News
Expert Tasks RSG On Hedge Measures
A renowned banker and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, in Rivers State, Dr. Isaac Mietamuno-Jaja, has called on the state government to create hedge measures to strengthen its economy from the shocks of the dwindling federal allocation.
Mietamuno-Jaja, in an exclusive chat with The Tide said though it was difficult for the state to totally shield itself from recession, it however, needs to create peculiar empowerment scheme such that the people are genuinely into productive ventures.
“Rivers State economy cannot be different from what happens at the federal level, so, what I advice is that states should not wait till the impact begins to hit them,” he said.
For the state to achieve improved internally generated revenue base, the expert stressed the need for government to exploit other areas of the economy to protect the state from shocks, saying, “by hedge, I mean a protective mechanism such that we need to look for areas to empower our people.”
He commended Wike for the way and manner he has managed the state’s resources, adding, “I don’t know the magic wand he is using because anywhere you go, there is one project or another. What he is doing to sustain that is a mystery to me. In short, in the entire country, I don’t think any governor is embarking on the kind of project he has done.”
On the other hand, he suggested that the governor should adopt a “wait and see” approach to some of the projects, explaining that with such method, it would be easy to assess the impact of such projects before embarking on another, considering the state’s current meagre resources.
Calling on the governor to set up an economic team, Mietamuno-Jaja, maintained that at a time like this, the state needs experts’ advice on how to manage the economy.
Though Mietamuno-Jaja supported calls for the selling of some Federal Government assets, “But my view is that government should not be in a hurry to sell them, they should study the situation very well.”
He regretted that the delay in passing the federal budget coupled with poor economic policies were responsible for the wobbly economic growth being experienced in the country.
“Until today, nobody knows the economic policy of the government, and those managing it lack the technical know-how to go about it,” he added.
Mietamuno-Jaja insisted that what the Federal Government needs is experts in the field of economics to chart a course for growth and sustainable development for all Nigerians.
The banker expressed belief that considering recent statements from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and minister of finance, the country may soon be out of the woods, though he insisted that consistent measures need to be taken to reduce the impact of the current recession on the people.
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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