The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed satisfaction with the operational performance index of the Nigerian Navy.
Governor Okowa gave the commendation when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo visited him in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, south-south Nigeria.
Dr. Okowa, who asserted that with sustained surveillance and peace, Delta State would increase its contribution in crude oil production to the national treasury, urged the Nigerian Navy to intensify efforts to curb piracy and other unwholesome activities on the nation’s maritime domain.
He said, “I want to thank the navy for the effort put in consistently in helping to secure our state and even working with other sister security agencies to provide security. So, we want to appreciate you for the good work you are doing in the state.
“We are also grateful to the officers you have sent to us. They have been quite helpful and committed to their works both on land and in waters,” the governor said.
Providing logistics support
He assured the Chief of Naval Staff that his administration would continue to support the navy through the provision of logistics, stressing that the synergy among various security agencies was yielding positive results.
On the Admiralty University, Ibusa, the Governor appreciated the Nigerian Navy for choosing to site the institution in the state and promised to would contribute towards its growth.
“The internal roads in Logistics Command would be done because there is a provision for it in the budget. The Commissioner for Works in charge of Rural and Riverine has visited the site.
“He spoke with me recently and I know that the basic engineering measurements are already done. So, I do believe that it would be awarded before the end of this month.
“For the Admiralty University, we want to truly thank the navy for bringing the university to our state. I will try to liaise with the university authorities to see what we can really do to support them,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Gambo said he was in Delta State on familiarisation and to enhance the existing cordiality between the people and the navy.
Commitment to maritime safety
Vice Admiral Gambo reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Navy was committed to the safety of the nation’s maritime space especially in ensuring that piracy and crude oil theft were stamped out of the sector.
The Chief of Naval Staff, who said that Delta was home to huge national strategic assets in Nigeria, solicited the support of Governor Okowa for the rehabilitation of certain facilities at the various naval formations in the state.
“Delta, as a coastal state, has a very long cordial relationship with the Nigerian Navy and of course, with our shared value. It is only apt to use this opportunity to consolidate on the already existing relationship between the Nigerian Navy, the government and the good people of Delta State.
“Delta State covers huge national strategic assets, which is partly the heart of the nation and therefore, its maritime space must remain safe and secured for economic activities to thrive for our common economic development and prosperity of the good people of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute to make sure that Delta State and its maritime sector remains secured within our ambit of responsibility to ensure that legitimate socio-economic activities remain unhindered by would be and existing criminals in the maritime space,” the Naval Chief said.
The Chief of Naval staff was accompanied on the visit by senior ranking officers of the Central Naval Command.
Dominica Nwabufo
