News
Wike, God-Sent To Rivers, DELGA Boss Insists
The Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, has extolled the virtues of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing him as a God-sent to the state.
Speaking when he played host to a delegation from the Ministry of Education at his office in Degema, last Wednesday, Williams stated that Wike has been steadfast and unrelenting in his efforts at developing the state, despite being at the tail end of his administration.
He added that at a time when most of the governor’s counterparts across the country were solely concerned about the politics of transition and 2023, Wike had continued to commission and flag-off new projects to the chagrin of his traducers.
The LGA Chief Executive, who commended Wike for his giant developmental footprints in Degema LGA, told the delegation that the LGA had never had it this good from the state government, since its creation.
While thanking the governor for showing uncommon interest in the development of Degema people through his many projects like the model secondary schools in Bakana, Tombia and Obuama, as well as the Trans-Kalabari Road, amongst others, Williams prayed that Wike’s successor should follow his exemplary footsteps in his developmental agenda, for the advancement of the state.
He promised to support the Ministry of Education in whatever capacity that would be required, adding that Degema would always partner with programmes, championed by Wike, geared towards improving the welfare of the people of the area and Rivers State in general.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, had stated that their mission to the LGA was to ascertain the condition of schools, with a view to improving them.
Ihunwo noted that the delegation, which were sent on the facility tour of the area at the instance of the Commissioner for Education, Prof Chinedu Mmom, was on the visit to assess the needs of the government-owned schools, in terms of physical infrastructure as well as other challenges bedevilling the schools, inline with Wike’s blueprint in revamping the education sector.
“We know the kind of governor we are working with. He is a man who has determined to keep working until his last day in office. So, there is nothing like government is winding down; work is still at optimum.
“So, that is why we are here to do some on-the-spot assessment of government schools,” he stated.
He apprised that the team would submit its findings and recommendations to the Ministry of Education for necessary action, at the end of the assessment exercise, which he said was taking place across the state.
The team were later taken round on inspection by the Supervisor for Education in the area, Hon. Garrick Ibima Firstbury.
Members of the delegation include; Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo (Team Leader), Dr. Ezaale Okowa, Dr. Eme Budu Eme and Dr. Mombe Michael Ngongeh.
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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