News
New Agric Investment ’ll Create 2,000 Jobs -Wike …Hints On Recruitment Into Neighbourhood Safety Corps Soon …Charges Security Agencies On Commitment
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that 2,000 direct jobs would be created in the state when the agricultural project by Korean investors comes to fruition.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Korean investors in agriculture at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Saturday, Wike said that the administration places premium on agriculture.
Wike said agriculture would be developed by the state government in liaison with private investors to create jobs across the state.
He assured the Korean investors that the state government would create an enabling environment for their company to thrive.
The governor said a certificate of occupancy would be processed for the 10,000 hectares to be used by the company.
He said: “Our priority is how to attract investors to the state. Agriculture, if well harnessed, will be highest employer of labour after government. That is what we are trying to do.
“Rice production is very key. Ours is to make sure that the right environment is created for foreign investors to bring their funds to the state”.
The governor directed that details of further involvement of the state government in the investment be worked out by the commissioners for agriculture and commerce in partnership with the attorney general of Rivers State in liaison with the investors.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Chang B2B Company Limited and Leader of delegation, Mr Kim Kyochang assured that the company would invest in rice production in Emohua Local Government Area.
Kyochang said that over the last 50 years, South Korea has witnessed massive development, noting that his company, like others, has committed huge investments outside South Korea.
He added that with its modern technology and decades of experience in agriculture development, the company would boost rice production in the state in the years to come.
It would be recalled that the Wike-led administration has developed a framework to promote foreign direct investments in the state, especially in the agricultural sector where a flexible land acquisition scheme has been entrenched.
Meanwhile, The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has expressed satisfaction with the effective take off of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency at its headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Addressing journalists after inspecting facilities at the headquarters of Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency, last Friday, Wike said that he was happy with facilities already in place.
He said the next phase of the operation of the agency would be the recruitment of qualified and responsible personnel.
The governor said that employment opportunities would accommodate all those living in the state, even though majority of the personnel would be Rivers indigenes.
He said: “I am satisfied with what I have seen on ground at the headquarters of the state Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency. The next step would be the recruitment of qualified personnel.
“We will recruit from across the board, but majority will be Rivers indigenes.
This is because this is a state agency”.
The governor noted that the agency would add value to the security architecture of Rivers State, in view of the composition of the board of directors and the commitment of the state government.
He said: “This agency already exists in different APC states, why are they criticising that of Rivers State. The criticisms are based on sentiments. They are not constructive.”
Wike said the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency was to complement the efforts of security agencies.
The governor, who was conducted round the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency headquarters by its Director General, Dr Mike Uche Chukwuma, later inspected hostels and halls constructed by the Rivers State Government at the state NYSC Secretariat at Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area.
Wike also inspected the new police station built by the state government at Kpopie Junction at Gokana Local Government Area.
Chris Oluoh
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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