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COVID-19: We’ll Overcome These Challenges Through Joint Efforts -Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the belief that Nigeria would bounce back from current trying period through collective efforts and prayers of the faithful.
Buhari expressed this, yesterday, in a message congratulating the new Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba.
The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also welcomed the fifth Primate of the Church to Abuja, assuring him of his support.
The President also prayed for God’s guidance for the retired Primate of the church, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, wishing him success in his future endeavours.
“President Muhammadu Buhari heartily congratulates Archbishop Henry Ndukuba on his presentation as the fifth Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
“The President also felicitates with all members of the Anglican Church across Nigeria on the joyous occasion that ushered in a new spiritual leader of the church, who has vowed to uphold the tenets of the Christian faith as espoused in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“President Buhari prays for God’s grace, wisdom and guidance for the new leader as he leads Anglicans in Nigeria at a time of contending myriad of challenges for the church, the nation and the world.
“The President appreciates the contributions and solidarity of the church in encouraging the faithful to adhere to government and public health authorities-led efforts to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Underscoring the important relations between the church and the state, and the roles of faith-based organizations in nation-building, Buhari is confident that as a nation that believes in the efficacy of prayer and the power of faith in God, Nigeria will bounce back from this trying period through collective actions.
“The President also takes this opportunity to wish the retired Primate, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh every success in his future mission.
“President Buhari welcomes the new Primate to Abuja and assures him of good wishes and support as he begins a new phase of ministry”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani, has said that Coronavirus should unite the people of Nigeria, since it’s a collective challenge.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen, in Abuja, yesterday, he said, the reality of Coronavirus has shown the level of rot in Nigeria’s healthcare as a result of years of neglect by the elite and political leaders.
The former lawmaker did distribute items to some religious organisations and the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kaduna.
He wrote: “Coronavirus is a challenge to the wisdom, resilience and spirit of Humanity.
“Coronavirus should inspire us to stand together and fight together.
“Nigerian elite and political leaders have neglected and destroyed the public health care system over the years and we are now in the days of reckoning.
“Coronavirus will not bring an end to the World but will surely return it to its beginning and basics where love, brotherhood and compassion was its spirit.
“Mythical Islamic and Christian religious leaders preaching against medical advice represent a serious threat to combating the spread of the virus in Nigeria.
“If Coronavirus were to be a poor man’s disease, many could have perished and be buried in an unmarked grave.
“If Coronavirus had came during electioneering times, Political leaders could have distributed free and customized sanitizers, masks and ventilators.
“Nigerian political leaders should seek forgiveness from God and from their poor people.
“The World has forgotten God until Coronavirus came.
“Coronavirus in the villa is not just a medical issue but a national security problem.
“It’s callous and inhuman to tell people to stay at home without providing for them any form of palliative, relief or support to take care of their families.
“Don’t just tell people to wash their hands and wear masks with empty stomach.”
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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