News
Low Turnout Of Workers As Work Resumes In Abuja
Only a few workers resumed duty yesterday at the various ministries of the Federal Secretariat, Abuja after the New Year holiday.
Our correspondent reports that official activities were still at a low ebb due to the poor turnout of workers at their duty posts.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government declared Monday, December 25, Tuesday, December 26 and Monday, January 1 as public holidays for Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year’s Day, respec tively.
Our correspondent also reports that commercial activities at the secretariat were equally low, as many traders around the complex had yet to report for business.
Some of the workers, who spoke with our correspondent, however, expressed optimism that the country would experience a better turnaround in the New Year.
Mr Tony Ihuoha, a civil servant said that it was time for Nigerian workers to rededicate themselves to work for greater productivity.
“If we can work harder to improve on our contributions to national development, Nigeria will be better for it.
He, however, argued that the low turnout of workers could be because many of them who travelled for the holidays had yet to return.
At the phase 3 of the secretariat, including the Ministry of Education, some civil servants were seen treating files and attending to people.
A civil servant, Mrs Dorcas Babatunde, told our correspondent that the holidays had come and gone and it was necessary for workers to be at their duty posts.
Babatunde said that though, work had resumed, full activities had yet to pick up in the offices.
“The year has started on a good note; some workers have resumed work while others are yet to return to office.
“I believe that by Monday, activities would have taken shape at the secretariat.
A recharge card seller Miss Chinenye Eze, said that business was dull as many of her customers had not resumed work.
Eze, who was hopeful that things would get better as soon as many of the workers return, said sales were very low on resumption of work.
Also a food vendor, Mrs Iyabo Agbaje, said it was a normal thing eon the resumption of work to experience low sales.
“I have learnt from experience that there would always be a low turnout of workers the first day of work.
“What I did was to cook little food that I know I can finish selling before the close of work, as I have had the experiences of having to throw food away due to low patronage,” she added.
Our correspondent also reports that the ever busy car park at the Eagles Square was empty, as few vehicles were parked there.
A car park attendant, Mr Abdul Ilori, described as unimpressive, the resumption of work by civil servants after the New Year holiday.
Ilori admitted that patronage was also low, blaming the situation on the fact that most civil servants had yet to resume.
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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