News
RSG To Beef Up Security On Bonny-PH Marine Corridor
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensure safety on the Bonny-Port Harcourt marine corridor.
The state Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this at a meeting with the executive members of the Bonny Maritime Boat Owners Association to fashion out ways to ensure the safety of seafarers on that route at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
She said Bonny was important to the entire country because it hosts the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) which was a very important national asset, stressing that issues of security were of great concern to Governor Nyesom Wike.
Banigo said she will convene another meeting with the security operatives and the caretaker committee chairman of Bonny Local Government Area to find out why the gun boats the governor provided were not in use, and take necessary steps to ensure they were deployed to provide security on the waterways.
“His Excellency has approved and released two gun boats to that area, and we are aware that the marine police have two, so, we want to know why these gun boats are not in use, and if there are logistic issues, we want to get on top of them. So, we need to have another meeting with the security operatives and the chairman of the Bonny Local Government area caretaker committee”, Banigo quipped.
The deputy governor, who advised boat operators to ensure their boats were upgraded and in good condition, said they could take advantage of the Rivers State Micro-Finance Agency to source for funds to upgrade their boats.
According to Banigo, who promised to donate some life vests to the association, safety was of top-most priority, advising boat operators to ensure that all passengers onboard wear the appropriate life vests, especially now that they have resorted to passing through the deep sea channel.
She also called on the multinational companies in the area to donate life vests as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
“Please, talk to your members that if their boats or engines are faulty they should not use them, don’t manage, don’t take chances, wear life vest when the weather is bad, especially in this rainy season because every single life is important to us”, she said.
The deputy governor said she will visit the Bonny, Nembe, Bille Jetty soon to ascertain the veracity of claims that some sections of the ongoing construction work at the jetty were collapsing, and expressed the state government’s commitment to deliver the best quality projects that will stand the test of time to the Rivers people.
The Chairman, Marine Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Maxwell Hart, had earlier informed the deputy governor of the challenges they were encountering, and called for the government’s intervention.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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