News
UNIPORT Denies Hosting IPOB ‘Convention’
The authorities of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) have denied receiving or approving an application by any ethnic group to hold any annual convention within the university circumference, this month.
In a reaction to electronic media announcements credited to Ohaneze Ndigbo and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Deputy Registrar (Information, Publications and Public Relations), University of Port Harcourt, Dr Williams Wodi, said in a statement made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, at the weekend, that the institution has no inkling of any annual convention by any group from the South-East of the country.
The statement reads, “It has come to the notice of the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt that certain faceless individuals or groups have gone on air to announce the convening of an “Annual Convention” purportedly scheduled to hold in the university on Friday, September 29, 2017.
“The said announcement is being made in the name of Ohaneze Ndigbo and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“For the avoidance of doubt, the authorities of the university wish to state quite categorically that no individuals or groups had applied for permission to use any of its facilities for purposes of holding the purported “Annual Convention” as the announcements in the electronic media appear to indicate to unsuspecting members of the general public.
“We further wish to state that individuals or groups are not authorised to make use of facilities in the University of Port Harcourt without first applying and obtaining permission to do so,” the statement explained.
Wodi, therefore, advised the general public “To discountenance the ongoing announcements for whatever intent or purpose it was meant to serve.”
He further pointed out that “The faceless elements behind such an embarrassing announcement are totally unknown to the authorities of the university and have absolutely no permission to hold such an event on our campus.
“The facilities of the university are certainly NOT available for the purpose stated in the said announcement,” Wodi clarified.
The institution’s image maker emphasized that, “Even if the organisers/announcers have an intention to gather in the University of Port Harcourt, it remains a mere intention that cannot be actualised without the express permission of the authorities of the university.
“It is our hope that those making the post-haste announcement have no plans to drag the University of Port Harcourt into any controversy that is capable of distracting it from its core mandate of research, teaching and public service,” he warned.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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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