News
Banigo Seeks Support To End Oil Theft, Illegal Refining
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has solicited the support of the Community Development Committees (CDC) in the 23 local government areas of the state to enlighten and sensitize their people about the dangers inherent in artisanal refining of crude oil.
Banigo expressed this during a consultative meeting on modular refineries with the CDC chairmen and secretaries from the 23 local government areas at the Delta Hotels, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
She said the appeal became necessary in view of the fact that the issue of black soot concerns everybody because of the negative effect it has on our environment, noting that it is a matter that could kill all of us if we do not take necessary actions to stop it.
According to the deputy governor, when scientists examined the particles of the soot in Port Harcourt and its environs, they discovered that those particles were very dangerous to human health, plants and animals.
Banigo further disclosed that it can cause cancer and damage virtually all the organs of the body like the lungs, heart, the kidneys and the skin, stressing that one of the major causes of soot was artisanal refining of crude oil which is popularly known as “Kpo Fire”.
The deputy governor informed the CDC members that the state government under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike was committed to put an end to the problem by providing better alternative to the people in the form of modular refineries.
She assured them that government would not victimize anyone who abandons his or her artisanal refining business to embrace the modular refinery programme.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Igbiks Tamuno, revealed that in Rivers State, with a population of over seven million people, the “Kpo fire” activities were spread across 14 local government areas with some LGAs having as much as 10 locations.
Igbiks, who said the effects of the soot were seen everywhere, expressed worry that while some artisanal refinery operators smile to the banks, majority of the innocent people were suffering from the illegal activities of a few, stressing that the state government was determined to put an end to the menace.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Peter Medee, informed the CDC members that they were not invited to be accused but to partner with the state government to proffer lasting solution to the soot problem plaguing the state.
While sensitizing the people on the global Coronavirus pandemic, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, who is also the chairman of the Awareness Committee on the Prevention of Coronavirus in the state, said the government decided to set up the committee on Coronavirus prevention because the state Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike, places high premium on the wellbeing of all residents in the state.
He noted that this was not the time to spiritualize but to take proactive steps, improve on personal hygiene level and protect ourselves and our loved ones.
While contributing to the discussion, the Forum of Community Development Committees in Rivers State, endorsed the concept of modular refineries, and pledged readiness to support government efforts to float modular refineries in parts of the state as a mechanism for checking unemployment and rising criminality, while stopping the scourge of oil theft and illegal refining activities in the state.
The Coordinator-General of the forum in Rivers State, Mr John Onwubualili, who spoke on behalf of members of the forum, said that the initiative, if implemented, was capable of addressing the myriad of environmental challenges facing the region, while building the economic capacity of the people to respond to the needs of the present day realities.
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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