Business

Oil Theft: Minister Tasks Navy On Commitment

Published

12 years ago

October 31, 2014

The Minister of Defence, Retired Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau , has called on the Nigerian Navy to remain committed in the fight against oil theft.
Gusau made the call yesterday while inaugurating the Naval Headquarters Office Extension Building in Abuja.
“I wish to note with delight the contributions of the Nigerian Navy in our fight against security challenges and its achievements in the fight against oil theft and other maritime crimes.
“I, therefore, urge officers and ratings of the Navy not to rest on their oars but to remain patriotic, disciplined and committed to their professional calling.
“Let me assure you of government’s commitment to the ongoing efforts at upgrading equipment holding of the navy and other services, including their support facilities and welfare,’’ the minister said.
Gusau while commending the leadership of the Nigerian Navy on the initiative, said that the building was a major achievement to the working environment for personnel serving at the Naval headquarters.
The minister noted that a good working environment did not only give comfort to personnel, but engendered high morale, enhanced productivity and efficiency.
“I, therefore, commend the foresight of the navy for embarking on this project in spite of annual budgetary constraints.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Usman Jibrin, said that the navy embarked on the project on May 5, 2012 in order to address acute shortage of office accommodation.
Jibrin said that the headquarters’ office extension had offices capable of accommodating two branch chiefs and eight other offices for directors and staff officers.
He said the building which was executed through direct labour, also had a restaurant, VIP waiting room and a conference room with state of the art multi-media facilities.
Jibrin said that although the building was constructed through direct labour, a number of contractors were engaged to carry out works, such as cladding, supply of furniture and fittings, among others.
The service chiefs, members of the National Assembly and top military officers attended the ceremony.

Commissioner for Ministry of Agriculture Rivers State Hon. Emmanuel Chindah (right) congratulating the winner of 2014 World Food Day Celebration, Ledogo, Dumnia Lucky (left) at Isaac Boro Park, recently.

Business

RIVERS NDC STANDARD BEARER CAUTIONS AGAINST TRIBAL POLITICS IN 2027

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Governorship candidate of The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has called on politicians and other stakeholders in the state not to make the governorship seat of Rivers State an ethnic agenda.

Chief Lulu-Briggs, who said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after arrival from Abuja, also blamed the alleged unenviable position of Rivers State among the comity of states in the country on the political class.

He said stakeholders must avoid a situation where the state would be plunged into another round of political crisis, adding that given the ethnic and cultural diversity of the state, it was necessary to give everyone a sense of inclusion by ensuring that the governorship seat rotates among the ethnic nationalities.

The NDC governorship flag bearer condemned the alleged intimidation of the electorate, noting that the situation has underdeveloped the state.

He said, if elected, his administration would provide the democratic dividends that will improve the lives of the people.

In a similar development, the state chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Rivers State, Mr Success Jack, says his party will run an all inclusive government in the state.

Mr Jack, who spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt, promised that an NDC controlled government will always consult with the people before taking any decisions.

According to him, based on his party’s ideology of “Solid, Strong Accommodating”, the NDC offers hope to the hopeless and the downtrodden.

“We assure you that we are fully ready. Our party is a platform that is open to everybody whether APC or PDP, we offer hope. Our ideology is Solid, Strong, Accommodating. The manifesto of our party is anchored on the ideology of providing genuine service to the people”.

Mr Jack also stressed that the policies of an NDC government would be crafted in such a way and manner that serves the primary and secondary interests of the people.

“This is not what you find in other parties.What you find in other parties is utmost impunity, absolute impunity, where the people are not included, they are not consulted and so their opinion does not count, they don’t know what government wants to do because they didn’t contribute to what government wants to do.

“That’s not the case here. We listen to the people, even provide the way forward, (and) the details for the way forward because we provide the framework as a government but the people will provide the details because they are the ones that wear the shoes and they know where it pinches them”, he said.

By: John Bibor

Business

Navy Upgrades Infrastructure To Tackle Security Threats —— CNS

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding its infrastructures and training to tackle emerging security threats

Navy also said the service is aimed at strengthening operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas stated this 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.

Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, Abbas 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 facilities include 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 said.

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.

NAVTRAC also distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area.

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.

By: CHINEDU WOSU

Business

Airport Road Remains Only For Airport Activities —-Gov. Fubara

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara says Airport road will soon be accessible only for Airport activities in the state.

The Governor said this recently while inspecting the level l0of construction work on the Igwuruta By-Pass Road project in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The Governor who expressed optimism over the progress of work on the project, saying the By-pass road will reduced unrelated activities on the Airport area in the state.

Governor Fubara explained that the By-pass road was designed in collaboration with the host community to address accessibility concerns while preserving the operational integrity of the airport corridor.

“So, we liaised with the community and created this By-pass,” he stated.

The governor further clarified the objective of the road project, saying it would provide the residents with a dedicated access route separate from the airport operations.

“The purpose of the By-pass is so needful that the community can have this as their own way, their own entrance, while the airport will remain only for airport activity once these roads are completed,” he said.

Providing an update on the pace of work, Fubara disclosed that the project had already achieved a major milestone in execution.

“So far, they’ve done about 65% of the job,” the governor announced,

revealing that contractors handling the project had assured the state government of timely delivery.

He also expressed confidence that the bypass would be completed before October.

“They’re also promising that before October, the total project will be delivered,” he added.

By: Enoch Epelle