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ASABA, DELTA STATE — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for sustained security collaboration and proactive military operations to safeguard lives, property and critical economic assets across the Niger Delta.
Oborevwori made the call on Tuesday when the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Everest Okoro, paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, Asaba.
The governor congratulated Okoro on his new appointment, describing 6 Division as a strategically important military formation with a critical responsibility for maintaining peace and security across the Niger Delta.
“I congratulate you on your new posting as the GOC 6 Division. This is a very strategic operational division. I pray for your guidance, wisdom and success during your time here,” Oborevwori said.
He assured the new Army commander of the Delta State Government’s continued cooperation and support, stressing that the relative peace enjoyed in the state was largely attributable to sustained collaboration between the government and security agencies.
According to the governor, Delta’s strategic position as one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states makes security in the state vital to the country’s economic stability.
“Delta State is very, very key to the economy of Nigeria, and we rely on the security agencies to do their work because the peace we are enjoying today is the result of collaboration between the state and the security agencies,” he said.
Oborevwori commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their contributions to maintaining peace in the state, noting that his administration had continued to provide infrastructure and logistics to strengthen their operational capabilities.
He disclosed that the state government recently constructed one-unit flats at the Amphibious Army Barracks, Agbor, while also providing sustained logistical support to the 63 Brigade.
“This is just one of our initiatives among others to support the Nigerian Army. We assure you that we will continue to give you support and collaborate with the Nigerian Army for a safer and more prosperous region,” the governor stated.
The governor also underscored the direct relationship between security and economic prosperity, arguing that businesses and investments can only flourish in a stable environment.
“If this region is safe, the economy will go up. If there is unrest in this region, the economy will go down,” he said.
He therefore urged the new GOC to adopt proactive and decisive measures against criminal elements threatening communities and economic activities in the region.
Recalling his previous involvement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and his longstanding engagement with security agencies in the Niger Delta, Oborevwori said his administration would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the military.
“I want to assure you that we will continue to work together,” he added.
Earlier, Major General Okoro explained that his visit formed part of his familiarisation tour of military formations and units within his area of responsibility following his assumption of office.
The Army commander commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as purposeful leadership and sustained support for the state’s security architecture, particularly through infrastructure, welfare and other interventions.
Okoro noted that Delta’s strategic location, extensive oil and gas infrastructure, waterways and other critical national assets made the state important to Nigeria’s economic and energy security.
He said the protection of these assets, alongside ensuring the security of states within the Division’s area of responsibility, would remain among his key priorities.
The GOC emphasised the importance of credible intelligence, realistic military training and effective coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders in addressing emerging security threats.
He said his vision was to protect critical national assets, defeat security threats within the Division’s area of responsibility and successfully execute assigned missions through disciplined leadership, realistic training and seamless joint operations.
Okoro also commended the existing relationship between the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and called for its continued strengthening in the interest of peace, security and sustainable economic development in the state and the wider Niger Delta.
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