Nation
Western Naval Command Lists Achievements
The Western Naval Command (WNC) has organised a special event codenamed ‘ceremonial sunset parade’ to mark the end of 2020 year.
The event which ended in the early hours of Sunday in Lagos was attended by Naval personnel dressed in their ceremonials and invited guests to mark one of the biggest days in the calendar of the Navy worldwide.
Other military top brass, serving and past service chiefs, captains of industry were not left out of the parade.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. F. F. Ogu, who was the Special Guest of Honor, said that despite the challenges of 2020, the Command performed well in the passing year.
“Significantly, in the last one year, the Nigerian Navy in the Lagos area had been able to achieve some of her set targets inspite of some challenges, especially, the global COVID -19 pandemic and the EndSARS protest.
“The scope of activities of the Command covers operations, training, doctrine and assessment,naval ordnances, logistics and other auxillary services.
“In the midst of the aforementioned challenges, the Command and its establishments successfully played their roles in ensuring policy implementation, safety and security of the Nigerian maritime domain, training and administration of personnel,” he said.
Ogu also said that the relentless patrols by the Command had led to the arrest of suspects, vessels’ seizures , and the destruction of illegal facilities.
“In the area of operations, ships and boats were deployed to tackle maritime crimes such as piracy, illegal bunkering, crude oil theft ,smuggling among others.
“Our relentless patrol led to the arrest of suspects, vessels’ seizures and the destruction of illegal facilities among others.
“These items have been handed over to the relevant government agencies for further actions.
“The Command has continued to optimise the use of its assigned seagoing platforms to maintain presence in its area of responsibility.”
Ogu said, “During the period under review, ships and boats were at sea for several hours to ensure security of the backwaters.
“These measures coupled with the efficient use of the NPA facilities and helicopters for surveillance have enabled the Command to curtail illegal activities significantly along the creeks and the waterways,” Ogu said.
Ogu said that in spite of the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic, NAVTRAC had continued to provide basic and professional trainings for personnel as well as capacity building.
He said that 3,000 persons were recruited within the period under review, adding that the personnel are still undergoing the requisite training.
“Equally important to note is the no fewer than 4,000 undertraining personnel that underwent or at present in training in NN professional schools.”
He said that the Naval Ordnance Depot also provided critical services in ensuring the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy operations.
“Provisions and maintenance of essential naval ordnances such as: firearms, ammunition, as well as ship designs, constructions and refleet has assisted greatly in the service delivery of the NN in the Lagos area.
“Equally key, not only to Naval operations as it includes the mapping of the Nigerian Maritime domain, is the NN Hydrographic.
“Their activities have assisted greatly in ensuring that the welfare and morale of the personnel are maintained through the activities of the Central Pay Office,” he said.
Ogu commended the other sister agencies and the Lagos State Government for their supports.
“No man is an island. The success attributed to the Command and its establishments would not have been possible without highlighting the supports of our sister agencies such as: the Nigerian Police Force, DSS, EFCC ,other government agencies, etc.
He said that the Command looked forward to a better synergy with other stakeholders in the coming years.
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.