News
Obuah Flays APC’s Lip Services To Ogoni Clean-Up
The Chairman, Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah has expressed sincere sympathy to the people of Ogoni over the incident that consumed the lives of a generation of their leaders some 22 years ago.
Obuah spoke in a message, last Friday, to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the death of the Nine Ogoni Martyrs, saying that their struggle for justice and emancipation was not in vain, as the entire people of the Niger Delta have benefited graciously from the principles and core values of the struggle.
The PDP chairman, who commended the Ogoni people for keeping the flag flying, said such sacrifice was huge, and advised that the ideals behind the struggle for which they laid down their lives must be kept alive.
According to him, “this day is memorable, thought-provoking and calls for sober reflection as well as reassessment of how far the struggle for equity, justice, freedom and emancipation of the oppressed minorities, not only in Ogoni, but all over the world, has been carried on and the way forward.
“It is, therefore, important that as survivors and beneficiaries of this struggle, we all commit ourselves more genuinely to it, with the hope that someday, the world would be a better place, where the rights of our people would be respected.
“As I join my beloved Ogoni brothers, sisters and compatriots in remembering the supreme sacrifices our known and unsung heroes paid for the rights and survival of Ogoni nation, the Niger Delta, and indeed, Nigerian state, I also remind all of us that some cardinal objectives of the Ogoni struggle, for which these heroes died, were the enthronement of true democracy, good governance and the realisation of a clean, healthy and unpolluted Ogoni environment.
“I, therefore, charge you all to remain resolute in sustaining good governance in the state and the quest of achieving a safe, clean, peaceful and healthy environment. This is one way we can demonstrably show that the labour and sacrifice of these heroes would not be in vain”, Obuah said.
The PDP chairman also called on the people of Ogoni to continue to identify with good governance and development which the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration has offered to the people of Rivers State, reiterating that Ogoni has remained the nucleus of development plan of the PDP administration in the state.
He, therefore, wished the Ogoni people a successful anniversary, while calling on the Federal Government to ensure justice in Ogoni by implementing the UNEP report recommendations, which call for thorough clean-up of the polluted Ogoniland and stop playing politics with the exercise.
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.
