The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, has apprehended two persons over alleged theft of 2,100 liters of premium motor spirit.

The Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi disclosed this while handing over the suspects and items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) in Ibaka on Monday.

Abdullahi said that navy personnel apprehended the suspects at about 7.45p.m on Jan. 24, while on a routine patrol along the Mbo River area.

He said that during the patrol, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 2,100 Liters of petrol, carefully concealed under cargos such as bread, fruits and bags of cassava flakes among others.

He said that the intention of the suspects was to smuggle the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroun.

The commanding officer said that under the watch of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, the FOB IBAKA would remain committed to fighting waterway crime.

Abdullahi said it would be impossible for maritime crimes to continue in the waterways and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.

“We shall continue to detect criminals and their activities within the nation’s waterways through the use of advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.

“Individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters should desist immediately,” he said.

Receiving the suspects and Items, ASC Willie Emediong, said that the NSCDC would prosecute the suspects after thorough investigations on the matter.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has called on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to serve with diligence and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.

The governor made this appeal on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of Batch C, Stream II corps members at the permanent orientation camp in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Effiong Nicholas, Governor Eno encouraged the corps members to maximize the opportunity to serve their fatherland and foster unity across diverse backgrounds.

“As stakeholders in Nigerian projects, it is incumbent on you to continue the building process across linguistic, religious, ethnic, and socio-cultural boundaries,” he said. “Nigerians are looking up to you to give the country a new lease of life.”

The governor assured the corps members of the state government’s unwavering commitment to their welfare and safety.
“We are consciously taking necessary steps to ensure that your life and property, including those of other citizens, are protected against all forms of molestation and abuse,” he added.

Governor Eno also urged the corps members to develop a positive attitude to work, embrace innovation, and make lasting friendships during their service year.
“Nigeria needs people like you to show that we can stay together and achieve our aim of a united and indivisible nation, though tribe and tongue may differ,” he said.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Sam Pepple, disclosed that 1,660 corps members, comprising 718 males and 942 females, had been deployed to the state. He noted that the corps members were settling into the orientation exercise, which was designed to instill the vision and ideals of the NYSC scheme.

Pepple appealed to the state government to address the camp’s infrastructure challenges and urged local government chairmen to construct corpers’ lodges in their respective areas for the benefit of the corps members.

The ceremony’s highlight was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the private sector to support the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by sponsoring community development projects initiated by corps members.

Governor Oborevwori, represented by Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, the Commissioner for Higher Education, made the appeal on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C, Stream 2, corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku.

He emphasized that such investments would enhance the quality of life in host communities and positively engage corps members.

“My dear corps members, the NYSC, established over four decades ago, has consistently proven its relevance in the development of the nation,” Oborevwori stated. “Its appeal to Nigerian youths remains strong despite challenges, including the contemporary issues of insecurity in some parts of the country.”

The governor also acknowledged the efforts of the NYSC management in tackling youth unemployment through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. He urged corps members to take full advantage of the initiative during their orientation course.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the NYSC, he said, “My administration is committed to supporting NYSC with the necessary resources, encouragement, and enabling environment to foster progress in the scheme.”

Oborevwori disclosed that the state government had sensitized and mobilized communities to prioritize the security and welfare of corps members. He also urged the corps members to actively participate in orientation camp activities designed to engage and prepare them for their service year.

“The state government is continuously striving to make this camp more conducive and leave a lasting positive impression on you. With God on our side and adequate financial resources, we shall achieve this objective,” he added.

The Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, also addressed the corps members, encouraging them to embrace the challenges of transitioning from academic life to a more demanding environment.

“Take full advantage of the various skill acquisition programmes offered by the scheme, which are aimed at empowering you with the requisite knowledge and skills to address the challenge of post-service unemployment,” Emu said.

Delta State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. John Kwaghe, commended the corps members for their discipline and readiness to serve. He urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the orientation course to make a meaningful impact in their host communities.

“Serve with humility, diligence, and creativity. Be exemplary in your roles as teachers and leaders, and strive to impact positively on the lives of those you encounter,” Kwaghe advised.

He expressed gratitude to the state government for its continuous support, including the promise to provide a 150KVA generator to address the camp’s power challenges. However, he appealed for attention to the camp’s perimeter fencing, which he described as weak and inadequate.

A total of 2,159 prospective corps members, comprising 993 males and 1,166 females, were registered at the camp. Community leaders were also urged to prioritize the welfare and security of the corps members, treating them as their own children.