The Atlantic Bell

Nivea, a leading deodorant and antiperspirant brand, brought excitement to the Rivers State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area, by rewarding outstanding corps members with cash prizes across various sporting events.

The initiative, aimed at promoting sportsmanship and youth development, saw winning platoons receive a total of millions of naira in prizes after emerging victorious in football, volleyball, badminton and athletics competitions.

In the football event, Platoon 7 claimed the top prize of ₦200,000, while Platoon 8 received ₦150,000 for finishing second and Platoon 6 earned ₦100,000 as third-place winners.
Platoon 3 dominated the volleyball competition to secure the ₦200,000 first prize. Platoon 2 came second to receive ₦150,000, while Platoon 10 finished third and was rewarded with ₦100,000.

The badminton contest also saw Platoon 3 emerge champions to win ₦200,000. Platoon 4 finished second to receive ₦150,000, while Platoon 6 placed third and took home ₦100,000.

In the 100-metre athletics event, Platoon 7 emerged winners in the female category, earning ₦200,000. Platoon 3 came second for ₦150,000, while Platoon 1 finished third and received ₦100,000.

In the male category, Platoon 10 clinched first place to win ₦200,000, followed by Platoon 5 with ₦150,000 and Platoon 2 with ₦100,000 for third position.

Commending the initiative, the Rivers State NYSC Coordinator congratulated the winning platoons and expressed profound appreciation to Nivea’s management and staff for their generosity towards corps members.

Also speaking, Nivea Area Supervisor for Port Harcourt, Amaka Ugochukwu, said the company was delighted to identify with graduate youths whom she described as the future leaders of Nigeria.

She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the NYSC in empowering young Nigerians and supporting efforts towards building “the Nigeria of our collective dream.”

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major redeployment of senior officers in a strategic move aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness and intensifying the fight against insecurity across the country.

The shake-up, which affects key operational, command, training and staff appointments, is part of the Army’s ongoing transformation agenda to enhance its capacity to respond to emerging security threats and improve leadership across critical formations.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the redeployments were designed to consolidate ongoing security operations and reinforce the institution’s readiness to tackle terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities threatening national security.

Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana becomes the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.

Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

Also redeployed is Major General JR Lar, who assumes office as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola takes over as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the COAS.

In further efforts to strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

Reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology-driven security operations, Major General SA Emmanuel has been named Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O Adegbe assumes duty as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

The redeployment also affected key military training institutions. Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School. Major General SO Adejimi takes over as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been named Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Other appointments include Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

The COAS charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

According to the Army, the latest redeployment underscores its determination to build a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of confronting both current and emerging security challenges in line with Nigeria’s national security objectives.

Residents of Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory and Mararaba in Nasarawa State have commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for sustaining operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft, describing the military’s efforts as vital to national security and economic stability.

The commendation came on Friday during a Peace and Development Rally organised by the Centre for Security and Economic Development (CSED), where community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders gathered to express solidarity with troops serving across various theatres of operation nationwide.

Speaking at the rally, community leader Aliyu Makama said members of the Armed Forces deserved greater public recognition for confronting multiple security threats while safeguarding critical national assets.

“Our troops are making enormous sacrifices to keep Nigerians safe. While they are fighting terrorists and bandits in different parts of the country, they are also protecting oil installations and combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. These efforts deserve the appreciation of every patriotic citizen,” he said.

Another participant, Gbenga Oke, said the military’s operations against crude oil theft had helped strengthen the economy by protecting government revenues that would otherwise be lost to criminal activities.

“We often hear about military operations against insurgents and bandits, but many people do not realise the important work being done to stop oil theft. By protecting our oil resources, the Armed Forces are helping to strengthen government revenues and support national development,” he said.

Also speaking, Friday Nnadi praised the resilience of military personnel despite the country’s complex security challenges.

“Our soldiers are stretched across different operations, yet they continue to record successes against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil thieves. Their commitment and professionalism should be commended by all Nigerians,” he said.

Explaining the rationale behind the rally, Secretary of CSED, Taiwo Abiodun, said the event was organised to promote peaceful coexistence and underscore the importance of unity in driving sustainable socio-economic development.

“This rally is aimed at encouraging our people to live together in peace, harmony and mutual understanding. No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of conflict, suspicion and division. Peace remains the bedrock of socio-economic progress in every community,” he said.

Abiodun urged citizens to complement the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies by providing credible intelligence and cooperating with security personnel.

“The Armed Forces cannot do it alone. Citizens have a critical role to play by supporting our troops through cooperation and the timely sharing of useful information. When communities work closely with security agencies, it becomes easier to defeat terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening our nation.

“We commend the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff and the dedication of officers and men deployed across the country. Their sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft are helping to safeguard lives, protect critical national assets and strengthen the nation’s economy,” he said.

Participants at the rally observed that recent operations targeting crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism had contributed to improved crude oil production while curbing the activities of economic saboteurs in oil-producing communities.

They also acknowledged the sacrifices of military personnel serving in various operational theatres, noting that their efforts had enhanced security and boosted investor confidence in strategic sectors of the economy.

The rally concluded with participants reaffirming their support for the Armed Forces and expressing optimism that ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and crude oil thieves would further strengthen national security and accelerate economic development.

By Chuks Oyema

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the knockout stage on Sunday with several mouth-watering Round of 32 fixtures, but the showdown between Morocco and the Netherlands is already emerging as one of the standout ties.

Morocco, one of Africa’s leading representatives at the tournament, will take on Group F winners, the Netherlands, in a contest expected to test the ambitions of both sides as they bid for a place in the last 16.

The North Africans progressed to the knockout stage after an impressive group campaign and will be aiming to build on their growing reputation on the world stage against the eighth-ranked Dutch side.

Morocco currently sits seventh in the latest FIFA rankings, underlining how closely matched the two teams are heading into the encounter.

Former France international Patrick Vieira believes Morocco possess the quality to spring a surprise at the tournament.

“I think Morocco can be the team that can cause a surprise and I think they have enough individual quality to be in the last eight,” Vieira said on The Rest Is Football podcast.

“But outside of Morocco, I think it will be difficult for all the other smaller nations to go through and get to the last four.”

The Round of 32 also features several heavyweight encounters involving tournament favourites.

Brazil will face Japan on June 29, while Germany takes on Paraguay later the same day. France will battle Sweden on June 30, with Argentina meeting Cape Verde on July 3.

Co-hosts the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, while South Africa open the knockout phase against Canada on Sunday.

Confirmed Round of 32 fixtures

Sunday, June 28
South Africa vs Canada

Monday, June 29
Brazil vs Japan
Germany vs Paraguay

Tuesday, June 30
Netherlands vs Morocco
Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway
France vs Sweden

Thursday, July 2
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Friday, July 3
Australia vs Egypt

Argentina vs Cape Verde

Several Round of 32 fixtures are yet to be confirmed, with the final group matches expected to determine the remaining qualifiers and pairings.

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday swiftly approved the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), paving the way for the presentation and consideration of the state’s 2026 budget.

The approval came during the Assembly’s second legislative sitting of the Fourth Session after lawmakers considered the fiscal framework submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, noted that although Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 requires the MTEF to be submitted in September preceding the commencement of a new three-year fiscal cycle, the House decided to consider the document in the overall interest of the state despite the delay.

He observed that the framework, which serves as the foundation for the annual budget, ought to have been presented in September 2025, but said the legislature considered it expedient to fast-track its approval even though the 2026 fiscal year was already midway.

During debate, lawmakers examined the assumptions underpinning the MTEF and expressed confidence that strict implementation would promote fiscal discipline and enhance the welfare of Rivers people.
Following the debate, the Speaker put the matter to a voice vote, with members unanimously approving the framework.

Meanwhile, the House also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Worlu, through the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi, alleging imminent security threats, destruction of property and attempts by some individuals to forcefully take over property within the council area.

Presenting the petition, Amadi urged the Assembly to revisit the matter and take necessary steps to protect lives and property in the affected communities.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Martins Etim Esin, has assured corps members that the National Assembly will continue to champion legislation aimed at expanding economic opportunities for Nigerian youths, with particular emphasis on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Esin gave the assurance on Friday during an oversight visit by members of the committee to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Nonwa-Gbam in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said the House of Representatives remained committed to enacting laws that would strengthen youth development and economic empowerment, expressing optimism that the proposed NYSC Trust Fund Bill, once assented to by the President, would significantly improve the welfare of corps members and staff, while addressing critical infrastructure deficits across NYSC formations.

According to him, the Trust Fund would usher in better welfare packages and facilitate the upgrade of orientation camp facilities nationwide.

Addressing the corps members, Esin urged them to remain focused throughout their service year and take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to become self-reliant after service.

He also charged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity when engaged as ad hoc personnel by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, the Rivers State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe, commended the corps members for their discipline, commitment and hard work, noting that their dedication had contributed immensely to the smooth conduct of activities at the orientation camp.

He described the committee’s visit as historic and appreciated its interest in the welfare and development of the Scheme.

Oleghe also praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his sustained support for the NYSC in the state.

He appealed to the committee chairman to facilitate additional interventions for the scheme, including the construction of a new state secretariat complex, proper drainage infrastructure to curb perennial flooding at the camp during heavy rainfall, twin hostels with a combined capacity of 1,000 male and female corps members, and the provision of 1,000 double bunk beds to improve accommodation.