Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti has announced the granting of the proposal from the Nigerian Navy for the establishment of a Naval base in Azumini, Ukwa East Local Government Area to support security around the proposed seaport.
Governor Otti who broke the cheering news at the inauguration of infrastructural projects including newly paved internal roads, resurfaced parade ground, reconstructed swimming pool and 10 one-bedroom transit accommodation units for junior officers at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, said that feasibility studies for the proposed seaport were yielding positive results.
He expressed confidence that the project would become a reality assuring that his administration’s readiness to work closely with the Navy to establish the base as part of preparations for the seaport.
Governor Otti also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies and federal institutions operating in the state and commended the Navy for supporting Operation Crush, the state’s inter-agency security initiative against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
The governor said the state government had supported the college’s infrastructure improvements as part of its commitment to security and public service.
Addresing the gathering, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, expressed the desire of the Nigerian Navy to support the proposed Azumini Seaport through the establishment of a naval base in the area.
Vice Admiral Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command,Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Zipele, said the proposed base could be considered as part of efforts to strengthen security around the seaport and its associated transport infrastructure, adding that the associated transport infrastructure could contribute to trade, employment, investment and regional economic growth.
In his speech, the Commandant of the College Babatunde Quadri,said that the college contributed to internal security operations in the state in collaboration with other military services and law enforcement agencies.
The commandant commended the state government for funding the asphalting of unpaved portions of the college’s internal roads and providing equipment and technical manpower for resurfacing the parade ground, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to infrastructural development and strengthening its relationship with the Nigerian Navy.
In a remark, the Training Commander of the college, Navy Capt. Mohammed Umar, said the Abia Government paved about one kilometre of internal roads and provided technical support for resurfacing the parade ground, noting that 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.
