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RSG Begins Flood Alert Campaign
Rivers State Government has commenced Flood Alert Campaign in the state to sensitize the public on their responsibilities.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mrs. Ibaniba Briggs-Iti said the campaign which kicked off from Obio/Akpor LGA was earmarked to create awareness in the nine flash point local government areas prone to flood this year.
Explaining the cause of the imminent flood in accordance with Nigerian Metrological Prediction (NIMET) report as excessive rainfall this year and the gradual release of water from Ladgo Dam in Cameroun.
She recalled the socio-economic losses and fatality experienced in the 2012 flood disaster, praying that God would avert it this time for the safety of rivers people which according to her, is of great concern to the Government.
Mrs. Ibaniba Briggs-Iti advised the people of Obio/Akpor to be responsible to their role in the disposal of their waste, opening up water ways and clearing of drains for free out flow of water.
She disclosed some temporary and permanent measures taken to prevent the flood, highlight some special projects being implemented by the State which include construction of drains, clearing of canals and dredging of rivers among others.
Also speaking, the State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Oliver Wolugbon advocated the change of habits in the actions of the people, noting that most houses in Obio/Akpor were built on water ways obstructing the free flow of water in the area.
He stressed that Obio/Akpor as an urban area should be cautious of indiscriminate dumping of waste, advising the residents to imbibe the culture of personal hygiene, maintaining a clean environment and enjoined them to desist from building structures on water ways.
Mr. Wolugbon enjoined the people to take the sensitization to the grassroots ensuring the natives understand the gravity of the impending flood so they would be prepared.
Speaking to newsmen, Mr. Wolugbon disclosed that following the 2012 flood disaster, the Federal Government embarked on the construction of a Dam, stressing that on completion the Dam would contain excessive water in the Federation.
Earlier in his address, the Care Taker Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Bright Amehule decried the state of blocked drains in his area, adding ‘’most of the drains in Obio/Akpor are blocked, we are aware that most parts of Obio/Akpor are prone to flood’’.
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.
