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Abia To Partner Army In Tackling Insecurity 

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The Abia State Government has said it is prepared to collaborate with the Nigerian Army toward tackling insecurity in the State and the South-East zone.
Governor Alex Otti said this on Wednesday, when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, visited him in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA) ot the State.
Otti said the issue of security remained top priority in the rebuilding agenda of the state government.
According to him, the cordial working relationship between the Abia government and Nigerian Army contributed immensely in tackling the security issues in the State, particularly in Lokpanta, Umunneochi Local Goverment Area.
He said the government has launched an inter-agency intervention, known as “Operation Crush”, headed by the Army, adding that the initiative had yielded good result in the fight against insecurity in the State.
Otti further said tthe government had deployed necessary resources to ensure that the initiative would be successful.
He continued that the commitment of the Army to the initiative was very commendable as peace and normalcy had been restored in Abia.
“We have worked together with the military as partners in progress and your men don’t sleep.
“Anytime there is a signal and we call on them, they respond promptly, please, extend our gratitude to them.
“We are very happy with the relationship we have and that anytime they have need, whether infrastructure or vehicle, to the best of our ability, we try to meet the need, irrespective of the economic situation.
“Our people want security because without security, you can’t talk about investment or even sleep with your two eyes closed not to talk of foreign direct investment, which we badly need to develop the State.
“You are very critical to the development of the State, so we will work with you”, he said.
Otti also said Lagbaja’s visit has further strengthened Abia government’s resolve to partner with the Army to secure not just the State but the entire South-East.
Earlier, Lagbaja said that he was on a working visit to Abia as part of his tour of the Army formations and units in the South-East.
He commended the Abia government for the tremendous improvement in the security situation in the State and its immeasurable support toward the successful operations of the Army in the State.
“I also want to appreciate Your Excellency for your personal leadership that has led to tremendous improvement in the security situation in Abia since your assumption of office.
“I am saying this based on the hindsight of my knowledge concerning the State and the challenges I encountered as GOC, 82 Division.
“I also want to pledge the readiness, willingness and availability of the formations and units of 14 Brigade and even other Nigerian assets deployed around this area to support the government of Abia”, Lagbaja said.
He also said the Army would continue to assist the state government in ensuring that the security in Abia would continue to improve in order to provide the enabling environment for economic activities and development to thrive.
He thanked the Governor for the warm and cordial relationship between the Army and the state government.
He said, “I solicit that you continue to impress on the people to support the Nigerian Army, so that together we will deliver on our constitutional responsibility”.

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An ICT Centre Set To Be Established In Omoku

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An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.

As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.

The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.

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Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations

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Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.

The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.

According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors

‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”

It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees

“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”

The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said

It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development

Earlier,  chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.

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NDCCTMA, NDDC MDS Challenge Niger Delta Indigenes on Investment in The Region

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The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture  NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.

The two leaders  spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt

Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.

He said no other persons can  do this except sons and daughters from the region.

“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.

“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.

Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment  as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.

Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.

“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved  our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.

The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.

He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.

 

John Bibor

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