News
Wike Hails UBE Board’s Pragmatic Sports Policy …Gives Banham U-13 Admission To Real Madrid Academy
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has commended the state Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB) for diligently implementing the State School Sports Policy, which led to the victory of Banham Model Primary School, Port Harcourt during the Channels International (Under-13) Kids Football Competition.
Wike also announced the automatic admission for all the players at the Real Madrid Football Academy.
Speaking during a reception for players and technical crew of Banham Model Primary School, Port Harcourt, winners of Channels International (Under 13) Kids Football Competition at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday, Wike said his administration would assist the kids achieve their sporting goals.
He said: “I want to commend the leadership of Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board for implementing our goals in developing sports across all schools in the state. We are gathered here today because of the successful implementation of this policy.
“I, therefore, offer all the players of Banham Model Primary School, Port Harcourt, automatic admission into the Real Madrid Football Academy. The Real Madrid Football Academy opens in August”.
The governor stated that the Rivers State Government would sponsor the players and their coaches to Madrid, for two weeks of training at Real Madrid Football Club.
He directed the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, to liaise with the school management to prepare the processes for the children to travel to Spain during the long vacation.
Wike charged the children to remain focused, disciplined and work towards emerging as successful footballers in the future.
“Focus on football. It will take you places. Don’t allow anyone to deceive you to join cult groups. While you are playing football, read your books.
“That is why at the Real Madrid Football Academy, we have merged football and education for the training of the children”, he said.
In his remarks, the Director of Administration, Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr Diminary Franklin said that the children displayed the governor’s winning spirit during the championship.
He said that the state government funding of sports in schools through the provision of sports equipment and necessary funds, led to the growth of sports in all schools.
Responding, the Captain of Banham Model Primary School, Port Harcourt, Master Kingdom Tamuno, introduced his colleagues and also presented the trophy to the Rivers State governor.
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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