News
We’ve Approached Governance With Human Face, Wike Affirms
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike says he has approached governance with human face through ambitious investment in basic infrastructure and creation of the necessary environment for economic growth in the state.
The governor has also maintained that the enormous infrastructural achievements recorded by his administration have been made possible by the prudent management of state resources.
Wike stated this after inspection of the ongoing construction of Rumuepirikom, Rumuola, G.R.A Junction, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo flyovers; dualisation of Ezimgbu Road and Tombia Road Extension in Port Harcourt, last Monday.
He said the state government and the contractor, Julius Berger, have agreed to make some adjustments on the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo flyover due to some buildings affecting the construction work.
“We have told the Ministry of Works to let the valuer come over within the next one week to value some of the property still remaining, which are obstructing the construction.”
He explained that his administration in a bid to infuse human face into governance has embarked on a development model that is both sustainable and inclusive.
According to him, there was no local government area in the state that the government has not invested huge resources in construction of schools, hospitals, roads and other critical infrastructure.
“How I wish I had all the time to do everything. It would have been my pleasure, that in my time every community in the state could say I was able to touch them.”
The governor, who expressed optimism that the Rumuola, G.R.A Junction flyovers as well as the dualisation of Ezimgbu Road and Tombia Road Extension in Port Harcourt would be completed in a few weeks, disclosed that the state government would embark on another round of commissioning of projects, beginning from the end of September to second week of October.
The governor attributed the modest infrastructural achievements recorded in the state to the passion and commitment of his administration to transform the state to major national economic hub in the country.
Wike noted that his political opponents, who boasted that his administration would not make any meaningful impact in the state when he first assumed office, are today stunned because he has surpassed their expectation.
“One key thing that is important in any government is that if the leadership is weak, you don’t achieve anything. But if the leadership is strong, like ours is very strong, we have the political will to do whatever we say we will do.”
He reiterated that he will not abandon any project awarded by his administration for his successor to finish.
He further added that he would not stop working and delivering projects in the state till May 29, 2023, when his tenure would end.
“Every project we have awarded, we must complete them. I am not going to abandon any project for my successor. I don’t want anybody to leverage on the problems that he met. Let it be that I have been able to solve the problems I created for myself”.
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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