News
RSG Plans Rural Water Schemes Rehab In 23 LGAs
The Rivers State Government says it plans to rehabilitate the existing rural water schemes across the 23 local government areas of the state with a view to providing safe and clean water for the people.
The state Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku gave this indication when he paid a courtesy visit to the Eze Igbu Upata 111, Eze Felix OtuwariKpo and his council of chiefs at Edeoha Community in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the state.
Ebeku stated that the provision of clean and potable drinking water to the people of the state occupies front burner in the present administration’s policy in the state, adding that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike was committed to ensuring that people of the state have access to clean and safe drinking water supply.
According to him, the state government was partnering with the World Bank, European Union, African Development Bank and UNICEF to provide safe drinking water in the state.
“The partnership will be on long term projects. However, because of the governor’s approach to governance, the partners also agreed to rehabilitate the existing water schemes in the state along with the long term projects”, he stated.
In his response, Eze Igbu Upata 111, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo commended the state governor for the reappointment of their son, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku, who he described as a worthy son of the Upata Kingdom.
The monarch expressed readiness of the communities in Ahoada to partner with the state government in providing safe drinking water for people, and lauded the state government for its decision to rehabilitate the water schemes in Ahoada and other parts of the state.
Otuwarikpo pledged that he will ensure that facilities in his area of jurisdiction were protected from vandals, and further appealed that the water schemes should be extended to more communities within the local government area.
At the Ahoada Water Station where he inspected facilities on ground, Ebeku frowned at the extent of damage and vandalisation of water facilities in the state by hoodlums.
He emphasised the need for communities to partner with government in the rehabilitation process, and also take ownership of the infrastructures in their areas to forestall future vandalisation and ensure sustainability upon completion.
The European Union component of the project is for the small towns and will be majorly executed in towns within Opobo/Nkoro and Akuku-Toru local government areas of the state.
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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