News
Group Hails Wike’s Giant Strides
A socio-cultural group, Nzuko Ndigbo, Rivers State chapter, an umbrella body of all Ibos living in the State has applauded the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the giant development strides of his administration, particularly in the areas of infrastructural development and security.
The group, which made the commendation in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by its President General, Chief Bestman Akwaeluonwu, Secretary General, High Chief Henry Kanu and Publicity Secretary, Mazi Felix Chikwuendu thanked Governor Wike for his great efforts in keeping the state safe and his infrastructural development initiative, particularly in road construction in Port Harcourt and its environs.
“As Ibo people are mostly traders and businessmen, even some of our sons and daughters in the corporate sector, we all need to be in safe environment for our businesses to thrive,” the statement said, adding that “ there is no way businesses can prosper without good security and good road network for distribution of goods and services.”
It also commended the governor for restoring the Garden City status of Port Harcourt and prayed God to keep him fully protected and grant him the grace to do more for the state.
The group equally applauded the efforts of the state police command under the watch of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zaki Ahmed in combating crime and criminality across the state, pointing out that the Igbos had been at the receiving end, going by the spate of kidnapping and other criminal activities along Port Harcourt – Owerri Road axis of the State.
According to Nzuko Ndigbo, “ that route is a major route for our Ibo brothers and sisters who are always on the road either visiting their various villages or on business trips.”
He, however, noted with delight that in recent times, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other social vices have reduced to the barest minimum along that route.
The group also commended the efforts of the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Nwanosike towards this direction and thanked him for making the issues of security the top priority of his administration, stressing that since the council chairman assumed office, cult rivalry and kidnapping which he said had claimed several lives in the past have reduced drastically and by so doing making the area safe for Ibo people and other persons residing in the local government to carry out their businesses.
While lauding the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Ihunwo and his Obio/Akpor Local Government counterpart, Hon Solomon Eke for their tireless efforts in securing residents of the areas and their property, the body thanked Governor Wike for appointing Hon Emeka Onowu, who hails from Imo State as Commissioner for Special Duties.
The group, however, charged Ndigbo resident in the state to live peacefully with their neighbours including their host communities to foster harmony and unity of purpose among them.
Members of the body commiserated with Governor Wike over the demise of the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) and prayed God to grant him, the Aguma family and the people of the state the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Donatus Ebi
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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