During a courtesy visit from Rear Admiral U.S.A Chugali, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, at the Government...
By Maureen Odowu, Asaba
On Tuesday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State emphasized the importance of the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and combat the persistent illegal activities occurring in the nation’s waterways.
During a courtesy visit from Rear Admiral U.S.A Chugali, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, at the Government House in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori stated that Delta, being an oil-producing state, will continuously require the Navy’s assistance in ensuring the security of its waterways.
He said: “We know how critical our terrain is and that is why this visit is very important because Delta State is 40 percent coastal and we need all the support from the Navy. I know the Navy has done a lot in securing our waterways and that is why our oil production is going smoothly and as a State Government, we encourage you to do more.
“One of the representatives here is someone that I have worked with in 2009 when he was the military Amnesty Coordinator and I was the State Coordinator.
“We worked very well together and we covered a lot of riverine areas in the State and I know he understands our terrain very well. I am assured that with him present, our State will be more secure.
“I want to mention that a lot of illegal activities are still existing, but in time such activities will come to an end due to your commitment, as it is the duty of the Navy officers and Marine Police to look into activities happening in our seas.
“I want to thank you for your visit and as well congratulate the Chief of Naval Staff on his appointment. I know that you all will continue to do well to secure our maritime domain.
“I have promised Deltans that we will do more to improve peace and security with our M.O.R.E Agenda and I know that with the effort of the Navy and other security agencies, Delta State will continue to be peaceful, which will in turn attract more investments into our State.”
During his speech, Rear Admiral Chugali conveyed that he had arrived in Delta State for a familiarization visit to the Units under his command. Additionally, he aimed to engage with essential stakeholders in the State.
Commending Governor Oborevwori for the assistance provided to his men and other security agencies in the region, he expressed the Navy’s commitment to preserving a secure maritime domain, vital for flourishing social and economic activities in the country. He further reassured that the amicable relationship between the Navy and the State would endure into the future.
