The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to strategic partnerships and collaborations aimed at enhancing economic growth through sustainable investments.

Also, the state government pledged its continued support for initiatives that drive socio-economic progress and youth empowerment.

The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the Unity Schools Old Students Association led by its President-General, Michael Ibrahim Magaji, at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser to the Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen.

The visit followed the successful conclusion of the 3rd USOSA Sports Festival hosted in the State, an initiative designed to promote unity, cultural legacy, and societal impact.

Ibas commended USOSA for choosing Rivers State as the host of the event, describing it as a testament to the state’s peaceful and investment-friendly environment.

He emphasised that the government remains committed to fostering collaborations that stimulate economic benefits while advancing education and sports as key drivers of youth development and social cohesion.

The statement reads, “The Rivers State Government is open to partnerships and collaborations that enhance economic growth through enduring investments.

“We recognize that initiatives like the USOSA Sports Festival not only promote unity but also contribute to the socio-economic vitality of our State. We will continue to support such programs that harness youth potential, create opportunities, and reinforce our collective belief in a prosperous Nigeria.”

Ibas further highlighted the government’s prioritization of education and sports, noting their role in shaping a stable and progressive society.

He assured USOSA of the state’s willingness to consider interventions in unity schools within Rivers State, aligning with the administration’s broader agenda for human capital development.

In his remarks, USOSA President-General Michael Magaji expressed gratitude for the state’s hospitality and reiterated the association’s commitment to fostering national unity through education and sports.

He appealed for government support in rehabilitating facilities in unity schools across the state, a request the administrator pledged to review.

The Governing Council of the Air Force Institute of Technology, has approved the appointment of AVM Osichinaka Ubadike, a serving officer, as Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the appointment was a landmark achievement for the NAF and a major boost to its research and development endeavours.

This, according to him, makes Ubadike the first-ever serving officer in the NAF to be conferred the rank of Professor.

“AVM Ubadike, an accomplished scholar and military professional, holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Vehicle Design from the esteemed Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.

“He also possesses 3 other Masters degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), with a First-Class Bachelor of Electrical Electronics Engineering degree from NDA.

“He has led several cutting-edge research initiatives within the NAF, including his pivotal role in the development of the indigenous NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

“The UAV project demonstrates the Air Force’s expanding technical capabilities and strategic independence,” he said.

Ejodame said the AFIT Governing Council also confirmed the appointment of retired AVM Paul Jemitola, as a Professor of Aerospace Engineering.

He said that Prof. Jemitola, the immediate past Commandant of AFIT, was widely respected for his expertise in multidisciplinary and multi-objective aircraft design optimization.

“He holds a Master’s degree and PhD from Cranfield University and was the lead designer of the NAF UAV project.

“He is a chartered engineer in the United Kingdom and currently serves as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos,” he added.

The NAF spokesman said the conferment of the professors was a testament to the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to prioritise technological advancement through education, capacity-building and R&D.

He quoted CAS as saying, “We will continue to invest in the empowerment of our flagship training and capacity development institutions to progressively minimise dependence on foreign expertise”.

Ejodame said the approach reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to academic excellence and R&D to cultivate homegrown expertise capable of meeting evolving national security and aerospace challenges.

NAN

The Commander of the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Olawale Oyekola, has donated an operational vehicle to the Man O’ War Nigeria, Lagos State Command.

The donation, which took place recently, was aimed at enhancing the organisation’s capacity for information gathering and sharing, thereby supporting the brigade’s operations in Lagos State.

According to a statement on Sunday, the formal handover ceremony occurred at the Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja Cantonment in Ikeja, where Brig. Gen. Oyekola explained that the vehicle was refurbished from an abandoned OP MESA vehicle.

He expressed hope that the donation would enable Man O’ War in Lagos State to be more responsive and effective in gathering actionable information.

In the statement, Oyekola emphasised the army’s continued commitment to maintaining peace in Lagos State.

He said, “I found it expedient to look inwards and refurbish one of the long-time abandoned OP MESA vehicles for the organisation to encourage their information gathering and sharing capacity in support of the brigade’s operations in Lagos State.

“We have so far been able to boost security surveillance in the state. Since assuming office, we have ensured that miscreants threatening the peace of the state have been dealt with, and this donation is a testament to our commitment to maintaining peace and security in Lagos State. We, therefore, promise to do more in order to sustain this feat.”

In response, the Man O’ War Commander, Lagos State Command, Lucky Onimowo, thanked. Oyekola for the donation and assured that the command would make effective use of the vehicle to provide timely and actionable intelligence to the 9 Brigade in its operations.