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RSG Approves N3bn For Pension, Gratuities Arrears
The Rivers State Government has approved the sum of N3 billion for the payment of arrears of gratuities owed retirees from the state Public Service.
The Head of Service, Mrs Esther Anucha who disclosed this while declaring open one-day South-South, South-East Zonal Conference of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), held at the conference hall of the Ministry of Justice yesterday said plans have reached advanced stage to ensure that retirees got their cheques as they proceed on retirement.
Mrs Anucha also hinted that towards ensuring that pensioners with federal share of pensions got paid on time the state government had provided office accommodation and state secretariat complex, to facilitate the processing of documents.
According to her, following the signing into law of the contributory pension scheme in Rivers State last year by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth take-off of the scheme, one of such measures, she said was the setting up of the state Pension Board to supervise, regulate and control pension administration in the state.
The Head of Service noted that with the appointment and inauguration of the Board members, delays in computation and payment of pensions and gratuities would be eliminated.
Mrs Anucha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment, Mr Gift Chima Ake said the introduction of the contributory pension scheme would no doubt douse the fears of prospective retirees.
Also speaking, the guest of honour and King of Abua Kingdom, HRM Kale Ogbuke harped on the harmonisation of pension and gratuities benefits in line with what obtains in the federal government service and enjoined all members to work assiduously as they are entitled to enjoy the fruit of their labour. He used the occasion to advise pensioners to engage in other businesses rather than depending on their retirement benefits in order to reduce the tedium of life at retirement.
Earlier, the state caretaker committee chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Hon. Alvan Azunda Ikegwuru thanked Governor Amaechi for establishing the state Pensions Board.
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.
