News
RSG Gives Nod To 2020 AFRIMA Hosting To Boost Economy
As part of effort to restore the glorious days of the Garden City and recreate its vibrancy, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has approved the hosting of the 7th edition of the All African Music Awards popularly called AFRIMA in Port Harcourt.
The AFRIMA, which is one of the most glamorous and biggest musical awards in the African continent, will further promote Wike’s effort to showcase Rivers peace and hospitality to the world, as well as provide a solid platform for her exuberant youths in the creative enterprise to showcase themselves.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, made this known in his office when the management board of AFRIMA visited him on a courtesy call, last Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
Danagogo added that, AFRIMA held in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AU), will boost the state’s economic growth, strengthen and promote the cultural identity and integration of Africans to the world.
“As host state vis-a-vis host nation, I believe our gains are immense. Apart from showcasing our peculiar culture in music and hospitality to the rest of Africa and the world, our young creative artists and stars stand to gain from those ahead of them with vast experiences in the music and creative industry”, he said.
He emphasized that, the good people of Rivers State are open to receiving the surge of visitors and stakeholders that would troupe into the state during the AFRIMA event.
The President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said AFRIMA was established to reward and celebrate musical works, talents and creativity around the African continent.
He noted that, apart from the main AFRIMA award ceremony, the host city stands to benefit from having the AFRIMA Music Village, AFRIMA Music Business Summit, tour of host city, amongst other events.
The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Special Service Bureau Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
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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