News
Monarch Cautiouns Agents Of Disintegration In Edo
The Enogie of Obazuwa-Iko in Benin, Prince Edun Akenzua, yesterday advised agents of disintegration in Edo State to desist from their actions.
He warned at a news conference in Benin that the consequences could be grave if they did not desist.
He said the agents of disintegration should rather emulate the founding fathers of the state whose patriotic deeds resulted in the creation of Edo State from the defunct Bendel State.
The Enogie was speaking ahead of the 30th anniversary of the creation of Edo State slated for today.
He urged Edo youths to remain good ambassadors of the state and warned them to refrain from violence likely to plunge the state into crisis and chaos.
“Those agitating for the destabilisation of the state do not mean well for our people.
“They should emulate the good deeds of the founding fathers whose selfless services and personal resources helped in the realisation of the creation of Edo State in the midst of several agitations for different states from the old Bendel State.
Akenzua, a renowned veteran Journalist, reminisced the selfless roles played by sons and daughters of Edo and some none Edos, like the former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, whom he said deserved the state government’s honour during the anniversary.
The Enogie, who served as a member of the steering committee for agitation for the creation of Edo State, eulogised the efforts of Wayas and that of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, during the struggle.
The committee was set up by the then Oba of Benin,
“Though Wayas is not from Edo, his guidance and input as senate president, helped in no small way to the realisation of the present Edo State while Chief Igbinedion’s financial muscle was equally outstanding when it mattered most.
“It is necessary to tell the story in full because most Edo people and Nigerians do not know the genesis of the creation of Edo State.
“If that is to be so, it is hoped that Dr Wayas who was the senate president at the time and who played a significant role in the creation of the state should be recognised as a founding father of the state,’’ the Enogie stressed.
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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