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UNSC Resolution: RSG Launches Implementation Action
The Rivers State Government says it is in active partnership with both local and international organisations to adequately empower women and girls socially, economically and politically.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this during the launching of the Rivers State Action Plan for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR1325) at the Ministry of Women Affairs in Port Harcourt.
According to the deputy governor, the partnership was not only on the implementation of the state action plan but also the sustainability of the campaign to eliminate violence against women and girls as well as the promotion of activities in conflict prevention, peace building and post-conflict recovery.
She said the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration takes security and well-being of women as top priority, explaining that this was why the governor has continued to appoint women with capacity to sensitive positions.
She said for the first time in the history of Rivers State, a female chief judge, in the person of Hon. Justice Daisy Okocha was appointed, and after her retirement, another qualified woman, Hon Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, who was next in line was appointed as the chief judge without prejudice.
Banigo said Wike also appointed Hon. Justice Christy Nwankwo as the first female president of the Customary Court of Appeal, underscoring the gender-friendly posture of the governor.
“His Excellency takes the security and well-being of women in Rivers State as a priority so much so that he chose a female in the person of my humble self to hold the position of deputy governor; Wike has not relented in appointing women into key positions in the state,” she said.
Banigo gave the assurance that the state government will work to uphold the five pillars of the state action plan which includes Prevention and Disaster Preparedness, Participation and Representation, Protection and Prosecution, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Early Recovery and Crisis Management.
“We will ensure that this action plan is utilized to the fullest. As you are aware, I am passionate about the plight of women and girls in our society. That is why I put together ‘The Protect The Girl-Child Initiative’. Since its commencement, more people have become aware of how and where to get help in relation to abuse and violence against women and girls”, she stressed.
In her presentation, Mrs. Susan Bassey-Duke said the ultimate objective of the Revised State Action Plan (SAP) was to vastly improve and advance strategies for the participation and inclusion of women in all levels and areas of decision-making while developing strategies for protecting them from all forms of gender-based violence.
Prof. Nkoyo Toyo, who presented a paper on opportunities and challenges for women in peace building, decision making and governance, expressed the need to adopt sustainable peace approach to conflict resolution.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Atosemi Teetito said the state action plan was meant to be developed and domesticated based on the conceptualization of the UNSCR 1325 and designed in such a way that it will address and respond to the growing violence against women and girls.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mrs. Inime Aguma, who decried the rate at which women were emotionally and physically abused, said it was important for women to collaborate with their male counterparts to achieve set goals.
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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