News
‘PDP’ll Be Bigger, Stronger After Convention’
Chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State have expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger and bigger after its national convention at the end of October, this year.
This is despite the wave of defections that hit the party which saw the exit of governors and lawmakers across the country.
Addressing party faithful in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state, Chairman of the party in the state, Kingsley Esiso, assured that the party put to rest all issues bothering it, and resolved to conduct convention to elect new national officers.
Esiso, who spoke in Ozoro alongside the former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Leo Ogor, who presently represents Isoko Federal Constituency, said, “A few weeks ago our party was embroiled in crisis at the national level but I want to assure you that those problems have been put to rest.
“I was in Abuja for NEC and we agreed that all issues should be put aside while a national convention will be organised in Abuja at the end of October.
“Pray that the result of the convention will make our party stronger and bigger,” he stated.
Esiso, who was accompanied to the meeting by some state officials, thanked PDP members in the locality for their loyalty to the party, and urged them to remain united ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He congratulated members of the party for their victory in the April bye-election to fill the Isoko North constituency seat at the state House of Assembly.
The PDP chairman recalled that the party promised to reward wards that performed well in the bye-election, adding that all the wards delivered as the party won in all the wards and polling units of the constituency.
He congratulated Emevor, Ellu and Iyede 2 Wards for coming out first, second and third respectively.
Also speaking, Hon Leo Ogor, thanked party faithful for their support over the years, adding that he remained committed to the ideals of the PDP towards making life meaningful for the people.
Earlier, Chairman of PDP in the locality, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, commended the state chairman and his entourage for their contributions to the victory of the party in the April 10, bye-election.
He said the PDP won in all the units across the 13 wards in the constituency, and lauded party leaders for standing by the party’s candidate in the election.
The commissioner representing Isoko Ethnic Nationality on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Paul Oweh appreciated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the party for keeping to the promise of rewarding the most performing wards in the last bye-election.
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.
