Our Support To Curb Maritime Crimes Unwavering, Gov Fubara Assueres Navy
•Says RSG Ready To Partner Investors To Develop Rivers
By Ogholi Oghogho Erica
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the Nigerian Navy that the support of his administration to help curb, if not totally eliminate, maritime crimes is unwavering.
The Governor said that the focus was necessary to ensure the safety and security of the waterways, which are key to guaranteeing economic growth and environmental sustainability of the State and the Niger Delta region.
He gave the assurance while speaking at the 2024 Ceremonial Sunset of the Nigerian Navy at the Headquarters Naval Training Command in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area on Thursday night.
Restating that his administration will continue to collaborate with the Navy to combat the menace of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalisation in the State, the Governor highlighted the contributions of the Navy in the protection of economic assets in the State.
Governor Fubara said, “On our part to also make you succeed, we have always collaborated with the Nigerian Navy, supported where we can, and where we need to play an advisory role, we have also done so.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Rivers State, I congratulate the Nigerian Navy, especially the Rivers State Command, on this very wonderful event marking the end of the year. When I came in, I asked what sunset in this arena meant, and I was told that it is rounding up or closure of an activity. You can only celebrate closure when you are happy that you have good things that you can show that you have done. After listening to the Chief of Naval Staff on the list of achievements recorded by the Navy for the year, I felt strongly that there is every need to celebrate the end of the year.
“It has not been an easy system, not just for the Navy but for our country. This is especially so as we are faced with the evil of economic sabotage that we are working to overcome, which is oil bunkering and vandalisation of our pipelines.”
“In most cases, the agency saddled with this difficult task is the Navy, because 90% of our oil pipelines are in the swamp and the Niger Delta region. So, I can say tonight that you have done well for our nation, congratulations.”
He emphasised that his government and the Navy will work assiduously together by making sure that they combat, confront and overcome the challenges ahead in the coming years.
In his remarks, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, lauded the Governor for the immense contributions of his administration to the success of the Navy, and solicited for more collaborations in the coming years.
He said the event availed the Navy the window to review its successes recorded in the outgoing year, and restrategise for greater heights, pointing at the new Headquarters Naval Training Command in Ebubu as remarkable milestone.
In another development, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, said his government is relentlessly to attract investors to create employment opportunities and boost the economy of the State.
Speaking at the Investiture Dinner of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) in Port Harcourt on Thursday night, the Governor said his administration is willing and ready to work with genuine investors to accelerate economic development of the State.
He noted that the government was creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and encouraged the business community to take advantage of the friendly policy initiatives of the government and explore the State.
He said, “I am here tonight to celebrate with you and show my solidarity to the progress we are making in our dear State. It has not been easy, especially catalyzing businesses in the State. However, it gives me joy that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we can feel and see it.
“What we need here in this State is the enabling environment, the encouragement, the support, and the State Government that I represent from what has been mentioned here, we are doing our best.”
He explained that with increased investment inflow, there will be more jobs and wealth creation, which will trigger a reduction in crime and criminality because restive youths will be properly engaged.
The Governor added, “The only way we can solve the problem of criminality and reduce crime is when we create jobs and opportunities to engage our youths. It is jobs that create opportunities to create wealth.”
He congratulated the first female President of the Chamber, Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, for her record of performance, and urged members to give the Nwoga-led team the maximum support to succeed.
In her, President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, commended Governor Fubara for finding time to attend the event, and assured the continuous collaboration of the Chamber with the government to attract investors to the State.
Highlights of the events were the presentation of awards to deserving personnel; conducting the Navy Band by the State Governor; induction of the Sir Siminalayi Fubara as Grand Patron of PHCCIMA as well as Investiture of the first female President, Executive and Council members of the trade group.
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