Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for partnership between the State Government and the new General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and all forms of maritime crimes in the State.

The Governor emphasised that Rivers State, as the economic strength of Nigeria, places enormous tasks on those saddled with the responsibility to protecting critical national infrastructure to synergise on strategies to tackle real challenges to enable Nigeria effectively function as a nation.

Governor Fubara made the remark when he played host to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major-General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, on courtesy visit to Government House in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.

Governor Fubara stated the importance of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, as according to him, it is saddled with a lot of responsibilities, including protecting all national assets within its jurisdiction.

The Governor, however, noted that it is difficult to achieve such feat of protecting national assets without ensuring that there is peace in the State.

Governor Fubara said: “I am really happy that you are here to do the ritual. Nothing very special. Coming here to see me doesn’t mean that we have any special relationship. It is normal, and that is the right thing to do. I need to say this so that, maybe, other persons can also understand.

“We have received the Chief of Army Staff. Very unfortunately, he had passed on. He came here for an assignment, and he visited us. But, you won’t believe that the outgone GOC did not come here for one day to see us, at least, not for anything, but to assure us that look, we have a common interest, and we are going to work together.

“Definitely, we are not going to ask him to do anything that is unprofessional, but to have this working relationship, because you need us to succeed, and we also need you to succeed.”

Governor Fubara noted that he appreciated the honour accorded to his administration by the courtesy visit, and assured to provide support within the capacity of government to make sure that the GOC succeeded in his enormous task.

The Governor also extended appreciation to other officers in his entourage who have been working round the clock in addressing security challenges in crisis-ridden communities to ensure that there is peace and tranquility in the State.

He said, “And, finally, I want to say that our task today is becoming gradually complicated because of the set of people that have chosen to become problem to this country. We have issues of pipeline vandalization, destruction of gas and crude oil pipelines. And also, the worst part of it is some persons who have decided to engineer community crisis in most areas of oil operations.

“So, please, while you’re taking that responsibility as part of your assignment, wherever we need to come in, endeavour to reach out to us, so that we can also apply our own mechanism, because when it comes to issues of chieftaincy, it is within our power.”

Governor Fubara insisted: “And when it comes to issues of community relationship, it is also within our power. So, we can join hands together to bring peace in those areas so that operations can also flow smoothly.”

In his speech, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, said recently, there was a change of baton across formations in the Nigerian Army, and he was posted to 6 Division as the General Officer Commanding.

Major General Emekah, stated that having resumed duties on 24th January, 2025, and taken over from his predecessor, who has been reassigned to Abuja, he decided to pay a courtesy visit to formally introduce himself to the Governor.

He said: “My visit here this afternoon is customary in the military, and I believe, in other organizations too, that when you assume Command, you pay courtesy visit to your hosts, political masters, traditional rulers and other stakeholders within your area of responsibility.

“And being the Chief Host of 6 Division, I deemed it very necessary to come here this afternoon to formally introduce myself to you. Also, to thank you for the enabling environment that you have given to the Army to operate in the State.

“And to say that the task of the Division is very easy: It is simple and straight, which is the protection of critical national infrastructure in the maritime and the oil domains, and also to ensure security in the South-South region. I pledge that we will give it our utmost attention to ensure that everything is done as expected.”

The Federal Government has launched an Artificial Intelligence training programme to equip 6,000 selected senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative, organised by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission seeks to integrate AI into the educational system, enhancing teaching methods and empowering educators with the skills to prepare students for a technology-driven future.

At the flag-off ceremony of the training, as well as the unveiling of the minimum standards for senior secondary education in Abuja, yesterday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, said the programme is a landmark in its collective commitment to equipping teachers with the skills necessary to prepare students for the rapidly evolving digital age.

“The world is undergoing a technological revolution, and Artificial Intelligence is at its core. AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies.

“As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind. The integration of AI into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalise education, and develop critical thinking skills among our students. Our goal is to prepare them for careers in a technology-driven world, where AI literacy will be as fundamental as reading and writing.

“This document, which was developed by NSSEC through extensive collaboration with stakeholders and approved by the National Council on Education, will serve as a guiding framework to ensure that senior secondary education across Nigeria adheres to high-quality standards. It is our blueprint for ensuring consistency, accountability, and measurable improvement in our education sector”, he stated.

The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed, said the world is moving rapidly towards a digital future, and Nigeria must not be left behind.

According to her, the introduction of AI into Nigeria’s education system will enhance both teaching methodologies and learning experiences, ensuring that our students are better prepared for global opportunities.

The minister, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, said the Ministry of Education, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu has placed a high premium on education reforms aimed at ensuring Nigerian students are equipped with 21st-century skills.

“The AI in Pedagogy training is a vital component of these reforms, ensuring our teachers acquire the necessary skills to facilitate innovative and technologically-driven education.

“To our dedicated teachers, you are at the centre of this transformation. The knowledge and expertise you acquire through this training will have a ripple effect on our students, preparing them for a world where digital and AI skills are indispensable. I encourage you to embrace this opportunity fully and apply the knowledge gained to enrich classroom experiences,” she said.

Also speaking, the executive secretary of NSEEC, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, said the official unveiling of the Developed Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education and flag-off of an online Google-sponsored AI in Pedagogy training of 6,000 Senior Secondary School Teachers across the country marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of excellence in education, bearing in mind the Renewed Hope Agenda on our nation’s education system.

Ajayi said, “As we embark on this journey of national renewal under the visionary leadership of Mr President Bola Tinubu, we must recognise that education is not merely a tool for individual advancement, but the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society.

“What we are about to witness today is a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence, equity, and relevance in our senior secondary education system. As we all know, education is the bedrock of any progressive society, and the senior secondary level plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our young ones, preparing them for higher education, employment, and lifelong skills.”

The virtual training programme, which is sponsored by Google Research and supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, is aimed at enhancing the AI pedagogical skills among senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the FCT. The training is packaged in five modules and is expected to run for a period of five weeks.

Following the revelations that late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, former Abia State Governor and current Senator for Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognise the late politician as one of Nigeria’s past presidents.

Kalu suggested that Abiola’s portrait should be placed alongside those of other former leaders at the Presidential Villa as a sign of acknowledgement.

He made the call while speaking with journalists at the Senate before yesterday’s plenary session.

This was in reaction to the revelations from the newly released memoir of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), where he admitted that Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

He stated, “Yes, Abiola won the election. And I will say President Tinubu should declare him a president posthumously.”

While praising former President Muhammadu Buhari for awarding Abiola a posthumous national honour, he insisted that more should be done.

“Since Abiola won, his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents. I commend former President Buhari for giving him a national honour, but I also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognise him and place his image where it belongs. This would help bring succour to his family,” Kalu stated.

When asked about Babangida’s memoir, Kalu said it did not provide the full story, urging Babangida to publish a second volume to clarify unanswered questions about the annulled election.

He stated, “I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities. I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out the names of those responsible for preventing the election declaration.”

He also dismissed claims that the 1966 coup was planned along ethnic lines, stating, “The coup in question was not an Igbo coup; it was a Nigerian coup, executed by the military.”

Kalu reaffirmed that Abiola was the rightful winner of the 1993 election.

“Moshood Abiola won that election, and there is no doubt about it,” he emphasised

When asked about the next presidential election, Kalu subtly expressed support for Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027, saying confidently: “Yes, Asiwaju will win in 2027.”

He urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s government, adding that history has shown that even presidents who were not initially well received have secured second terms.

He said, “We are appealing to Nigerians to be patient with the reform process. We are not looking for another presidential candidate outside our party. We are fully aligned with democratic principles and supporting the sitting president.

“The good news is that we will win again in 2027. The president will return, and Nigerians will celebrate with us. That is inevitable.”