BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
The Delta State Government has been applauded for its strategic collaboration with the military in fostering peace and security across the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
The commendation was given by the Commandant of the Nigerian Naval War College (NWC), Rear Admiral Olatunde Olodude, during a ministerial joint briefing with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat. The briefing formed part of the Naval Warfare Course 9 study tour of the state.
According to the Commandant, before they arrived in the state, they had preliminary information about the high level of collaboration between the state government, the military and other security agencies. He noted that the state government have provided immense support to the Army and Navy in terms of operational equipment, enabling environment and provision of key infrastructure critical to ensure that the security agencies discharge their roles seamlessly.
Highlighting the strategic relevance of Delta State in the maritime sector, Rear Admiral Olodude further noted that the essence of the study tour is to evaluate the existing collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the State and other security agencies within the state, evaluate the already existing strategies with the aim of improving perceived weak points. “The Naval War College in Delta for an independent assessment to see what the commanders in the field are doing and to hear from the private sector, the government and other sister security agencies and ultimately provide recommendations to the Chief of Naval Staff for enhancing the existing security framework,” he stated.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu , who declared the session open, harped on the need for improved maritime security in the coastal areas, as Delta State is the nation’s largest oil producer and with 40 per cent natural gas deposits.
Dr Emu stressed that enhanced security in the coastal regions would not only protect the economic assets of the state but also improve living conditions for local communities. He highlighted the Federal Government’s infrastructural investments in the coastal areas but urged for greater collaboration with the Delta State Government to safeguard these regions and stimulate local economic growth.
He further called on the study participants to make strong recommendations to the President for increased federal support in providing essential infrastructure to Delta State’s coastal areas.
