News
Assembly Approves RSG’s Request To Access N2.5bn Health Fund
The Rivers State House of Assembly has given approval to the Rivers State Government to go ahead and access the N2.5billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Health Care Special Intervention Fund loan, which some states have accessed.
Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, who read the request letter from Governor Nyesom Wike, during plenary of the Assembly, remarked that the fund was an intervention fund from the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria that would be repaid in 10 years.
According to him, the fund was given to tackle the health challenges in states, and particularly, to address the COVID-19 pandemic issue, and to be repaid in 10 years.
He said that some states have accessed the funds and that Rivers State would be doing a disservice to itself, if such fund was not accessed.
He urged members to critically look into the request so made by the governor.
Before dividing the House after debate on the request, the speaker highlighted that the sitting was the 112th Legislative day, and added that Wike was prudent in managing the state resources, and has also highlighted the area the fund will be channelled to.
Earlier in his submission on the governor’s request, the Leader of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, representing Obio/Akpor Constituency 1, said his findings showed that many states have accessed the fund.
“This fund is needed and we should accept it as this is coming from the Federal Government, and it will be a disservice to the state if we do not access that fund.
“ In fact, Mr Speaker, the governor has even clearly stated areas the fund will be channelled to, such as to equip the Dr. Peter Odili Cardiovascular/Cancer treatment centre among others, and therefore, there is need to access the fund”, he said.
Meanwhile, the House at the plenary unanimously passed a resolution to follow up on the Federal High Court declarative order, stopping the Federal Government from making deductions from the Rivers State allocation, to fund the police.
The House in the unanimous resolution where all the 14 members present voted in agreement to support the motion raised by the Leader, Martins Amaewhule, to urge the Federal Government to obey all court orders, agreed that police matter is purely on Exclusive List, and should be funded by Federal Government.
The House Committee on Judiciary was mandated to liaise with the Attorney-General of the state to follow up on the matter, while the Clerk of the Assembly was mandated by the speaker to transmit the resolutions to the governor.
By: Corlins Walter
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.
