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Think Tank Lauds Rivers Administrator, Ibas, on Rapid Development, Prudent Use of Resources to Execute Projects
The National Good Governance Advocates (NGGA) has hailed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, for his transformative leadership and meticulous stewardship of resources, which have driven unprecedented development in the state.
In its detailed report made public at a press conference in Abuja, the NGGA celebrated Ibas for rescuing Rivers from the brink of collapse and restoring stability, security, and public confidence.
The report paints a grim picture of Rivers before Ibas’ appointment on March 18, 2025, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.
In his address, national president, Dr. Abiodun Israel, recounts how Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration plunged the state into chaos through “brazen abuse of constitutional norms,” including his unlawful attempt to declare the seats of 27 elected lawmakers vacant over political differences.
The NGGA noted, “The collapse of democratic institutions had become glaring… laying bare the capriciousness with which the instruments of power had been wielded.
“This was compounded by resurgent militancy and pipeline explosions that threatened Nigeria’s oil-driven economy, creating a dagger aimed at the economic heart of Nigeria.”
Under Ibas’s leadership, however, the group said Rivers has undergone a remarkable transformation.
The NGGA’s report states, “The pervasive climate of fear that once haunted the streets of Port Harcourt, the markets of Bori, the creeks of Bonny, and the oilfields of Ogoni has been replaced by a resurgent atmosphere of peace and assurance.
”Within a week of his administration, militancy was subdued, pipeline explosions ceased, and oil production stabilized, averting a national economic crisis.”
The report further highlights that “in less than two weeks into his administration, markets had begun to hum with activity; businesses awakened from forced dormancy; and residents walked streets with that long-absent sense of safety.”
According to the group, Ibas’ achievements extend to governance and infrastructure. The NGGA commended his commitment to democratic restoration, noting his release of funds to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for the August 30, 2025, local government elections.
“His infrastructural projects include the reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex and the completion of the Mother and Child Hospital, integrated into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital network,” the group added.
The report singles out his oversight of the ₦150 billion Port Harcourt Ring Road dualization project, stating, “His insistence on transparency and delivery has set a new standard for accountability in Rivers State governance, and we see this as an exemplar of stewardship, not self-interest.”
The NGGA fiercely rebutted allegations of contract inflation and treasury looting against Ibas, calling them “fabricated fiction” orchestrated by Fubara and his allies.
The report declares, “The allegations… accusing Admiral Ibas of orchestrating a fraudulent inflation of contracts amounting to nearly half a trillion naira… are nothing short of manufactured stories from the laboratory of political propaganda.”
It accuses Fubara of sponsoring a “shameful publication, devoid of substantiation” to discredit Ibas and destabilise Rivers ahead of his potential return, warning that “his penchant for propaganda will once again plunge Rivers into political unrest if this goes unchecked.”
Looking forward, the NGGA urged continued reforms, including the completion of the State House of Assembly reconstruction and the strengthening of security through community policing.
The report emphasises, “Admiral Ibas has laid the foundation; it is the duty of all stakeholders to safeguard and build upon it.”
It called on President Tinubu to closely monitor Fubara’s conduct and urged contractors like Julius Berger, MCC, and Craneburg to publicly refute the false claims.
The NGGA concluded by thanking President Tinubu for his timely intervention and praising Ibas’s disciplined leadership, stating, “Let Admiral Ibas not merely be remembered for stabilising a state under emergency, but for designing the foundational stones for its peaceful democratic rebirth.”
The Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (CCST), Maj.-Gen. Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, has commenced a two-day conference aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and service delivery in support of Nigerian Army missions.
The conference, with the theme “Optimising ST Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to Nigerian Army Operations in All Missions,” began on Tuesday at the Muhammadu Buhari Auditorium, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Benin City, Edo State.
Shagaya said the conference was designed to review the Corps’ performance in ongoing military operations and provide a platform for strategic reflection, institutional learning, and collective problem-solving.
He noted that the forum would enable commanders to exchange ideas, assess operational realities, evaluate emerging challenges, and develop strategies to strengthen logistics support in a dynamic security environment.
“The contemporary operational landscape in which the Nigerian Army operates is increasingly complex and multidimensional,” he said.
“Modern military operations are characterised by fluid threat dynamics, technological evolution, and heightened demands on operational sustainability. In such an environment, the role of logistics has become even more critical.”
The CCST added that the conference would facilitate frank and professional engagement among senior officers to review operational commitments, examine institutional challenges, and explore innovative approaches to improve efficiency.
He urged participants to approach discussions with professionalism and a shared commitment to strengthening the Corps’ effectiveness.
Earlier, the Commandant of NASST, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Olatunde Adegbite, said the conference would provide an avenue for interaction between the Corps Commander, field commanders, and senior officers on achieving the Nigerian Army’s mission.
Adegbite said the engagement aligns with the Corps’ command philosophy of developing a highly proficient Supply and Transport Corps capable of efficiently supporting the Army in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
He added that the conference would promote knowledge sharing, address operational challenges, and enhance service delivery.
Highlights of the event include the commissioning of a Soldiers’ Dining Hall, a remodeled NASST Driving Simulation Centre, the unveiling of Col. I. Taiwo Crescent, and a group photograph.
The conference will also feature a Pulling-Out Ceremony and Gala Night in honour of retired generals of the Corps on March 26.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, has been described as a transformative leader in the media profession as she marks her birthday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, a former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, commended Ike for breaking barriers and redefining leadership within the union.
Onyilo noted that Ike made history as the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in over four decades, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for women in journalism.
She said Ike’s tenure had been marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in infrastructural development and the welfare of members, adding that her leadership had also strengthened participation and unity within the union.
“Her tenure has witnessed unprecedented development and effective mobilisation of members to actively participate in the affairs of the union, making her a foremost transformative leader of our era,” Onyilo said.
The publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine further described Ike as a media icon of immense value, praying for greater accomplishments, good health, and continued success in her leadership journey.
Onyilo congratulated Ike on her birthday and wished her many more years of impactful service.
he Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hosted a special Sallah luncheon for troops of the Forward Operations Base (FOB) Sobe in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Speaking at the event, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving troop welfare and boosting morale through strategic initiatives. He urged the soldiers to remain resolute in their duty to defend the nation’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity.
Represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, the Army Chief commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism despite operating under challenging conditions. He noted that their sacrifices and dedication embody the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier.
“They serve in difficult and often demanding environments, far from the comfort of their homes, yet remain steadfast in loyalty and professionalism.
Their endurance, sacrifice, and courage represent the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier,” he said, while praying for their safety and success in ongoing operations.
The COAS also lauded the continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security and intelligence agencies, describing inter-agency synergy as critical to sustaining operational success and national stability.
He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, noting that the President’s leadership remains a strong source of motivation for the Armed Forces.
In his welcome address, the Commander, FOB Sobe, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Agboro, described the COAS luncheon as a significant annual tradition held during major festive periods, including Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, Easter, and Christmas.
He said the initiative is aimed at boosting troop morale, recognising their sacrifices, honouring fallen heroes, and strengthening camaraderie within the ranks.
Agboro appreciated the Brigade Commander and his entourage for visiting the base to celebrate with the troops. He also acknowledged the presence of the Vice Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Mr Dele Aleburu, who represented the council chairperson, Madam Joy Ohonyon, as well as the traditional ruler of Sobe, HRH Anthony Ero Aleburu I, and heads of other security agencies in the area.
The event featured a luncheon, cultural dance performances, comedy presentations, and morale-boosting songs by the troops.
Army Supply and Transport Corps Reviews Operations, Targets Improved Service Delivery
NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, Hailed as Transformative Leader on Birthday
It’s Grace Ike’s Day: NUJ FCT Chairman Celebrated Across Board
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