News
RSG, Firm Sign MOU To, Protect, Preserve Forests’ Ecosystems …To Establish Blue Carbon Credits Scheme
Rivers State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Senendib Capital Limited for the protection and preservation of mangrove forest ecosystems within the State and the establishment of a Blue Carbon Credits Partnership.
The MoU signing, which was supervised by the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, was signed by the Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Engr. Uchechukwu Nwafor, and the Director of Petroleum, Rivers State Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Temple Amachree, on behalf of the Rivers State Government at the office of the Attorney-General in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.
The Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Serendib Capital Limited, Rafat Rizvi, and the Chief Operating Officer, Serendib Capital Limited, Christian Elemele, signed on behalf of Serendib Capital Limited.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Engr. Uchechukwu Nwafor, who noted the high level of degradation of the mangrove forests in the State and the Niger Delta as a result of illegal oil bunkering activities, said the project will integrate mangrove restoration, seagrass conservation and sustainable agriculture.
He also observed that the project will aid in tree planting, biochar production with a view to bringing about a transformative shift in environmental and socio-economic gains in the State.
He said, “The project will benefit the State in no small measure, and in particular, increase our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“The Rivers State Government, will therefore, provide the needed logistics in line with the terms of the MoU as well as security to ensure the success of the project”, he asserted.
In his remarks, the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Serendib Capital Limited, Rafat Rizvi, said the project would be part of a larger mangrove marine ecosystems restoration programme known as Delta AZURE, which will be the world’s largest blue carbon credit project.
Rizvi noted that the mangrove restoration project will prevent the deforestation of 170,000 hectares of forest through afforestation, reforestation, revegetation and replantation.
He noted, “The carbon credits generated from the project would be used to bring tangible benefits to the State we operate in and would be used as an economic vehicle to support the communities involved.
“The conservation project would generate carbon credits that would be used as an alternative income source for those local people who may otherwise make an income from illegal logging and deforestation”, he observed.
Rizvi added that the project will create a significant number of jobs within the local communities and help the State in terms of diversifying it’s revenue streams not just in the short term, but for a very much a longer term.
He expressed the company’s commitment to work in synergy with the local communities while also seeking their cooperation, and commended the Rivers State Government for the trust, just as he assured that they will not betray the confidence reposed in them.
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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