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Degema GDI Endorses Wike, Banigo For 2019
The Degema chapter of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) has called on the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo to present themselves for re-election in 2019.
The GDI made this call when the Degema chapter of the organization paid a courtesy visit to the deputy governor at the Government House in Port Harcourt, last Friday
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who thanked the GDI for the confidence reposed on the governor and herself, said as a non-governmental organisation, the GDI was important to the state government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of its closeness to the grassroots.
“With your support to the governor and the party, Rivers people will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy because Wike is deeply committed in the quest to rescue the Rivers people”, she said.
According to her, when the present administration came on board a little over two years ago, the state was bedevilled with various internecine wars which resulted into the loss of lives and properties.
She noted that as a result of the intervention of the Rivers State Boundary Commission in communal conflicts, peace has returned to the state, which has made it possible for the government to fast-track all-round development.
“Peace is an important adjunct of development. That is why we preach peace, and make sure the government is all-inclusive, there is fairness, equity and justice in our state now”, she enthused.
Banigo explained that projects such as land reclamation which was capital intensive, human capital development, as well as massive infrastructural development programmes were ongoing in Degema.
Earlier, the Degema Local Government Area Secretary of GDI, Mr. Benjamin Ipakiriboemi and the Coordinator of Ward 14, Degema, Mr. Amiebi Elekima had informed the deputy governor, that as a result of the brilliant performance of Governor Nyesom Wike, the GDI in Degema has resolved to pass a vote of confidence on the governor and his deputy, and urged them to take another tenure at the Brick House in 2019.
Banigo was conferred with the Golden Award of Good Leadership as well as the grand matron of GDI at the event.
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.
