The Delta State government has constructed several kilometers of roads and drainage channels in the riverine areas of the state, the state’s Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said.
Speaking on Monday in Asaba when course participants of the Naval War College Nigeria (NWCN), Calabar, paid him a courtesy visit, Oborevwori, disclosed that his administration through the MORE Agenda was committed to “fostering inclusive development and enhancing the quality of lives of our people.”
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said his administration was also “committed to maintaining the prevailing peace in the riverine communities as the state is the highest in crude oil production, the mainstay of the economy of Nigeria.”
He said, “it is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this courtesy call to kick-start your study tour of the State with effect from today, 17th March, 2024.
“I am aware that the tour is a vital aspect of your course curriculum. A delegation of 60 officials under the leadership of Rear Admiral A.O. Olodude and supported by Commodore C.U. Yahaya, Commandant and Deputy-Commandant of the College, respectively, underscores the seriousness of the study and the state government is pleased to identify with the College.
“Your study theme, “Maritime Security: A Panacea for Viable Socio-Economic Development” holds the pathway to the safety and development of the blue economy of Nigeria.
“Maritime Security is critical to the socio-economic development of our people as Delta State has an area of 18,050 Square Kilometres; about 60% is Land while 40% is water with a Coastline of approximately 163Km along the Atlantic Ocean.
“The MORE Agenda of this Administration is committed to fostering inclusive development and enhancing the quality of lives of our people. Inspite of the huge cost of riverine infrastructure development, government has taken deliberate step in connecting and transforming the maritime landscape.
“Before the commencement of the construction of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway by the Federal Government, the Delta State Government had gone ahead to construct several length of roads and drainage channels in the riverine areas including seven completed bridges.
“To improve the health status of the people in the riverine communities, the State Government priotized the enhancement of Primary Healthcare to ensure quality service delivery.
“We leveraged our Award-Winning Contributory Health Scheme to deliver quality and affordable healthcare services to the Under-5, Pre-Natal and Pregnant Women.
“The Present Administration has continued with the development of the coastal communities. The creation of the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure Development is calculated at addressing infrastructure deficit in the riverine communities for Rural – Urban integration.
“For your take home, let me mention a few: Trans Warri-Ode-Itsekiri Road and Bridges; Construction of a 18.17km Okerenkoko – Pepeama – Kokodiagbene Roads with a spur to Teiteipor in Warri South-West LGA; Construction of a 2.5km Okerenkoko Township Roads (Phase II) in Warri South-West LGA; Rehabilitation of the 26.61km Bomadi /Gbaregolor Road in Bomadi LGA; Rehabilitation of the 26.34km Ohoro / Bomadi /Gbaregolor Roads in Bomadi LGA.
“The State has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government in the development of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, a specialized University to enhance Maritime education and research.
“The state’s regular Security Council Meetings with heads of security agencies underline the proactive approach of the State Government in tackling security threats in both the riverine and upland communities.
“Delta State Government has continued to collaborate with the various Security Agencies through the provision of logistic supports to enhance their operations in the riverine areas and the State in general.
“At an institutional level, the State Government has recruited a significant number of staff to enhance our Waterways Security Network in the coastal communities
“In addition, Delta State Oil Producing Communities (DESOPADEC) is an interventionist Agency with the mandate to provide critical infrastructure in the oil producing Communities of the State.
“Let me assure you that maritime security is a top priority of this administration as the state is determined to maintain the prevailing peace in the riverine communities as the highest in crude oil production, the mainstay of the economy of Nigeria.”
While urging participants to take advantage of the opportunities the tour offers, the governor wished the participants a successful tour of the state.
Earlier in an address, Rear Admiral A.O. Olodude who led the participants disclosed that 60 officials were undertaking the study to access the performance of the military in coastal areas.