News
Send Relief Materials To Flood Victims In N’Delta, NDDC, MNDA Urged
A pro-development Niger Delta group, the Niger Delta Network has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to make available relief materials for flood victims in the region.
In a communique issued at its enlarged meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last Sunday, and signed by its Acting Secretary General and Director of Public Communications, Barrister Eric Igbinokpogie and Dr. John Douglas, respectively, the group said that as an interventionist agency and its supervising government agency, both the NDDC and MNDA, respectively should ensure the setting up of proper camps for internally displaced persons.
The meeting, which deliberated on the state of the region and effort on the part of government at ameliorating the sufferings of the people of the Niger Delta, also had the group urging critical stakeholders in the region to give maximum support and cooperation to the NDDC and its supervising ministry towards the speedy actualisation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for the region.
The group through the communique, urged the president to constitute without further delay, a substantive board of the NDDC in accordance with its enabling Act, while also appreciating him for “his determination to develop the Niger Delta region”.
The communique hinted that findings done through its recent assessment tours to NDDC projects have revealed a number of projects that it said could be completed within the remaining days of the Buhari administration, adding that those projects, when completed, would positively impact the economy of the region and its citizens.
While congratulating Engr. Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua on his recent appointment as acting managing director of NDDC, the group in the communique also appreciated Buhari for appointing what it termed “a seasoned technocrat” to oversee the affairs of the commission, describing the appointment as a step in the right direction towards the eventual constitution of a substantive board for the commission.
While praying God to grant him wisdom and enablement to have a smooth sail in the new responsibility and task ahead, the group also urge him to know it is time to positively change the story of the Niger Delta region by working harmoniously with critical stakeholders in the region.
The group further commended the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, for his swift implementation of the President’s directive as it concerns the reform of the commission, adding that the minister’s swift responses to, and implementation of the presidency’s developmental actions towards the region, have proven his commitment towards the development of the region.
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.
-
News19 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
-
News21 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