Connect with us

News

Nigerian Navy launches offshore patrol vessel to Boost maritime security

Published

on

Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria Senator (Dr) Oluremi Tinubu CON, has launched the second 76meter High Endurance (HE) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) built for the Nigerian Navy (NN) in DEARSAN Shipyard Turkey, today Friday 19 April 2024, in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR Renewed Hope Agenda.

First Lady and Navy Chief

Recall that the first OPV built by DEARSAN Shipyard was launched on 26 October 2023. The launch was graced by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Charge D’Affair Nigerian Embassy Turkey, Ambassador Zayyad Habu Abdulsalam and other dignitaries.

The launch of the 76meter HE – OPV marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding her territorial waters and combating maritime threats. Speaking at the event, V Adm EI Ogalla noted that the construction of the 2 x OPVs commenced in 2022.

According to him, “DEARSAN Shipyard is constructing 2 OPVs for the NN and the first OPV was launched here on 26 October 2023. I am particularly pleased that the milestones on the vessel construction have been met and I hereby appreciate the management of DEARSAN Shipyard for their efforts so far”.

The general specifications of the newly launched OPV are as follows:

a. Length – 76.90m
b. Width – 11.90m
c. Draught – 3.60m
d. Speed – 28knots
e. Propulsion System – Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD)
f. Range – 2500nm
g. Endurance – 16 days
h. Crew Capacity – 47. 


The construction of the vessel will boost NN fleet renewal efforts for fulfilment of her constitutional mandate and ensure maximum presence at sea to curb illicit acts such as oil theft, piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishery as well as smuggling of Small Arms and Light Weapons among other crimes in the vast 84,000sqnm of Nigeria’s maritime environment.

It will also facilitate harnessing the enormous potentials within Nigeria’s maritime domain in support of FG’s Blue Economy initiatives.

The CNS expressed sincere gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support towards ensuring the completion of the construction of the OPVs and his commitment to NN fleet renewal aspirations.

He also extended his appreciation to the Special Guest of Honour the First Lady of Nigeria Senator (Dr) Oluremi Tinubu CON for accepting the invitation to perform the age long naval tradition of launching a ship into water for the first time, a role often reserved for female leaders.

News

BREAKING: Tinubu to meet Obasa, Lagos Assembly members in Abuja

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Lagos State House of Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Already, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at about 2:50 pm, while his colleagues had earlier arrived in two coaster buses.

The meeting may not be unconnected with the recent leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa was impeached by some of his colleagues but he was later reinstated after the intervention of the political leaders especially the Governing Advisory Council, GAC.

Despite the Speaker’s reinstatement, it was gathered that the bad blood as a result of his impeachment is yet to be over.

Details later…

Continue Reading

International

UK, Nigeria launch creative industries technical Working Group

Published

on

The UK and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

A statement by the UK High Commission in Lagos said the launch of this working group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industries leaders today in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and sustainable economic growth and development.

It said both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.

The initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries by prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group.

Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and the arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.

“By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and Nigeria.”

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.

From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce.

“However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations, adding:

“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation.

We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships.

“This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”

Continue Reading

News

BREAKING: Fubara denied access to present budget, locked out of Rivers Assembly complex (Video)

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, where lawmakers currently hold plenary sessions.

ohibaba.com gathered that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the state 2025 budget but was met with a locked gate, preventing his entry.

Fubara had earlier pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.

The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.

Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.

In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court judgment before proceeding.

On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.

The discussions were expected to cover issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, amongst other issues to chart a way forward for the state.

Watch video below:

Video source: ChannelsTV

Continue Reading

Trending