News
Mixed Reactions Greet Solar Eclipse In PH
It was mixed reactions in Port Harcourt yesterday as residents expressed different views on the occurrence of a solar eclipse.
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASDRA) had predicted a partial solar Eclipse in different of the country.
In Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State , some residents claimed to have observed the Eclipse, while other feigned ignorance of the event.
A house wife, Mrs Olatayo Joshua told The Tide that she hurried home from the Church to observe the Eclipse.
She claimed that, though, there was poor visibility, there was evidence, that there was an Eclipse.
Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Dada Amadi, a teacher claimed that, the condition of the weather in Port Harcourt was indication that it was an Eclipse and described it as one of the wonderful works of God.
“This is a wonderful work of God, although people are putting scientific meaning to it,”, he said.
In his own view, a student, William Chinwo said that could not observed only thing, even though he trial stressing that although there was information to effect there was no sign that it occurred in Port Harcourt.
Another resident, Mrs udo Erok Eno also denied that on Eclipse occurred in Port Harcourt.
According to her, normal business activities were on and nobody thought of any Eclipse or saw anything special to imagine that supernatural event had occurred.
In Abuja, no fewer than 500 students of public and private schools across the country yesterday observed the partial solar eclipse at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja.
The Director General of the Agency Prof. Seidu Mohammed who explained the occurrence said it was a natural phenomenon devoid of negative connotation.
The solar eclipse started in Abuja at exactly 1. 03 p.m. as predicted by NASRDA. NASRDA provided the students and some Nigerians with instruments, including Eclipse shades to observe the eclipse.
The Supervising Minister for Science and Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, said the students were invited to motivate them to develop interest in the study science and technology.
“We invited these students to boost their interest in studying of science and technology which is the bedrock for industrialization of any nation. That is why we are using this medium to encourage you to develop interest in studying science and technology, particularly astronomy and space science,” Johnson said.
Johnson, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Rabi Jimeta, said the occurrence of the partial solar eclipse revealed that space technology was working in Nigeria.
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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