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Aguma’s Role In Nation Building, Inspiration To Leaders, Wike Affirms
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that the pro-people contributions of late Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma to nation-building should spur upcoming leaders to work harder for their people.
Wike also witnessed the foundation laying for the Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma Post Graduate Memorial Lecture Block at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, last Friday by the former NTA Director General, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe.
The governor spoke at a colloquium in memory of late Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, last Friday.
Wike said, “Late Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma’s service to the community, state and country should spur the rest of us into greater service to the society”, stressing that the late Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma deserves to be honoured because of his outstanding contributions to the society.
“We are here to honour late Aguma because of his contributions to the development of the society”, he said, noting that the late Aguma was an upright politician who ensured that he got his ticket in 1998.
He said: “I came in contact with him in 1998 in the political field. He played a key role for people like us to have our ticket. We owe him a duty. We will support whatever is done in his name.”
Also speaking, Elder Statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, described late Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma as a legend who distinguished himself in academics, business and politics, adding that the late Aguma played an important role in his political and business career.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele said that late Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma was an excellent personality with unbeatable record.
Chairman of the occasion and former Director General of Nigerian Television Authority, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe described late Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma as a man of integrity who was committed to community development.
Wigwe said: “Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma lived for his people. He saved lives during the civil war. He kept on doing good for his people. He was a loving father, a caring husband, and a noble citizen. He had a home dedicated to the Lord.”
He stated that as a teacher, the late Aguma contributed to the positive upbringing of his students, most of who have attained greatness.
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.
