By Kingsley Ezekwelu
The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has said that the State Government would collaborate with the Nigerian Navy to enhance effective security in the state’s waterways with a view to achieving its vision for a safe water transportation in the state.
The governor acknowledged this at a breakfast meeting with the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Saleh Usman,at the Governor’s Lodge, Awka today.
Gov Obiano in a brief interaction with journalists shortly after the breakfast meeting revealed that they had fruitful deliberations that centered mainly on sustaining the various areas of partnership between the State and the Nigerian Navy.
The partnership areas, according to the governor includes improving security especially along the waterways, construction works and boosting water transportation.
The governor noted that under the state’s vision to commence water transportation on a larger scale this year, his administration targets to develop 13 creeks across the riverine communities of the state, to make for easy movement of vessels and goods; adding that the Navy has a major role in ensuring that government’s intentions were fully realized.
The Navy boss, Rear Admiral Usman explained that since he assumed duty it became imperative to visit the Governor and to familiarize himself with operations in the State which he observed, have been smooth because of the overwhelming support from the governor.
He pointed out that the Nigerian Navy deemed it necessary to establish a base in Anambra because of the numerous prospects water transportation holds for business and commercial activities as well as for Internally Generated Revenue for the state.
He congratulated Gov Obiano on his successful reelection, attributing it to the fact that the people are happy with his leadership, promising that under his command, the Navy will deepen cooperation with the State.
