
In the words of Wike: “Nothing can stop our resolve to provide better welfare and progress of our people”.
He noted that the government will give urgent attention to employment and other economic opportunities to enhance the lot of the teeming youth in the state.
Wike had earlier described traditional rulers as, partners in the administration and governance of the state, while responding to the request of the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Dandeson Jaja, to upgrade the auditorium, library and resource centre of the Council to modern standard.
The governor promised to revamp facilities in the council, but reminded the royal fathers that each request would be addressed in stages due to the financial crunch facing the state.
Earlier in his speech, Chairman of the Council and Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Jaja, had commended the governor for the zeal and quest to transform the state despite distractions from the opposition.
The Opobo monarch drew the attention of the governor to the plight of some traditional rulers who have faced threats to their lives, and urged the state government to redouble its efforts in curbing crimes.
Calling on politicians to desist from making inflammatory statements that could overheat the polity, the State Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council said it was high time they contributed in moving the state forward.
He appealed to the State Government to improve the facilities in the Council office by upgrading its library and resource centre to aid in the preservation and research of the rich heritage of the people.
Jaja also called for the renovation of the Council auditorium, which had been abandoned for many years by the past administration.
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.
-
News15 hours ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics3 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News3 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News16 hours ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports3 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Politics3 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics3 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries
-
Politics3 days agoEx-IGP Defects To SDP After APC Primary Fiasco