17 October 2013, Odekpe, Anambra – The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Joseph Ezeoba on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the Navy would always ensure that Nigeria’s territorial waters were safe to enhance the country’s economic prosperity.
Ezeoba gave the assurance in Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra, at the ground-breaking ceremony of the permanent site of Onitsha Naval Outpost.
He said that since President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the old outpost in August 2012, the Navy had recorded a lot of operational successes in Anambra and neighbouring states.
The admiral commended the government and people of Anambra for their cordial relationship with the naval base, adding that it was only apt for the Navy to consolidate the achievements.
“It is a call to serve; following the successes we have recorded, we need a more comprehensive structure that will put in place very robust security architecture, in order to ensure the economic development of the state and the country at large.
“Gov. Peter Obi has seen the need for a more permanent outfit that will help the men and officers of the Navy to carry out their tasks more conveniently and effectively,” he said.
The governor, who was the special guest of honour, commended the Navy and pledged that he would continue to provide support for the Navy in efforts to boost its activities.
Obi presented a cheque of N200 million to the Navy and promised to construct access roads in the area.
Speaking, the outpost’s commander, Cmdr. Paul Nimmyel, said that the state government had been very supportive to the Navy.
Nimmyel also commended the youth of the Ogbaru neighborhood for their cooperation.
*NAN
