News
N’Delta Activist Alerts On Imminent Earthquake
The Niger Delta region may be prone to earthquake and other natural disasters sequel to the constant oil exploration activities in the area.
This was the projection of a renowned Niger Delta crusader, Rev Sokari Soberekon, when he spoke in an interview with newsmen, in Port Harcourt, recently.
He said that the incessant oil exploration in the region has so far exposed it to danger, thereby placing the lives of the people at risk.
Soberekon, who is also known as Niger Delta Strong Man, said until the trend was checked, the people may not escape the occurrence of natural disasters, including earthquakes, tremors, among others.
He further lampooned the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over what he described as unprofessional and primitive approach to emergency control.
The Senior Advocate of Niger Delta (SAND), regretted that the agency does not have any fire stations and ambulances at strategic points in the oil-rich region to respond to any emergencies.
He pointed out that fire and emergency kits that meets international standard must be provided by NEMA at each state capital in the Niger Delta area to respond to distress and disaster situations.
Another way to solve the puzzle in the region, he said, is to grant the people the request to manage their resources, Soberekon argued.
He also blamed part of the nagging situation in the area on the law suit lost against the then Governor of Mid-Western State, Prof Ambrose Ali, when he filed a suit against ex-President Shehu Shagari on the need to grant oil derivation to the people of Niger Delta.
On his reaction to Vice President Yemi Osibanjo’s vision for espoused during his recent visit to the region, Soberekon, said such was coming too late, hinting that the only solution now was resource control and self-determination to the zone.
Soberekon, one of the founding fathers of the old Rivers State, also argued for restructuring of the country, adding that self-determination was the only sure way to end the Niger Delta crisis, and fix the development deficit in 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.
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