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American NGO Donates 550 Wheelchairs To Rivers
United States based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), free wheel chair Thursday, donated 550 wheel chairs to the Rivers State Government as part of events to commemorate the international day for the disable persons in the state.
Speaking during the occasion at the state House of Assembly Auditorium, the representative of the free wheel chair organisation, Mrs Theresa Ogide-Alaeze stated that the NGO decided to make the donation to the state government in order to ease the problems of the physically challenged persons in the state.
Mrs Alaeze explained that the goal of the organisation is to make the physically impaired people in the world become self-reliant adding that, the association had in recent times donated medical equipment to the state government as a way of contributing to the development of healthcare delivery in the state.
She urged the state government to grant access to banking opportunities, economic stability and employment opportunities to the physically challenged persons in the state as well as a legislations that would protect them from all forms of marginalisation.
Meanwhile, the wife of the state governor, Dame Judith Amaechi who represented the governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, stated that the present administration was not biased in its policies adding that the welfare of the disabled citizens and everyone taken into consideration at all times.
Dame Amaechi assured that the state government would not renege in its determination to better the life of people with disabilities and urged the larger society to always show compassion towards them.
Earlier, in his address of welcome, the state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Hon Joe Poroma, stated that the celebration of the event serves as a catalyst in rehabilitating the disabled adding that the federal government accepted the principles of the participation, integration and equal opportunities as defined by the standard rules as equalisation of opportunities for persons with disabilities.
He described this year’s theme “Realising the millennium Development Goal for All; empowerment of people with disabilities Around the World,” as very apt and insisted that the event would energize those caring for persons with disabilities.
Earlier in his opening speech, the chairman of the occasion, Apostle Zilly Aggrey opined that the day was remarkable in the life of the physically-challenged persons and the state government at large.
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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