Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has stressed that sustaining peace and security in the south, particularly in Delta State, is crucial to Nigeria’s overall stability, especially as the nation battles security challenges in other parts of the country.
The governor asserted on Monday while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the Government House, Asaba, praising the navy’s commitment to safeguarding the region’s maritime and economic assets.
Gov. Oborevwori said the south must remain safe as the country confronts insecurity in the north, noting that Delta State, being a major oil-producing area, plays a vital role in protecting key national assets.
“We are having a lot of challenges in this country today. And while you are tackling those other areas in the north, the south must be safe,” the governor said.
“This is where we have the major national assets. If there is a problem in Delta today, there is a problem in Nigeria.”
He described the naval chief’s early visit, coming less than a month after his appointment, as a clear indication of the navy’s commitment to keeping the region stable.
Gov. Oborevwori highlighted that peace and security form a key pillar of his agenda and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to maintain a secure environment where development can thrive.
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He noted that Delta state’s relative peace has enabled massive infrastructural projects such as flyovers and major roads to progress without disruption.
He commended the navy and other security agencies for their synergy, describing their cooperation as a major factor behind the stability in the state.
Gov. Oborevwori assured the naval chief of the state’s unwavering support and urged continued collaboration to secure the waterways and oil-rich corridors.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to keeping the south safe and protecting critical national assets in Delta State.
He began by apologizing for arriving later than scheduled, explaining that one of the helicopters in his convoy had developed a technical issue.
Abbas said his visit was both operational and administrative, aimed at assessing the readiness of naval units following his assumption of office on October 30.
“There is a need for me to go round my bases and commands to keep myself abreast of what is happening,” he said.
“Delta is not new to me; I spent close to four years here and rose to become the flag officer commanding. But I must be here physically to assess what is on the ground.”
The naval chief highlighted the economic importance of Delta State, noting that the protection of its oil and gas infrastructure remains a top priority for the navy.
“Our country depends heavily on crude oil for revenue, and Delta hosts many of our critical oil and gas assets,” he said.
“The need to protect these assets cannot be overemphasized. That is why we are here—to see what we are doing right, identify challenges, and improve operations.”
Abbas acknowledged improvements at the NNS Delta and thanked Gov. Oborevwori for the support given to the navy, and appealed for continued partnership from the state government.
The chief of naval staff, who is on a tour of naval formations across Delta State, was accompanied by senior naval officers.
