News
No Gov Has Projected Ikwerre, Rivers Like Wike -Ariolu
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, has said that no governor in the political history of Nigeria has promoted and defended Ikwerre ethnic group and Rivers State like Governor Nyesom Wike.
He said his administration would continue to emulate Wike’s style of leadership centred on delivering dividends of democracy.
According to him, his administration is committed to its service to the people, for the overall interest, welfare, development and economic growth of the LGA.
Ariolu made this assertion, last Wednesday, during a formal handover of a 500KVA and 100KVA transformers to Rumuadaolu and Elimgbu communities of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.
He said his commitment and service to the people was owing to the fact that his administration is true to its promises, adding that it is no longer an issue of political gimmicks.
He enumerated that the procurement of transformers to Rumuadaolu and Elimgbu communities is in line with his administration’s focal thrust, which he described as service to humanity at its peak, stating that it was achieved through the prudent management of scarce resources at the council’s disposal.
“We as a government have learnt from our Principal, Chief Nyesom Wike. We try as much as possible to redeem and keep to the promises that we have made on the day members of Rumuadolu and Elimgbu came for a courtesy visit and made requests for transformers.”
“It’s not that we have so much funds; what we are doing here is in line with our focal thrust which is service to humanity at its peak.”
“It is no longer an issue of political gimmicks. We are true to our promises and we have procured two transformers for the use of the people.”
The council chairman speaking further, urged members of Rumuadaolu and Elimgbu communities to amplify support for Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, adding that no one has projected Ikwerre ethnicity and Rivers State in the annals of the political history of Nigeria like him.
Similarly, he encouraged them to extend support to the council administration under his watch as part of his desires and commitment to the people through service which seeks to rewrite the narratives of the local government area.
“As usual we urge you all to continue supporting our leader, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Wike spiritually and physically in this trying moment because we have no other leader.”
“No one has projected our name in the annals of the Political history of Nigeria like him.”
“We also urge you to continue to support the council under our watch because it is our desire to rewrite the narrative of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and serve our people”
Responding, Paramount Ruler of Elimgbu and former Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Employment Generation, Barrister Emmanuel Utchay, who expressed gratitude, described Ariolu as a man of his words.
He commended the chairman for not relaxing and making excuses, despite the short notice within which the request was made.
“The chairman is a talk and do chairman. If he says something, he will do it. We are very grateful to him for not giving excuses even though it was requested on a short notice.”
Also, Paramount Ruler of Rumuadaolu, Chief Henry Hanachor, represented by the Community Development Committee Chairman, Chief Peter Aguma, commended Ariolu’s effort towards the growth and development of the people.
During the formal handover to respective communities, Ariolu urged them to make better use of the transformers.
He also charged them to protect the transformers against vandalisation by disgruntled elements.
“This transformer has been procured by Obio/Akpor Local Government Council for your own benefit, protect it from vandalisation and treat it as your own”, Ariolu told the people.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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.
