Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has declared that his administration will sustain its support for Federal Institutions and Security Agencies operating in the state.
Governor Otti stated this on Monday while commissioning four completed infrastructure projects at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta.
The projects comprised a resurfaced parade ground and newly paved internal roads, executed by the Abia State Government, as well as a 10-unit, one-bedroom officers’ transit accommodation building and a reconstructed swimming pool, undertaken by the Nigerian Navy.
The Governor in his speech titled; “Partnerships and Possibilities”, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the state government and federal establishments.
He said the State Government’s intervention in the College’s infrastructure was also an expression of appreciation for the Nigerian Navy’s service.
Governor Otti added that the State Government responded after the commandant of the College brought the institution’s needs to its attention.
The Governor noted that the state had also intervened in federal roads, educational institutions, housing estates and power initiatives, explaining that such facilities contributed to the welfare of Abia residents and the wider Nigerian public.
Governor Otti reiterated that his administration would continue to support federal institutions whenever the need arose, irrespective of their ownership.
“Our approach is to hold nothing back in our relationship with the institutions of the Federal Government because we are all Nigerians serving the same people and improving the social experiences of our fellow citizens.
“If you operate here in Abia, you can be certain that we will also be there for you whenever the need arises”, the Governor assured.
The Governor commended the Nigerian Navy for supporting his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity,
He urged the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in the state to sustain their efforts to protect lives and property while identifying further opportunities to serve communities.
Governor Otti accepted the Nigerian Navy’s proposal for a Naval Base in Azumini to support security around the state’s proposed seaport.
He said the feasibility studies for the proposed seaport were encouraging and expressed confidence that the project would become a reality.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, commended Governor Otti for supporting the college’s infrastructure improvements, noting that it would support training, accessibility and personnel welfare at the institution.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, urged the College Management to ensure proper maintenance and utilisation of the facilities.
He said that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to working with the Abia State Government within appropriate legal and operational frameworks to promote peace, stability and security in the state.
Abbas expressed the desire of the Nigerian Navy to support the proposed Azumini Seaport through the establishment of a naval base in the area.
He said the proposed base could be considered as part of efforts to strengthen security around the seaport and its associated transport infrastructure.
According to him, the proposal would require an assessment of operational needs, the maritime and inland waterways security environment, infrastructure requirements, logistics, personnel and funding.
Abbas added that the proposed seaport and associated transport infrastructure could contribute to trade, employment, investment and regional economic growth.
In his address, the Commandant of NNCAF, Cmdre Babatunde Quadri,said that the college contributed to internal security operations in Abia in collaboration with other military services and law enforcement agencies.
Quadri said that the college also promoted civil-military relations through non-kinetic initiatives, including a free medical outreach organised for residents of Umuachala and neighbouring communities.
The Commandant commended the Otti led administration for funding the asphalting of unpaved portions of the college’s internal roads and providing equipment and technical manpower for resurfacing the parade ground.
He described the gesture as a demonstration of the State Government’s commitment to infrastructural development and strengthening its relationship with the Nigerian Navy.
In his speech earlier, the Training Commander of the College, Navy Capt. Mohammed Umar, said the improved internal roads, resurfaced parade ground, reconstructed swimming pool and 10 transit accommodation units would enhance training, support swimming proficiency tests, improve officers’ welfare and strengthen the College’s operational efficiency.
