Nigerian Navy Receives commendation for boosting Maritime Safety
Eme Offiong, Calabar
The Nigerian Navy has received commendation for bolstering security along the Cross River State axis of the Gulf of Guinea.
The governor of Cross River State, southern Nigeria, Senator Bassey Otu gave the commendation during a visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, Victory in Calabar, the state capital.
Governor Otu, who was represented by his Special Adviser General Duties, Mr. Akiba Ekpenyong emphasised the significance of the visit in fortifying the bond between the state government and the naval command, acknowledging the remarkable achievements in safeguarding the region.
According to the governor, the dedication and commitment of the Commodore Rotimi Oderemi of the NNS Victory has contributed immensely to the reduction of criminalities along the waterways, which has increased maritime travel and trade amongst riverine communities.
Otu also appreciated the navy for the conduct of its personnel towards the civilian population and for fulfilling the command’s civic duties, saying, “On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, we congratulate and welcome you to our dear state. We are proud of the achievements you and your officers and ratings have made since your assumption in office.
“As a government, we assure you of our continued collaboration in ensuring the safety of our people. We encourage you to do more for our people. We also commend the navy for the sacrifices made to ensure that the generality of our people enjoy safe travels and conduct their businesses with ease on our waterways.”
Responding, Commodore Rotimi Oderemi said that the gesture of the government to strengthen its relationship with the navy and other security agencies was worthy of emulation.
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Protecting Nigerians
Oderemi reiterated the commitment of NNS Victory to protect critical state installations from economic saboteurs and guarantee safe passage for maritime business operators such as fishermen and women, passengers and residents of riverine communities within Cross River State.
He explained that the NNS Victory was actively collaborating with sister security agencies in a taskforce code-named “Operation Akpakwu” to enhance internal security.
“Let me assure you that the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory will continue to collaborate with the state government to ensure our waterways are safe. We will be more committed, our lines will be open and we will give the needed support within the confines of the law to ensure your business continues,” Commodore Oderemi assured.
Similarly, the Special Adviser on Public Utility to the Governor, Mr. Jerome Egbe used the opportunity to condole with the Nigerian Armed Forces over the loss of 16 soldiers in Delta State during a peacekeeping exercise.
On the Cross River State government entourage were the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Edem Darlington, the Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, Mr. Andrea Ekeng amongst others.
