News
Dep Gov, Others Eulogise Blessing Ahiazu At 70
Rivers State Deputy Governor Professor Mrs Ngozi Odu was among friends and well-wishers who came out to celebrate Professor Blessing Ahiazu as she turned 70.
In what would best be described as a captivating send off for a woman who spent the better part of her life in the academia, colleagues, friends, church members and a host of dignitaries converged at her residence for a warm reception.
Speaking at the event, the deputy governor of Rivers state, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu said the celebrant is a selfless contributor to humanity, and not just the academic environment.
“Having worked closely with her over the years, while she’s celebrating 70 today, I’ll add one and half to that one, yet I call her Sister Bless. She is worthy of emulation and congratulations are in order”, she said.
Laying emphasis on the words of the Deputy Governor, the Vice chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, described Prof. Blessing as a first class academic and dogged fighter, adding that her contributions to the university development would be indelible in the sands of time.
“Being the first professor of Rivers State Library, I am proud of her virtues.
“Having worked for 44 years and served under 6 vice chancellors without query, is commendable” he said.
Eulogising her prowess, other speakers from the university Department of Library Science spoke highly of her readiness and availability to service.
Speaking about the celebration, Prof. Blessing said that the university moulded her into the dynamic woman everyone was celebrating.
She advised those in the system and those who wished to go in to be diligent in carrying out their duties.
“Those still serving should defer gratification and work first, gratification will come later. And those who seek to go in, when they go in, they should focus on the job. Greed is a killer. Quick fix is not the best attitude in life. Slow and steady, they say wins the race. And with the backing of God, they will make it”, she said.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the lunching of her second autobiography titled “Seven Decades of Rainbow Path”
Joining a host of dignitaries and egg heads at the occasion to pay tribute and lunch the book, Professor Emeritus, and former Vice Chancellor of the then Rivers state university of Science and Technology (UniTech), Prof. Simon Achinewhu, said that the realisation that the celebrant had played her part in the Department of Library Science was soul lifting.
He prayed that she would live to see the goodness of God accomplished in her life.
Giving a review of the book, the author said, having worked in the university for over 44 years, the university environment moulded her into the woman she had become. Stating clearly, she said the book is written for her children and grandchildren
”I have sat down to write about myself. The good side and the not-so-good side of the story.
“The challenges and the exploits . So that on that last day, my children will pick it up and extract what they want and add what they will like to add and that becomes the biography of their mother.”
The author further stated that the book would encourage younger ones to learn diligence to be able to succeed in life.
John Bibor
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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